Urban Studies: Sense, Space and Strategy

If urban sensescapes are subject to change (in whatever form), this influences the way in which people experience their urban environment and might influence their sense of belonging. This can therefore be a strong motivation for contesting urban space, for forming groups with similar interests and using particular (discursive) strategies, to defend them. As cities are densely populated, urban space is subject to constant negotiation and contestation.

In a rapidly changing and hyper-connected world, people have become global citizens. Seen from this context, nowadays it is often (colliding) local- and global interests that are at issue and fuel processes of negotiation. Due to globalization, contemporary urban sensescapes are under threat of both homogenization (standardization of spaces) and heterogenization. In Amsterdam this is reflected in heated debates on, amongst others, the impact of increasing tourism and widespread gentrification.

By the end of the programme, you will have a good understanding of the Amsterdam sensescape and of the emotional geographies involved in its changes over time. We will explore the Amsterdam sensescape by walking and biking through different areas of the city. You will participate in a combination of academic lectures, site visits and city excursions. By the end of the course, you will leave the UvA with a deep and thorough understanding of important periods in Amsterdam’s history and important debates at present.

Topics addressed include the history of Amsterdam, Amsterdam as a sensescape, the city as a site of contestation, the effects of tourism on urban centres, and the economy and spatial development of Amsterdam as the city plans for its future.