Narcissism reigns on the Zuidas
By BARBARA SANDERS
AMSTERDAM – Narcissistic, male buildings. The world-famous urban visionary Charles Landry’s expression turns somewhat sour when talk gets round to Amsterdam’s Zuidas. ‘Imagine if the business district was designed by women – the area would have looked entirely differently. Cities aren’t really helped by the fact that most architects are men,’ sighs the Briton. ‘The profession has been lured into a grotesque power game, in which the biggest egos come out tops. Rem Koolhaas, for instance, makes fine buildings, but don’t ask him whether he likes people’

In Landry’s opinion, the office buildings on the Zuidas are far too trendy and too individualistic. ‘The prestigious buildings on Amsterdam’s A10 ring road exude egotism – they are entirely self-absorbed. There are no connecting factors like leafy squares and beautiful streets to ensure that the area has a heart where people can meet one another. Would you feel comfortable walking into the ING head office for no reason?’

The Briton is considered an authority in the field of urban development. He is employed by the World Bank and wrote a number of books on ‘the creative city’. He has involved himself in the innovation projects in, among others, London and Dubai and in cities in, among others, Taiwan, New Zealand and Australia.
According to Landry, urban innovation should not be solely treated as an economic affair. In an exclusive interview with this newspaper at the Provada real estate fair, he states that ‘this would only result in unnecessary competition between cities. Urban development is an art and not a skill. It is a continuous process in which good connections – so that people can meet one another – are the key issue.’ Landry knows that a well-functioning city is also good for the economy. Companies and people like to establish themselves in cities that also have a ‘good atmosphere’.

Indeed, according to Landry, Amsterdam has forgotten what it is really good at as a city. ‘The old city centre is relatively small, with everything in walking distance – it’s even slightly claustrophobic. Instead of copying the skyline of Tokyo, the Zuidas could be a 21st-century take on the historic city centre.’
When asked, Landry states that he does not have any nostalgic leanings. ‘I like modern buildings. Nowadays, architects who have the guts to make something ordinary that employees would also feel comfortable in can be considered a rarity. A good office building actually becomes better and more beautiful over time. Old canal houses are a brilliant example of this. Although it’s a world city, Amsterdam shouldn’t be interested in comparing itself to New York or London. These cities have an extremely influential financial centre. Amsterdam should focus on exuding vitality and dynamism. It’s not a museum, not even the monumental historic city centre. Traditionally, the city has tremendous cultural diversity. Creative talents feel right at home in such an environment. That’s what policy makers need to work with.’

Landry has another simple tip for urbanists and other area developers: when developing a city, you should focus on emotion, according to the Briton. It seems as if technology and prestige always take centre stage. Planners should first consider what a city’s most important aspects are when it comes to attracting people and companies. These rarely involve the glossy office buildings, rather it are the cosy streets and squares that matter. The key factor is falling in love.
Pi de Bruijn, who made the urbanistic design for the Zuidas, responds: ‘Landry mustn’t forget that Amsterdam’s system of canals was made in the 16th century by men. Maybe they were slightly more sensitive in those days than they are today. The buildings on the Zuidas aren’t macho, and are built fairly close together. It will become a fun part of town with all the functionalities one can find in the city centre.’

According to De Bruijn, the Zuidas is still a long way from completed and it is difficult to recognise a promising urban centre.

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