From post-war living environment to contemporary neighbourhood; The case of South Kolenkitbuurt in Bos en Lommer, Amsterdam

The urban and dwelling development of Bos en Lommer district, at the time of its realisation, was aiming at attracting people in order to offer them better living conditions. Nowadays, the area has become dull and resembles in many spots an abandoned place, mainly because of separation between the different ethnic or social groups who reside it. In my opinion, social problems are more than eminent in the South Kolenkitbuurt. Such impression was formed after several visits to the site as well as extensive insight to relevant research material. At first sight, outdoor space, once intended to be “ideal”, became unlovely and decaying. That is mainly because the population this development was meant for, has changed gradually and the built environment does not satisfy the needs of current society as was in the past. By looking thoroughly into the demands of people who currently reside in the neighbourhood is the key to create a suitable environment which will aim at satisfying their living needs. Apt design can stipulate the progress of social engagement, improve relation between neighbours and upgrade social structure. Political, economic and social issues of the time the neighbourhood was created were radically different compared to the current situation. Bos en Lommer in general was designed for a society which had passed through severe difficulties, survived through wartimes and eventually started to build up their country with an inspiration and belief in a better future. It consisted mostly of native Dutch families. During time, the reality changed and immigrants from different countries flooded the area. They were mainly poor, less educated representatives of different ethnicities, with different cultural and religion backgrounds seeking for a better future. Soon, representatives of the same or different ethnical groups followed, resulting in creation of social groups with difficulty or questionable willing to engage in the existing social tissue (main reasons were language barrier, cultural differences with the natives etc). At the same time native Dutch residents of relativelly higher living standards left the neighbourhood being replaced by immigrants. Simultaneously, the built environment has been gradually deteriorating due to lack of maintenance by housing corporations and municipality. Today, South Kolenkitbuurt presents a morally and physically outdated image and except for future plans regarding extensive demolitions and rebuilts nothing seems promising in terms of interventions on the current built environment. Finally, taking into consideration Eisenman’s phrase “I don’t think architecture is about solving human problems at all”, scope of the final design is to create such living conditions that will adapt more accuratelly to the needs of the residents and overall promote liveability in the neighbourhood.