Why Zuidas does not feel like Amsterdam (and it's okay)

[@geekuyl6942]

I was born in Amsterdam in 1956 and I've seen a lot of changes. Some for the good and some for the bad. But the zuid-as is great. Just like Noord is booming with new buildings and Zeeburg too. Almost all of the old harbor is gone and I don't mind. In the 70ies some parts where really bad. Behind central station, heroin hookers and on the Ruyterkade too. I like that weird appartement building on the Beethoven straat. It makes me think of a hollow molar that needs fixing.

[@igrien]

I understand what you're saying! But I somehow like the peculiar shape of that building!

[@geekuyl6942]

@@igrien I think it is a beautiful building, perhaps one of the most beautiful modern buildings in Amsterdam. I followed the entire construction and was fascinated how it took shape. But I can't help but associate it with a hollow molar.

[@igrien]

@@geekuyl6942 I walked past the building today and had to think of your hollow molar comment haha! Now I can't unsee it!

[@ivarbrouwer197]

Born and raised in Amsterdam, I live very close, like 5 minutes walking at pace. besides the station it has nothing for me, it feels so disconnected and has no way to anchor itself in the environment. New places like in Noord are build with the River Ei in mind, which warrant a bit of scale and perspective to warrant the megalomaniac scale of things but Zuidas has no logical way to blend in it’s environment, as it could have been build with the Amsterdam Forrest and it’s water in mind if it was a km west.. Next to that it has no culture like the Film museum or link to the previous usage like the harbours and does nothing for citizens from other parts of Amsterdam.

[@igrien]

I agree. But it is changing. I definitely see changes compared to ten years ago when I lived here. Little by little, it is turning into a warmer and more vibrant neighborhood. But it's still a long way to go, I agree!