Planning In The Netherlands

As The Netherlands undertakes some of its most ambitious urban redevelopment ever, Jo Coenen is a very busy man. The world-renowned architect, and current Chief Government Architect, discusses his vision of building a durable city, of balancing short-term economic feasibility with long-term sustainability, and his concerns for society as business interests become increasingly dominant: "In my opinion a city can be defined as a place that provides a fully liveable environment – where people can access all the things they need, from the most basic necessities at one level, to the more refined, cultural elements on another. It is the task of city planners to provide a setting that does not meet just the functional requirements of living, such as a place to buy food or protection from the elements, but that also provides public buildings and public spaces, and develops a public realm."