The University of Amsterdam has reached agreement with city authorities to carry out major redevelopment plans in the historic area where the institution was born.
The creation of the transformed university quarter, due for completion in 2025, will begin with the construction of a new university library later this year. To contribute to the city’s wider sustainability agenda, Adriaan Geuze, professor of landscape architecture at Wageningen University & Research (and a director of West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture), has been appointed to draw up a master plan for the comprehensive renewal of university buildings and public spaces.
The partnership between the university and the city of Amsterdam marks a new form of collaboration. They will jointly invest in the project and will take joint responsibility for the redesign of the public spaces.
The University of Amsterdam’s executive board will meet with the municipality four times a year to discuss progress. An evening walk has already been used to engage local residents in the project, and the university is exploring whether facilities such as bicycle parking can be made available.