PUBLIC SPACE
Got a minute? Public Spaces in Zuidas have been radically transformed over the last few years. More cafés and restaurants have appeared, as well as integrated landscaping. Moreover, the Zuidas Development Office is continually working to optimize available space. During a recent lunch break, Hello Zuidas staked out the two major Zuidas squares to find out what users think about the changes and the local street scene overall.
BARRY POLAK, PRODUCT TEAM MEMBER AT ABN AMRO CLEARING ‘I’m a big fan of the mobile food stands here on Gustav Mahlerplein, and Dicky’s Grand Café is my favourite place for a drink after six. Zuidas has become quite a lively spot during the week and I think there’s plenty of choice in eateries. As far as I’m concerned, a point for improvement would be the integration of water in the landscape. A fountain can really create a sense of tranquillity, for example. And the general mix of people could be shaken up a bit; more artistic types and arts-related businesses would make the scene more dynamic, so this square could become a springboard for interesting collaborations between businesses and artists.’
SANDRINE PREVOO & MUNA IBRAHIM, BOTH LAWYERS AT SIMMONS & SIMMONS ‘Zuidas is a pleasant place to work. Everything looks wellmaintained. More shops and convenience-type stores would be good though. Then you wouldn’t have to go down town after work and could just head straight home. And a few more restaurants couldn’t hurt. But apart from that, it’s really nice here.’
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