Form Follows Finance: Uncover How Money Shapes Urban Development and Architecture in Amsterdam

This exhibition delves into how financial flows shape the city, examining Amsterdam's leasehold system, construction costs of recent buildings, and the future impact of climate risks on urban development. It demystifies the financial aspects of architecture for the public.

Form Follows Finance – De stad als spreadsheet investigates the profound influence of financial systems on urban form and development. It questions the cost of buildings and areas, and how monetary flows dictate the appearance of the city. The exhibition traces the history of Amsterdam's leasehold system, which allows the municipality to profit from construction projects and fund less profitable ventures through the Vereveningsfonds. It meticulously maps construction costs, price per square meter, and land revenues, exploring how tender requirements shape architectural design. The exhibition also looks towards the future, highlighting uncertainties such as diminishing municipal land reserves and the increasing role of climate risks. It raises questions about the long-term financial viability of construction projects in vulnerable areas and the potential impact of declining revenues on the building sector. The narrative draws parallels to the famous 'Form Follows Function' credo, suggesting that financial realities are as determinant to a building's form as its intended use. It contrasts periods of extensive public housing construction with recent decades of privatization and market influence, showcasing the diverse financial structures that enable or hinder development, from housing cooperatives to foreign investors. The display also addresses current challenges, including rising material and construction costs, the impact of subsidies on building types, and the less visible role of ground price determination and tender specifications.

Tickets for Form Follows Finance are included with general admission to Arcam exhibitions and can be purchased at the desk or online. Adult tickets cost €4.00, with concessions available for students (€2.00) and free entry for children under 18, Stadspashouders (Green dot), and I Amsterdam City Card holders.