How to design future proof cities? This was the topic of this year’s design studio series at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. I was honoured to contribute to the students’s education as a commissioner, critic and lecturer and bring in the River Zaan as a design task.
Three teams of students from the Netherlands and abroad made an impressive effort to design future proof scenario’s for the river as a lifeline for Zaanstad. And the best thing: all teams made beautiful models, either laser cut or 3D printed – next to the nowadays obligatory renderings generated by artifical intelligence software. I see a wonderful comeback of the maquette as an essential tool for urban and architectural design!
Thanks to all the students in the Zaanstad teams, and a big shout out to the other students working in the design studios on Amsterdam, Almere and micro housing. Compliments to Mariska van Walsum (also for the images) and Erik Anton de Graaf for guiding the course and inviting me to work with the students!