Small interventions create social cohesion  

Placemaking is a method to improve liveability and social cohesion in an area through small interventions. The subject started in December 2024 with a theoretical block, followed by a project phase from January 2025. The research area is the Science Park, an area where students, residents and businesses meet, but where the connection between them is often lacking.  

Students investigate in groups how to improve the Science Park's spatial environment and social dynamics. Topics range from traffic safety to strengthening the bond between different groups of residents.   

A valuable addition to the Bèta-gamma curriculum  

According to Luc de Groot, lecturer at Placemaking, this subject offers a valuable addition to the curriculum. ‘This is one of the few subjects where students actually go out on the streets and try to change something in society’ he says. ‘It is not just learning theory and collecting credits, but actually contributing to a better living environment.’  

The subject has a solid theoretical foundation. Among other things, students study classic thinkers on spatial planning and the influence of economic and political forces on the design of public space. For example, they are challenged to think about the question: who decides how a city is designed, and how can users themselves exert more influence on this?  

Collaboration  

The course is organised in collaboration with the IIS Education Lab and various experts in the field of Placemaking. On 18 March, students presented their findings at a final symposium. ‘It was incredibly nice to see the impact the interventions have had and what we can learn from them,’ de Groot said. ‘’This course shows well that as a Placemaking student, you not only gain academic knowledge, but also experience how you can use your expertise for social change.‘’  

Do you want to learn more? 

More information on Placemaking education at the UvA, can be found here.