Discover Amsterdam's Cold War Bunkers and Shelters: The Barcam Architects Cafe #27 Event

This Barcam Architects Cafe event delves into the history and contemporary relevance of Amsterdam's Cold War bunkers and shelters. It explores their current state, potential for reuse, and international comparisons, inviting discussion on how these structures can remain living parts of urban life.

Barcam is a monthly architects' café for professionals and enthusiasts in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region, held on the first Thursday of every month. The 27th edition, "Bunkers and Shelters," focuses on the dozens of bunkers and shelters built in Amsterdam, primarily during the Cold War (1960s–1980s). Many of these structures are now little-known, in poor condition, or have found new uses, like the Vondelbunker in Vondelpark. This session will investigate how we can view these places today, their meaning for the city, and how they could be integrated into urban life even when not actively used as shelters. The discussion will also include international examples of how shelters are designed, maintained, and adapted for multiple uses. Panelists include artist-researcher and cultural historian Kees van Leeuwen, military heritage expert Rutger Noorlander, and architect Stefanos Filippas of INBO, who has visualized ideas for bunker reuse in Ukraine.

Entry to this event is free. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase at affordable prices, with beer at €3, wine at €4, and soft drinks at €2. No RSVP is required.