Research report Port City
Amsterdam Minerva-Haven
Future Proof City
Municipality of Amsterdam
2025
Names: Oreoluwa Akingbogun, Marieke Middag, Cindy Pel & Katie Welsh
Study: Minor Future Proof City – Hogeschool van Amsterdam
Professors: Erik De Graf , Nanda Cruq
Date:19 april 2025
Version: Draft 1.0
, In an increasingly unpredictable world, self-sustainability has become a vital cornerstone for
preparedness against a range of potential disasters. From climate crises to economic disruption
ability of communities to remain resilient and thrive despite external pressures is no longer a di
ideal—it is a necessity. Self-sustainability relies on the integration of critical systems such as h
food, mobility, energy, and waste management. Yet, as we move toward these innovations, it is e
important to preserve and restore the histories that have shaped our urban landscapes. By blen
modern sustainability practices with heritage-sensitive design, we can craft environments that a
forward-looking and rooted in identity.
This research focuses on the transformation of Minerva Haven, a former industrial zone in Ams
Haven-Stad district, into a resilient, (partially) self-sustaining, and equitable neighborhood. Cen
this transformation is the integration of food, energy, waste, ecology, mobility, water, and archite
heritage into a cohesive design vision. The study investigates how polluted, post-industrial lands
can become livable, inclusive, and ecologically regenerative environments.
Key sub-questions guide the investigation: What components define a self-sustaining neighborh
Introduction
How can water infrastructure be leveraged to improve urban livability while addressing pollution
flooding? In what ways can historical architecture be reused to preserve industrial identity? And
we decenter human-centric thinking in favor of designs that also prioritize non-human life and e
balance?
To address these questions, the research applies tools including literature and case study analy
historical mapping, biodiversity audits, GIS spatial data, and ecosystem service valuations. The a
will identify polluted zones, assess remediation feasibility, and propose strategies for adaptive r
resilient infrastructure. In doing so, the research aims to produce design guidelines and a resilie
roadmap—grounded in blue-green infrastructure principles, post-humanist urban theory, and hi
preservation.
Ultimately, this work aspires to provide a replicable framework for transitioning industrial brow
into vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive neighborhoods that honor the past while preparing for the
uncertainties of the future.
, What is
Havenstad?
Haven-Stad is one of the largest urban development
projects in the Netherlands, aiming to transform former
industrial and port areas into a modern, sustainable, and
high-density urban district. Covering approximately 650
hectares, this project will introduce 70,000 new homes and
58,000 workplaces, making it a key solution to
Amsterdam’s housing shortage while maintaining economic
activity in the area.
Haven-Stad is designed as a mixed-use, future-proof city
district, integrating residential, commercial, and green
spaces with a focus on sustainability, mobility, and
innovation. The area will prioritize climate adaptation,
renewable energy, and circular economy principles,
ensuring that the district is both environmentally
responsible and socially inclusive.
Public transport, cycling, and walking will be the main
modes of mobility, with improved train, tram, and metro
connections linking Haven-Stad to the rest of Amsterdam
and beyond. The project will also preserve elements of the
port’s industrial heritage while repurposing spaces for new
urban functions.
By transforming former docklands into a vibrant, diverse,
and eco-friendly district, Haven-Stad represents
Amsterdam’s vision for the future—a city that balances
growth, sustainability, and livability.
MARIEKE MIDDAG
, History
What is the history of the Minerva haven and how do you include it in our plan ?
MARIEKE MIDDAG
Amsterdam Minerva-Haven
Future Proof City
Municipality of Amsterdam
2025
Names: Oreoluwa Akingbogun, Marieke Middag, Cindy Pel & Katie Welsh
Study: Minor Future Proof City – Hogeschool van Amsterdam
Professors: Erik De Graf , Nanda Cruq
Date:19 april 2025
Version: Draft 1.0
, In an increasingly unpredictable world, self-sustainability has become a vital cornerstone for
preparedness against a range of potential disasters. From climate crises to economic disruption
ability of communities to remain resilient and thrive despite external pressures is no longer a di
ideal—it is a necessity. Self-sustainability relies on the integration of critical systems such as h
food, mobility, energy, and waste management. Yet, as we move toward these innovations, it is e
important to preserve and restore the histories that have shaped our urban landscapes. By blen
modern sustainability practices with heritage-sensitive design, we can craft environments that a
forward-looking and rooted in identity.
This research focuses on the transformation of Minerva Haven, a former industrial zone in Ams
Haven-Stad district, into a resilient, (partially) self-sustaining, and equitable neighborhood. Cen
this transformation is the integration of food, energy, waste, ecology, mobility, water, and archite
heritage into a cohesive design vision. The study investigates how polluted, post-industrial lands
can become livable, inclusive, and ecologically regenerative environments.
Key sub-questions guide the investigation: What components define a self-sustaining neighborh
Introduction
How can water infrastructure be leveraged to improve urban livability while addressing pollution
flooding? In what ways can historical architecture be reused to preserve industrial identity? And
we decenter human-centric thinking in favor of designs that also prioritize non-human life and e
balance?
To address these questions, the research applies tools including literature and case study analy
historical mapping, biodiversity audits, GIS spatial data, and ecosystem service valuations. The a
will identify polluted zones, assess remediation feasibility, and propose strategies for adaptive r
resilient infrastructure. In doing so, the research aims to produce design guidelines and a resilie
roadmap—grounded in blue-green infrastructure principles, post-humanist urban theory, and hi
preservation.
Ultimately, this work aspires to provide a replicable framework for transitioning industrial brow
into vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive neighborhoods that honor the past while preparing for the
uncertainties of the future.
, What is
Havenstad?
Haven-Stad is one of the largest urban development
projects in the Netherlands, aiming to transform former
industrial and port areas into a modern, sustainable, and
high-density urban district. Covering approximately 650
hectares, this project will introduce 70,000 new homes and
58,000 workplaces, making it a key solution to
Amsterdam’s housing shortage while maintaining economic
activity in the area.
Haven-Stad is designed as a mixed-use, future-proof city
district, integrating residential, commercial, and green
spaces with a focus on sustainability, mobility, and
innovation. The area will prioritize climate adaptation,
renewable energy, and circular economy principles,
ensuring that the district is both environmentally
responsible and socially inclusive.
Public transport, cycling, and walking will be the main
modes of mobility, with improved train, tram, and metro
connections linking Haven-Stad to the rest of Amsterdam
and beyond. The project will also preserve elements of the
port’s industrial heritage while repurposing spaces for new
urban functions.
By transforming former docklands into a vibrant, diverse,
and eco-friendly district, Haven-Stad represents
Amsterdam’s vision for the future—a city that balances
growth, sustainability, and livability.
MARIEKE MIDDAG
, History
What is the history of the Minerva haven and how do you include it in our plan ?
MARIEKE MIDDAG
