arcam

The construction sector is currently under great pressure. The city needs a large amount of housing, materials are scarce, labour is expensive, and many construction projects are at a standstill due to mandatory sustainability requirements. It is therefore unsurprising that (lack of) time and money are the most dominant factors when it comes to planning. This exhibition is an appeal to nevertheless take the time for the realization of quality. By slowing down—consciously or unconsciously—other values come to the fore, whether cultural, social, or circular. More space emerges, literally and figuratively, for cultural and spatial innovation, reuse, social connectedness, peacefulness, and ecology. Results which cannot be expressed in terms of time or money just yet, but which do offer new perspectives on the sustainable development of urban areas.

In this exhibition, based on the areas of Ruigoord, Kop van Java, Marineterrein, and Holendrecht, we analyse how slowing down spatial development (potentially) plays a role in maintaining or enhancing existing qualities. Values inherent in the different case studies are combined in a ‘Slow Key’, which can be consulted when slow development is desired. The key challenges professionals, experts, and interested parties to help build a checklist that can be used in contemporary planning.

However, therein lies the danger: the inherent values could be abandoned when an area’s actual development gets underway. How can we ensure that these new core values are not just temporary in nature? We look for ways in which the newly created values are safeguarded in the future. There is a huge demand in the Amsterdam region for built results, but a city undergoing development should also be given time to innovate and experiment, in turn making it liveable, climate-proof, and sustainable in the future.

Slow How delves into the past, present, and future of the four areas. Through photos, videos, historical documents, urban development plans, unique maps, and timelines, you’ll explore the distinctive values that characterise each area. The exhibition also showcases the gradual area development over time: Ruigoord celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023, Kop van Java has been intentionally vacant for 25 years, Marineterrein has been undergoing alternative development for 10 years, and urban renewal in Holendrecht has been on the political agenda since 2020.

The areas are complemented by a cabinet featuring research and publications from entities such as project developer Synchroon, LEVS architects, Studio Jaywalk, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.

Slow How – Spatial slowdown
Location: Arcam, Prins Hendrikkade 600
Date: 4 November 2023 – 24 March 2024

Opening hours
Tuesday – Sunday, 1-5 pm

Tickets Arcam (all exhibitions included)
Adults: €4.00
Students: € 2.00
0-18 years: € 0.00
accompanying person of a visitor with a disability: € 0,00
Entrance with I Amsterdam City Card: €0,00

Accessibility:
Arcam is wheelchair accessible. All floors are accessible via our lift and there is an adapted toilet on the ground floor. If required, we also offer assistance, please feel free to contact us at arcam@arcam.nl.