The Belmer: A Failed City of the Future

🏙️The Belmer was designed to be a futuristic neighborhood with high-rise buildings, spacious apartments, and efficient transportation.

🏢The neighborhood failed to attract middle-class Dutch families and instead became populated by a stigmatized migrant population.

🔒The lack of social control and high turnover rates in the Belmer led to increased crime and a negative stigma.

🚧The Amsterdam City government attempted to tackle the negative stigma by demolishing some of the high-rise buildings and densifying the neighborhood with low-rise buildings.

🔙Today, the Belmer is still struggling to overcome its past and attract residents.

Why did the Belmer fail to attract residents?

—The Belmer's high-rise buildings and monotonous design made it unappealing to many middle-class Dutch families. Additionally, the neighborhood became stigmatized and associated with crime and poverty.

What steps did the Amsterdam City government take to address the negative stigma?

—The government demolished some of the high-rise buildings and replaced them with low-rise buildings in an attempt to densify the neighborhood and create a more welcoming environment.

Is the Belmer still struggling today?

—Yes, the Belmer is still struggling to overcome its past and attract residents. The negative stigma and challenges associated with the neighborhood have persisted.

What lessons can be learned from the failure of the Belmer?

—The failure of the Belmer highlights the importance of considering the needs and preferences of future residents when designing a neighborhood. It also demonstrates the impact that stigmatization and lack of social control can have on a community.

Are there any successful examples of futuristic neighborhoods?

—Yes, there are successful examples of futuristic neighborhoods. These neighborhoods often prioritize sustainability, community engagement, and a mix of housing types. Learning from the failures of the Belmer, these neighborhoods focus on creating a sense of belonging and a high quality of life for residents.

00:00Introduction to the Belmer, a neighborhood in Amsterdam.

02:20The design and features of the Belmer, including high-rise buildings, spacious apartments, and efficient transportation.

05:40The decline of the Belmer, with high turnover rates, crime, and a negative stigma.

09:45Efforts by the Amsterdam City government to address the negative stigma and revitalize the neighborhood.

11:30The impact of the Belmer's failure on its residents and its struggle to attract new residents.

13:50Lessons learned from the failure of the Belmer and examples of successful futuristic neighborhoods.