5 QUESTIONS FOR
Klaas de Boer (1950), director of Zuidas Amsterdam since September 2009, prior to that director of Amsterdam’s Physical Planning Department (dRO)
Under your predecessor, the Zuidas had the character of an international office district. And your objective...?
‘A mixed-use central zone of the metropolitan region with a contemporary feel,
including all sorts of facilities and as soon as possible as much housing as possible.’
The Zuidas is quite often depicted in the press as a ‘fiasco’. Is that true?
‘Not at all. That always comes up when banking problems are discussed. But there are more banks in Amsterdam Zuidoost or in the Centre than in the Zuidas. The legal sector is also strongly represented and there’s more diversity than you might think – look at all the companies in the WTC. Smaller enterprises are precisely where the growth is right now.’ Besides a mixed central zone, you are responsible for building the dock model.
‘Under state representative Dirk Jan van den Berg, we have worked hard over the
last half year with Rijkswaterstaat (Public Works and Water Management), ProRail
and the Stadsregio (the metropolitan area) to develop three models that are less risky
and cheaper than the original model. Almost everyone thinks an underground dock is the best solution. The first step will be to put Route A10 below the ground. This reduces traffic noise and pollution, so we can build houses without extra soundproofing, with private outdoor spaces and a better relation to their surroundings at
the ground level .
What significance do art and culture have for the Zuidas?
‘They are indispensible for a mixed central zone. I am glad the Virtual Museum Zuidas exists; the artworks of Krijn de Koning on the Nuon terrain and of Giny Vos on the KPN tower are marvellous beacons. But more can be done. Why can’t the CASZuidas urban screen also show more vulgar entertainment – like WK football, Olympic Games or a spaghetti western? And it’s a pity that the art hall proposal of the Sanders committee is off the table, but that idea will undoubtedly return.’
How do you envision the Zuidas in 2040?
‘As the centre of the metropolitan region, flowing over to the historical centre. Now that money is harder to come by, we have made 15 temporary plans for the next five
years to enliven the area, including a variation of Club 11, a second official residence
for Mayor Job Cohen so he can receive his guests with a view of the sea, student
housing, and a breeding ground for artists. The Zuidas shouldn’t be only stiletto and suits.'
