Stories from Fietsstad
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Location | Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Year | 2018-2019
Client | College van Rijksadviseurs, Gemeente Amsterdam, Vervoerregio Amsterdam
Status | Research & Design
Extra links |
The research project in Dutch can be found here
The comic book in English can be found here
In the context of the National programme “Ontwerpen aan Nederland Fietsland”, DE URBANISTEN has undertaken a research and design project into the “Cycling city of the 21st Century”. The aim was to envision its principles and to apply these to the new ‘Havenstad’ in Amsterdam. What would the city be like if designed entirely around the cyclist? How would the city look? What would take place in this bicycle city? These are the questions we set out to answer.
“Stories from Fietsstad” imagines a new city, where the streets are free of traffic noise and pollution, rich in activity and full of cyclists going about their lives.
The stories of different residents explain how the city operates
The two types of urban cyclist: efficient and interactive
Each mode implies a particular type of street
Different street profiles suit both cycling and local street life
A spatial concept for Fietsstad located in Havenstad
Fietsstad balances the need for efficient cycling routes with the vibrant street life. A coherent network of wide boulevards and avenues lined with shops, cafes and public buildings allows swift movement through the city. Smaller residential streets become extensions to living space. Children play in the streets and the spaces outside homes are adopted and cared for by the people living beside. For the smoothest long-distance journeys, a fast cycle road flows through the city, mostly at ground level but also rising above the busiest streets, snaking through parks and bridging the IJ.
Streets where people can meet, play and relax
New types of urban space are possible
Crossroads become vibrant squares
High cycle traffic volumes and urban centres combine without difficulty
Vibrant street life in the double street
The fastest flows can be separated leaving room for markets and sports
Deliveries and collections by bikes means ‘ride in’ post offices
The results of the research are told in the comic “Stories from Fietsstad – Amsterdam and the cycling city of the 21st Century”. A number of short stories explains how the city works following the lives of the people living within Fietsstad.
