Slow How – Spatial slowdown: An Exhibition on Sustainable Urban Development in Amsterdam

This exhibition appeals for the realization of quality in spatial development by taking time, particularly in a context of scarce resources and high costs. It analyzes how slowing down development can maintain or enhance existing qualities, such as cultural, social, and circular values, offering new perspectives on sustainable urban areas.

The exhibition 'Slow How – Spatial slowdown' is a timely appeal to prioritize quality in urban development, even amidst pressures of time and cost. In an era where construction projects face challenges due to material scarcity, labor expenses, and sustainability requirements, the exhibition posits that slowing down development—whether consciously or unconsciously—can reveal and enhance other crucial values. These include cultural significance, social cohesion, and circular economy principles, fostering literal and figurative space for innovation, reuse, peacefulness, and ecology. The exhibition presents results that may not be immediately quantifiable in monetary terms but offer vital new perspectives for the sustainable evolution of urban areas. Through an analysis of four distinct areas—Ruigoord, Kop van Java, Marineterrein, and Holendrecht—the exhibition explores how a more deliberate pace in spatial development can sustain or improve existing qualities. A 'Slow Key' is presented, which compiles values inherent in these case studies and challenges professionals and interested parties to contribute to a checklist for contemporary planning. The exhibition addresses the potential danger of these inherent values being overlooked during actual development, questioning how to safeguard newly created values for the future. It highlights the demand for new construction in the Amsterdam region while emphasizing the necessity of allowing cities time for innovation and experimentation to ensure future liveability, climate-resilience, and sustainability. Historical documents, urban development plans, maps, and timelines showcase the unique values and gradual development of each area, complemented by research from various entities in the architecture and urban planning field.

Tickets for Arcam exhibitions, including Slow How – Spatial slowdown, are available for adults at €4.00 and students at €2.00. Children aged 0-18 and accompanying persons of visitors with disabilities receive free entry. Visitors with an I Amsterdam City Card can also enter for free. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 1-5 pm. The exhibition is wheelchair accessible with lift access and an adapted toilet on the ground floor.