A New Urban Vision for Amsterdam: LAB4’s Haven-Stad

04/17/2025 - 11:35

As cities across the world face growing urban populations, Amsterdam is leading the way in creating liveable, sustainable environments through innovative urban design. Second-year Built Environment students, as part of LAB4: High-Density Urban Hub, are rising to this challenge with a bold vision for Haven-Stad -one of Europe’s most ambitious redevelopment projects.

Student work

Once an industrial and port area, Haven-Stad is being transformed into a high-density, mixed-use neighbourhood that will eventually accommodate up to 150,000 residents and support 58,000 jobs. The student-led LAB4 project explores how this transformation can ensure that access to healthcare, sports, and green space is a natural part of daily life.

Health and Sports as Urban Essentials
Rather than isolating healthcare and sports facilities, students have proposed integrated solutions—embedding these services into the everyday urban experience. Their strategies include distributed healthcare centres, a sports network along the central Spine Boulevard, and safe, active public spaces that combine sport, art, and social activity. The result? A city where movement, wellbeing, and community interaction are part of everyday routines.

Green and Active by Design
To support mental health and environmental quality, the design features a green corridor linking the northern and southern areas of Haven-Stad, providing easy access to nature while promoting biodiversity. Public spaces are multifunctional, climate-adaptive, and people-centred—thanks to underground parking and two mobility hubs that prioritise walking, cycling, and public transport over car use.

Multifunctionality for Modern Urban Living
From mixed-use buildings that combine living, working, and recreation, to mobility hubs with shops and public seating, the district is designed for convenience and high quality of life. The central Spine Boulevard connects key destinations, ensuring seamless movement and cohesion throughout the neighbourhood.

Through these well-researched and integrated strategies, LAB4 students present a forward-thinking, human-centred vision for Haven-Stad. Where health, movement, sustainability, and accessibility are not add-ons, but central to the city’s future.

This article was based on the plan of students: Anelia Kotseva, Filippo Montino, Ivan Burenko, María Arroyo, Rik Thijssen and Slavka Morales