Amsterdam Urban Development 1975-2025

Urban planner Maurits de Hoog describes how Amsterdam has changed over the past 50 years, from an industrial port city in decline into a rapidly growing metropolis. Old districts are regenerated, former docklands are transformed into new residential areas, and the city is expanded with compact low- and high-rise developments. Meanwhile, Amsterdam's city centre is now a vibrant focal point with a concentration of culture, hospitality, and tourism together with new, innovative businesses. This testifies to the city's resilience but also introduces a variety of challenges. De Hoog looks at how urban development and spatial planning are responding to the turbo-charged growth.