Barcam Architects Café #30 – Architects as programmers of the city
Every first Thursday of the month!
03.09.26
Every first Thursday of the month, Arcam hosts Barcam (bar + Arcam), a recurring networking event for professionals in architecture, urban planning, and project development.
Join us for affordable drinks and a short, focused program on a current theme.
Theme September 3
Architects as programmers of the city
A building becomes vacant. Long before an architect is commissioned, a community occupies the space, giving it a new programme, atmosphere and identity. Through temporary use, appropriation and collective initiative, a place acquires meaning without a predefined design framework. Think of Volkshotel or Paradiso: both began as temporary occupations of vacant buildings before evolving into permanent cultural landmarks embedded in Amsterdam’s urban fabric.
This edition of Barcam explores how such places emerge, evolve and ultimately become part of the city. What spatial and societal processes shape these trajectories? And what is the architect’s role within this constellation of initiators, property owners and public authorities? At what point does design become a driving force, and when should architecture respond to an already existing spatial and social dynamic?
Plan your visit!
Date: Thursday September 3 2026
Time: Doors open at 18:00, panel discussion starts at 18:30
Location: Arcam, Prins Hendrikkade 600, 1011 VX Amsterdam
RSVP: not required
Language: the panel discussion will be held in English
Holy Moly Pizza
For Barcam, Holy Moly Pizza brings their pizza truck to Arcam every month, serving fresh, made-to-order pizzas right outside the venue.
Accessible & affordable
Admission is free, and drinks and snacks are kept at affordable prices. Barcam is all about accessibility and diversity.
Beer €3,-
Beer 0.0% €3,-
Wine €4,-
Soft drinks €2,-
You're invited by the Barcam Committee!
Barcam is organised by Jakob Achenrainer (Allard Architecture), Ammar Alhoushi (Ammodo Architecture), Robin Beers (INBO), Imke Chatrou (Arcam), Leonoor Hogerheijde (Sweco), Jaap van den Hoogen en Juliette Zegers (de Architekten Cie.), Marije Ruigrok (AM), Dario Sposini (KAAN Architecten), Sjaan van der Tol (Arcam), Bogdan Vlădescu (Rijnboutt), Fallon Walton (LEVS architecten) en Robert Younger (NEW ENVIRONMENTS).