In Amsterdam’s Buiksloterham, a former industrial harbour is evolving into a circular, mixed-use urban district. Developed by Studioninedots in collaboration with DELVA, Cityplot Buiksloterham represents a pioneering approach to sustainable urban development.
“Initiated during the last global crisis, Cityplot Buiksloterham is an innovating kind of urban planning. Instead of adopting a rigid top-down master plan, we focused on a flexible, collaborative way of thinking, aiming for a resilient urban system that can constantly adapt to the shifting needs and desires of the community.”
This large-scale regeneration of the former Nedcoat and Air Products sites is now taking shape, delivering 550 new homes and 4,000 m² of workspaces, hospitality venues, and public spaces. What began as an experimental vision has materialised into a thriving district where social and technological innovations converge.
A Flexible and Collaborative Urban Model
Rather than opting for large, fixed urban blocks, Cityplot Buiksloterham employs a different strategy—creating smaller-scale plots with a diverse mix of typologies. Work-housing units are integrated with social housing, self-build projects, and social hubs, bringing together individuals, collectives, businesses, investors, and developers to foster collaboration.
The development supports community-building through ‘urban activators’—dedicated spaces for initiatives by local entrepreneurs and creatives. These initiatives add local value, attract young professionals, and strengthen the community. A new activator, a community room at the heart of the development, is currently being introduced to provide a space for neighbourhood activities.
Sustainable and Circular Design Principles
Cityplot Buiksloterham is an evolution of the ‘Cityplot’ concept, which has been used to transform other former industrial and harbour areas into sustainable urban districts. According to research for the concept, a 100×100 m plot emerged as the optimal building block size - providing enough space for a diverse range of typologies while ensuring accessibility from both the street and the core of the site. The Buiksloterham project consists of three such plots, labelled A, B, and C.
All buildings follow a unitary architectural language, which paradoxically creates a more diverse urban fabric and strengthens the district’s identity. Public, semi-public, collective, and private outdoor spaces are woven throughout the development, with open-ground gardens and large trees contributing to the area’s circular economy.
A key element of the design is a route that guides residents and visitors through green spaces, squares, and pedestrian-friendly walkways. At either end of this route, two striking buildings serve as centralised hubs for parking and energy generation. By clustering parking in these structures, the district remains car-free, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists.
Integrating Water Management for Climate Resilience
Water plays a fundamental role in Cityplot Buiksloterham’s design. Tolhuiskanaal runs alongside the development, with its quay seamlessly integrated into public space. The district incorporates sustainable water management solutions, including rainwater collection in wadis, rooftop reservoirs, and underground storage, all of which prevent flooding and enhance local climate resilience. Plans include extending public space along the quay with pedestrian bridges, seating areas, and additional green infrastructure.
A Vision for Future Urban Development
Cityplot Buiksloterham began as an experimental approach to urban planning and has now become a vital part of Amsterdam. By integrating maximum circularity into a compact urban area, it has established a functioning, liveable district that evolves with its residents and businesses. As cities continue to seek innovative solutions for sustainable urban growth, this project serves as a model for flexible, community-driven regeneration.
For more information on Studioninedots and DELVA, visit their websites.
IMAGES: Studioninedots Cityplot Buiksloterham ©Sebastian van Damme
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