ABSTRACT
The Amsterdam region is evolving into a polycentric system, where urban functions are distributed among several connected centers. The central question in this paper is how can future developments in the transportation systems help lead this evolution along the desired ‘multimodal’ and ‘multicentric’ path? First we will characterize and interpret the emergence of a polycentric Amsterdam, particularly from the point of view of the relationship between the development of transportation systems and the development of urban structure. Then – after clarifying what and why we consider the desired evolution path – we will show how certain configurations of the transportation systems could have an impact on both the urban structure and its use and perception by residents, workers and visitors.
