Observing together, designing better
In early April, the Urban Design team of Groningen travelled to Amsterdam for a day full of observation, conversation, and reflection. The goal: to gain knowledge, sharpen each other’s professional perspectives, and jointly build a shared palette of references.
By bicycle, the team moved through the city and visited various areas, including Houthavens, Docklandsweg, Buiksloterham, Spaarndammerbuurt, the GWL site, and Funenpark. Exploring the city in this way created a clear understanding of the contrasts between these areas: from the classical ensemble, where architecture and public space form a cohesive whole, to the more experimental superblock, in which individual designs and variation define the urban image.
The team also visited the social housing project De Louise, designed by De Zwarte Hond. De Louise demonstrates that affordable housing does not have to come at the expense of spatial quality, but can in fact enhance it.
The day provided not only inspiration, but also meaningful conversations and new insights. By looking, discussing, and comparing together, a shared frame of reference emerges. And that is precisely where better, stronger urban design begins.