Sao Paulo – Randstad: Urban Region Networks

In this Design Studio, students work on a vision and spatial development strategy for the integration of mobility and urbanization for the Amsterdam region, as a subregion of the Randstad. Part of this work are investigation of spatial developments at the regional scale, interpretation of them through analysis of social, economic, and technological driving forces, consideration of the implications for sustainable development and social equity, and examine the potential for effective intervention through spatial planning and design.

The studio will use a subregion of the Randstad as a case study and analyse its transformation from a ‘network of cities’ into an urban region network. Students position this subregion within the Randstad and in its European context. They create spatial strategies based on future demands for mobility and space, the dispersal of economic activities and other forces. The emphasis is on research by design; linking theory, case-study

analyses, vision forming and design interventions in frequent interactions. Students work in teams and use a range of methods in analysis and design. Their outputs combine vision statements, regional design concepts, strategic plans, key-project interventions and other planning tools.

In the studio we will work on a research by design assignment, with a focus on planning and design solutions for mobility and urbanization. More specifically, we will focus on how large infrastructure is embedded in the urban fabric, and how this infrastructure has a positive or negative impact on the lives of inhabitants. In other words, how ‘big meets small’ in urban development.

The two cases that are studied are the Randstad-Holland and Sao Paulo, Brazil. While one is an example of carefully laid out urbanization and emblem of spatial organization, the other represents the opposite. Yet the two city-regions have more in common than a first impression suggests. Sao Paulo and Amsterdam/Randstad form major hubs in global networks. Increasing numbers of citizens want to travel each day in an extended network of urbanisation covering large territorial units, suing recently delivered transport systems. In both cases, the increase in mobility and new commuting patterns are leading to clogged arteries and a near nervous breakdown of the city. Yet access to transport is unequally distributed among the haves and the have-nots. We believe there is an opportunity for learning and effectively contributing for the present discussion on urbanization, urban networks and mobility.