emiliaburkhart

The Frans Halsbuurt sub-neighborhood of De Pijp in Amsterdam is a historic area named after Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals. I had the opportunity to explore the charming streets in Frans Halsbuurt during a field assignment with my friend and fellow program student Shane. The seamless blend of historic brick four to five story buildings with newer car-free infrastructure changes and added greenery makes this area feel calm and is my favorite neighborhood I have explored in the city.

During a field assignment with colleague and friend Shane, we had the opportunity to explore what changes have happened in recent years to make the neighborhood feel the way it does. We recorded observations while walking through the neighborhood, compared older Street View images of the street, and talked with residents to form a list of 10 key changes that have transformed the space.

1. The roads were redone with red bricks to slow traffic
   1. Contributes to goal of making cars guests on streets 
2. Very limited street parking
   1. 1-4 parking spaces per block
   2. Replaced by plantings and bike parking
   3. Disability parking spaces remain
3. Local traffic or deliveries only — no through traffic
   1. Achieved through street filtering
4. Addition of plentiful bike parking
   1. The streets had bike parking previously, but more has been added in place of the car parking spaces
5. 20 km/h speed limit built into road bricks
   1. Original speed limit was 30 km/h
   2. Creative and context-specific way to provide information and slow traffic
6. Planters and plants added
   1. Bump outs, street planters, and established trees add shade and create visual intrigue
7. Speed bumps
   1. Traffic slowing and part of street filtering
8. Addition of benches on sidewalks and near roundabout intersections
   1. Provides resting spaces for all street users
   2. Design for 8 to 80: benches especially beneficial for older residents who need to pause and rest while walking
9. Trash cans and public covered ashtrays
   1. Promotes proper waste disposal and clean streets
10. More local businesses
    1. Essentially every corner in the neighborhood has a local cafe or restaurant, and the greater De Pijp area has plentiful shopping, food, and culture, along with being situated within 15 minutes walking from the museum district