Between June and July 2021, Waag team conducted a number of street interviews at Amsterdam Science Park, aimed at harvesting bottom-up perceptions, feelings and perspectives around greening and biodiversity aspects and qualities. For the interviews, the team made use of a map of the ASP as a guide for conversation. The team engaged with a variety of people, including students, workers, children, passers-by and others. 

Key discoveries

On the topic of 'diversity of functions', while there is diversity of use amongst the informants, on an individual level their usages of the park are more homogenous. Most actors defined a strict effective use of the park, meaning that they did not visit, nor had awareness of some of the other uses and meanwhile initiatives on site. Almost all interviewees reported a fear of 'boxification' and the need for more green spaces, both for recreational and sport activities.

The effective use of the park by its users is contrasted with a high affection and appreciation for the area. Most of the actors expressed a high 'fondness' of the area, fitting to their personal needs.

In addition to the lack of awareness of other functions and stakeholders on site, wayfinding was mentioned as an issue. Many interviewees highlighted that public space could be improved, redesigning it in ways that foster exchange, interaction and natural exploration of the area.

Science Donner and Anna's Tuin and Ruigte were highly regarded as the only meanwhile initiatives that were known amongst most of the interviewees. This confirmed that the 'opportunity' of existing strong meanwhile initiatives on site is shared amongst the users of the park. However, both initiatives are dependent on either financial support or permissions from both the Amsterdam Municipality in general and the masterplan consortium. It demonstrates that the 'opportunity' of existing meanwhiles and challenge or complex governance need for local funding and 'support of masterplan consortium' are heavily intertwined.