Third Golden Age

The city of Amsterdam is facing a housing shortage and according to the future population prognosis, the problem is going to become more severe due to growing immigration numbers. Following Brexit, Amsterdam, along with other European cities are competing to attract the biggest share of potentially relocated businesses and organisations from London. The lack of available housing options acts as a deterrent to expats looking for job opportunities in Amsterdam. The city wants to become a competitive and attractive destination to be able to generate more economic growth and become a major global business hub. According to its 2040 strategic plan, the city aims to provide more housing, especially in its inner area by densifying the already existing fabric, with suburban expansion not being seen as a viable option. This master thesis is exploring the high-rise as a form of densification in the belt of former fortification works within Amsterdam's city centre. The connection between the public realm and the high rise through the use of the plinth is explored in an effort to integrate the high-rise as an urban form within a historic city fabric. The design proposal aims to provide unique housing typologies for a high-rise, taking advantage of the access to views and combining it with the unexpected element of greenery on higher levels, with green towers becoming modern symbols of major cities across the world. The building works as a landmark for the city, being its tallest residential tower while catering for its residents and visitors through the provision of public facilities on ground and rooftop levels.Architecture and Dwellin