Port of Amsterdam, Netherlands – ESPO initiative
Amsterdam’s Minervahaven is becoming a creative hotspot
The Port of Amsterdam’s project takes place at the pivot of the urban environment and the port, very near the capital’s city centre, says Steffen Smit of Amsterdam port.
He explains that handling timber on a large scale could be done more efficient elsewhere in the port, so the two big companies using it were relocated toward a more central position a couple of years ago. However, this left the port with a conundrum: how to make the most of a city location, which is right between the heavily industrial areas of the port and busy urban residential area?
“When we looked into it, we found that there were some interesting companies, like architects and fashion designers, who already made the most of being here... so we thought it would be a good target group,” he says. This means that the Stadhaven Minerva – or Minervahaven as it’s locally known – is being developed as a creative zone that acts as both a buffer and a link between the residential and industrial areas.
However, the port was clear that what was needed was a little 'social engineering' because it didn’t just want the slightly bland banks and offices so prevalent in many city centres to take over the site.
“We wanted people who would actually be inspired by the location: people who would be able to appreciate both being on the waterfront and the very particular personality of the port,” says Mr Smit, adding “There's always something going on, whether it’s short sea vessels queuing or unloading-related activities.” He explains that this is not something you can usually get that close to, and being able to see into the heart of the gateway to industry “really is something special.”
“Further, the total redevelopment of the facilities made it a good place to look for energy efficiency,” says Mr Smit. So, the port has taken on developing sub-surface plans for 'concrete cooling', that is a method for pumping cold water out of ground storage and up through the walls of the buildings in summer, while in the winter, warm water keeps the buildings more comfortable.
It is a much more efficient option than air conditioning, and the port's plans have meant an equitable arrangement with the buildings being erected above, so that even underground, there is a fair sharing of warm and cold-spot resources. The port and city are connected on a number of different fronts. In the past few years the port has launched an intensive dialogue campaign with residents, and it's keeping the momentum going on a number or wins, as completed projects like public spaces and cycling routes as well as an ongoing itinerary of events are being maintained.
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