The heart of Amsterdam Zuidoost is evolving into Europe’s largest entertainment area. Around the JCArenA, events, living, working, mobility, energy and public spaces are steadily coming closer together in a safer way. That creates tension, but also opportunities!
In this session, the Municipality of Amsterdam and partners will show how the ArenA area is developing into a place where complex urban challenges converge and where new solutions are tested in practice. Using concrete examples, such as an energy hub, battery solutions, smart mobility, cable pooling, event logistics and public-private cooperation, we discuss how complexity can be turned into strength.
What started as an area with conflicting interests is growing into an urban lab for urban transitions. This approach is relevant for other cities, stadium districts, campuses, station areas and locations with major public attractions. We conclude with a conversation with the audience: what do you recognise, and where could this approach also work?
Sprekers
PROVADA winner Michel Baars: 'MOOS will become the ASML of housing construction'
Not a man of one company, but a man of movements. His strength? Not shouting from the sidelines, but starting new companies himself that set the market in motion and challenge existing systems. That's how the jury of the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 describes winner Michel Baars. 'Michel gives direction to our entire construction and real estate sector.'
PROVADA 2026: It's a wrap!
For three days, the real estate sector stood shoulder to shoulder at RAI Amsterdam. With a record number of visitors, a packed programme and plenty of energy, PROVADA 2026 was an edition to remember. Below, we look back at the highlights — and at the end you'll find the photos and aftermovie to relive it all.
PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 for Michel Baars
At PROVADA 2026, the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 was presented to Michel Baars. The award is presented annually to an individual who realises sustainable change within the built environment through vision, courage and decisiveness. This year's presentation marks the award's fifth edition.