Preliminary Research Abstract

Title: Urban Planning and Development in Amsterdam

Author 1: Colin O’Rourke

Author 2: Tim Prouty

Author 3: Lindsey Britt

Abstract:

Research Overview:
Using a chronological structure, our group plans to study urban planning and development through multiple lenses. On the one hand, Lindsey will look at urban laws – their creation, development, enactment, and affect on society. Tim will study the contrast between Amsterdam’s progressive culture mentality and their city structure that values historical preservation. Finally, Colin will focus on the Dutch mastery of their terrain and the sea in order to meet their growing needs.

Relevance of Research:
Urban planning and development, given the challenges of the Dutch landscape, has and will continue to be an inherent part of Dutch identity. Their great success at mastering the landscape could serve as a model for the improvement of urban planning in other industrialized cities.

Proposed Research Methods:
We will hopefully utilize a variety of research methods, both traditional and newer digital technologies. Traditional methods we plan to employ include: interviews of related public policy officials, internet/library research to gain insight into what knowledge exists about our respective topics, discussions with various University of Washington professors to discern further information, and visits to applicable urban planning institutions in Amsterdam. Additionally, we hope to pursue the use of a variety of digital technologies such as digital still photography and a podcast as a product of our collective research.