During my travels through the Baltic States, I write short observations.
The neighborhood Užupis was in Soviet times (till 1990) the most rundown part of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Artists and alternative types moved in and in 1997 declared Užupis a republic, with its own flag, anthem and constitution. What does this mean for the neighbourhood?
For the June edition of Architectural Record I went to the new Generator Amsterdam. This mix of a hotel and a hostel is located on the edge of a park in the up-and-coming eastern part of town, this reflects the spread of tourism beyond the historic center – a trend that has been encouraged by the city, which has been greatly restricting hotel permits since the fall of 2013.
With its surprising combination of old and new architecture, bursts of local art and design, and a clever hotel formula that attracts a wide-ranging crowd. Generator has brought a new kind of flair to Amsterdam’s flourishing tourism scene.
For the June edition of Architectural Record I went to the new Generator Amsterdam. This mix of a hotel and a hostel is located on the edge of a park in the up-and-coming eastern part of town, this reflects the spread of tourism beyond the historic center – a trend that has been encouraged by the city, which has been greatly restricting hotel permits since the fall of 2013.
With its surprising combination of old and new architecture, bursts of local art and design, and a clever hotel formula that attracts a wide-ranging crowd. Generator has brought a new kind of flair to Amsterdam’s flourishing tourism scene.
Kunlé Adeyemi zet architectuur in om de veranderende relatie tussen de mens en het water tot uitdrukking te brengen. In zijn thuisland Nigeria bouwde hij een drijvende school, in de sloppenwijk Makoko. Voor de editie van de Groene Amsterdammer in samenwerking met What Design Can Do schreef ik over Kunlé en zijn drijvende school. Read the article…
China als land waar in een razendsnel tempo steden uit de grond worden gestampt en enorm veel mensen van het platteland naar de stad trekken. In m’n live talkshow Stadsleven van 27 juni met als gasten Ruben Terlou, Linda Vlassenrood (INTI), Marijn Schenk (Next Architects) en Neville Mars onderzocht ik wat dit doet met het leven in de stad, wat voor soort steden worden zo gecreëerd? Welke negatieve gevolgen heeft dit, maar ook: welke kansen brengt dit met zich mee? Voor de Groene Amsterdammer schreef ik in aanloop naar de talkshow over de verstedelijking in China en de mogelijke gevolgen en kansen. Read the article…
International design congres What Design Can Do is holding a Refugee Challenge this year. The refugee crisis is asking for new and innovative ideas. An incredible amount of 631 submissions from 69 countries are now eligible for review & nomination. I’m in the selection committee that will take on the massive task of establishing a shortlist that finally will be judged by the international jury on 29 June. Read the article…