VIVA VAN DER PEK

TITLE: Viva Van Der Pek
YEAR: 2010-2013
LOCATION: Amsterdam
BUDGET: d.n.a.

Housing corporation Ymere wants to demolish the Van Der Pek neighborhood where our home is located. This district was built by the socially engaged architect Van der Pek in 1927 and is the first large-scale social housing district in Amsterdam. But, the neighborhood is close to the city center of Amsterdam and is a good "building location".

For profit the low-cost social rental houses must make room for housing for young modern families. The corporation invites artists to do all kinds of 'nice projects' with residents to give the neighborhood the right feel for these new residents.
It is a sign of the times: Amsterdam is now for the economically strong only. The times of access for everyone is over. Do we have to accept this or make some noise?
We apply what we have learned on the NDSM: Stop complaining and pro-actively make your own plan: How do we do want it. Together with residents we study alternative plans and make designs, posters, and arguments against demolition. We have to change the image sketched by Ymere of an a-social shabby and old-fashioned neighborhood to a neighborhood that is worth preserving. To add credibility we involve well-known architects and planners in the process. We organize lectures and meetings.
Is this work for artists?
It seems impossible to do nothing. The Van der Pek neighborhood is cultural heritage, originated in the time where artists use their skills for social change. Something that we now also stand for.
In addition, it is a kind of reality check: What is the power of the arts within the economic/political arena. The judges are still out. A lot has been achieved on a practical level. It is difficult to give an artistic dimension to resistance, though. It is difficult to make resistance theatrical. The culture of artistic campaigning from the 70's has almost disappeared. Acceptance of visual/artistic expressions is much smaller in public space. Banners are removed immediately, masks are forbidden. Parades must be approved beforehand. Applying paintings is vandalism. We are left with plans, posters and concepts.
CONCLUSION:
The chosen strategy has proved effective. 1500 houses are saved from demolition. Stressing the qualities of the architecture has even led to the return to the original colors of the woodwork of the houses. This has given the neighborhood a completely different appearance and atmosphere. Much more cozy, and, sellable...

neigborhood poster against demolition

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But the rent of the houses will be much higher. No longer social rent. The residents still have to move out.

parade

There has been a large consultation round. The original plan for large-scale demolition has been changed. Probably there will be renovation.

FOCUS: action & art, forming dynamic coalition

POSITION: principal/co- author

BUDGET: self financed

DURATION: 2,5 year

PROCESS: participative

IMPLEMENTATION:
Framing, planning workshops city planning t.w. Hein de Haan,
design alternative plan, vision for maintenance,
media strategy & interviews,
political support & preparing motions

RESULT:
– demolition of1500 houses prevented
– Van Der Pek area becomes conservation zone
– original color scheme restored

red = to be demolished

neigborhood workshop with Hein de Haan

meeting Renters

original colors restored

traditionele Tembe beschildering van een Aucaans Marron huis

protest

Building clowns demolishing house

Saramacaans houtsnijwerk

participation political proces

BART STUART & KLAAR VAN DER LIPPE