It is 11 a.m. on a weekday in late June in Amsterdam’s De Wallen district, and the aftermath of a vibrant night still lingers. The streets are being cleaned, a testament to the wild revelry that took place just hours before. Cigarette packs, spliff butts, and empty cannabis baggies dot the narrow alleyways, while sewage workers diligently scrub away graffiti. Through the red-curtained windows, sex workers begin their early shifts, bringing life to this 800-year-old neighborhood.
This iconic area, known as the Red Light District, has long been a symbol of Amsterdam’s hedonism and cultural diversity. René Boer, an architecture critic and resident, finds inspiration in the district’s rough edges and chaos. He believes that our living environment should reflect our spontaneous, chaotic, and subversive side, which is why he treasures the unique character of the neighborhood.
However, a threat looms over the Red Light District. With the increasing influx of tourists and unruly behavior, Mayor Femke Halsema has initiated measures to reduce the number of visitors. One controversial plan involves relocating many sex workers to a purpose-built “Erotic Center” on the outskirts of Amsterdam. This proposal has sparked a backlash, exposing the complex issues surrounding mass tourism and gentrification.
The architecture community is particularly critical of the Erotic Center plan. Anna Torres, an architect, argues that the process has been disastrous. Her graduation project, “XXX: Resexifying Amsterdam’s Red Light District,” offers an alternate vision for the district that was developed through extensive consultations. Torres believes in creating architecture with communities, rather than for them. She criticizes the proposed center for being closed-off and walled-off, lacking the integration and horizontal structure that the current district possesses.
Sex workers themselves have also voiced their concerns. They worry that the relocation plan will increase their vulnerability and impact their earnings. The lack of serious consultation on the matter has left them feeling dismissed and unheard. While some sex workers may consider the Erotic Center as a possible solution for certain individuals, they oppose any forced relocations and view the center as a complementary addition, not a replacement.
The opposition to the Erotic Center extends beyond sex workers. The proposed locations have also faced backlash from local communities, fearing the potential rise of unruly behavior in their neighborhoods. The consultation between the city and various stakeholders remains combative and in progress. The final decision on the center’s location is expected in December, pending financial backing.
The tension surrounding the Red Light District debate reflects a larger issue plaguing Amsterdam: overtourism. The city, with a population of approximately 1 million, receives an astonishing 20 million visitors annually. Efforts to control tourism through restrictions on Airbnb rentals, bans on new hotel permits, and alcohol and smoking regulations have proven insufficient. Residents lament the lack of a comprehensive plan and the inconsistent enforcement of existing regulations.
To address the problem, some suggest imposing stricter controls on the number of hotel rooms, both in Amsterdam and its surrounding areas. However, it is crucial not to sacrifice the vibrant diversity and soul of the city center in the process. Amsterdam risks becoming yet another gentrified city, devoid of its unique character and charm.
Ultimately, protecting the soul of Amsterdam requires a holistic approach. Measures must extend beyond addressing the use of cannabis or sex work, considering all the different businesses and activities that define the city. Harmony between the needs of marginalized communities, cultural preservation, and responsible tourism should guide the development of Amsterdam’s future. It is in nurturing the arts and embracing the people that the true essence of the city can be safeguarded.
As Amsterdam grapples with the battle over its soul, Mayor Halsema and city officials defend their plans, presenting a vision that caters to diverse needs. Their aim is to create a safe space for LGBTQI+ communities and offer cultural events linked to eroticism. The Erotic Center concept features a range of facilities, including sex shops, theaters, restaurants, bars, and support services.
The discussions surrounding the future of the Red Light District and Amsterdam’s livability continue. It remains essential to strike a delicate balance, finding solutions that address the challenges of overtourism while preserving the city’s charm, soul, and inclusivity.
Market Capital Research 