In his report, he argues that the task of building more housing should not be viewed in isolation, but as a means of enriching the region and making it more cohesive and sustainable. This can be achieved by using improved accessibility and urbanisation to increase freedom of choice and proximity.

The development scenarios represent different ways of addressing the need for housing in relation to job growth and necessary infrastructure. Our #mapofthemonth for November shows one: the Network Metropolis. It emphasises a multifaceted network of multiple cores with strong regional links. Amsterdam serves as the network’s hub, with regional centres such as Almere, Zaandam, Hoofddorp and Haarlem developing into multifunctional cores. Regional public transport is also significantly expanded.

The other scenarios respectively envision the metropolis in linear, compact and tapestry form. The linear metropolis emphasises the role of the southern corridor in optimising multimodal accessibility and streamlining of public transport systems as well as in urbanisation. The compact metropolis emphasises maximisation of connectivity and densification of the greater Amsterdam area. It features fast, reliable links with other large cities and key economic regions. Densification is high within Amsterdam and lessens with distance from the centre. Finally, in the tapestry metropolis, different typologies are spread across a wider area. The result is a rich diversity of residential environments of different densities, responding to the demand for housing and affordable homes.

For more information on the four scenarios, read Zandbelt’s report (in Dutch).