Mixed-use development: Theory and practice in Amsterdam's Eastern Docklands

Abstract

During the last few decades mixed-use development has become an important planning paradigm in various European and North American cities. However, the concept of mixed-use is ambiguous in both theory and practice. In this paper a typology of mixed-use developments is revealed to identify its major components. This typology is then applied to the case study area Eastern Docklands in Amsterdam which is a major urban transformation area in which the concept of mixed-use development has been implemented. It is concluded that in this area there is a good deal of mixing between housing and employment, but it is still unclear whether the strategic goals are reached.