In Amsterdam, we also notice that the climate is changing. It is getting warmer and the weather is becoming increasingly extreme. The number of hot days is increasing. The citys stone environment retains heat. Trees and other greenery provide shade and coolness, but it is not always possible to plant greenery everywhere. Therefore, we are starting the project Shade Makers. The project tests in two locations at the Oosterdok how we can cool the environment in other ways.
In some places in the city, we cannot plant large trees or other greenery. For example, if there are cables, pipes, or other construction structures in the ground. For instance, there is a parking garage under the Oosterdok, which means there is no room for tree roots. With the Shade Makers project, we are testing other ways to create shade and cool the city.
Test Locations and Approach
For the project, we have chosen two test locations at the Oosterdok: the square in front of the OBA and the location next to the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel. On February 11, we will place the first temporary objects that provide shade and cooling at the OBA. These shade makers can actually take on all forms. In the first year, we will test a pergola, trees in containers, green canopies, and shade cloths. These will remain until after the summer of 2026.
The municipality places the objects in cooperation with the entrepreneurs Streetlife, The Urban Jungle Project, the Climate Tree, ShadowArt, and JNRB.Studio.
Research
In the next two summers, we will investigate together with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences the effect of the shade makers on the environment. We will measure how well these solutions work against heat and whether they are practical to use. We will also look at the costs and the design. We will use the results of the project to create additional shade spots in other neighborhoods where Amsterdammers can seek coolness during hot days.
Permanent Solution
We are also working together with residents and local businesses on a long-term approach to cool the Oosterdokskade. Under the name Green Runner, we are working on permanent greenery. Further information will follow later this year.
Want to know more?
- Shade Makers
- If you have questions or ideas, please contact us at schaduwmakers@amsterdam.nl.