The 'Glimpses' manifestation was set up by ARCAM, Amsterdam Centre for Architecture, and the Center for Architecture New York. The project explores the long-term future of both cities, and focuses on creating a vibrant and sustainable city. Space&matter was invited to create a glimpse on the future of dwelling in Amsterdam.

Recently Dutch parliament has officially given up on the once cherished multicultural society. The states ideal to be a society in which people with different cultural backgrounds respectfully coexist, did not have the desired outcome. Also the social connection between different educational backgrounds has considerably decreased since the church lost its influence on Dutch society. Today we find ourselves in a polarizing society in which differences in culture, education level and political standpoint are becoming more distinct then ever. As a result people are increasingly drawn to like minded individuals. Amongst those, they find security in a collective identity. Our glimpse into the future contemplates on how this polarizing trend can be turned around into a cohesive society.

Since the commercial developments are scarce in the current financial climate, much hope is aimed at private initiative. Especially collective private commissioning (CPO) or building groups (usually friends or like-minded people) are encouraged to take initiative and develop their own buildings. What if a complete neighborhood would be build up by building groups. What if these groups would be clustered in interest based building blocks with a collective courtyard. What if one of the buildings around the courtyard would be social sector housing. What if the residents of the block have the responsibility to fill the ground-floor plinth with specific amenities so they would be actively opened to the neighborhood. Would people that feel safe in their collective dwelling environment be more open to others? Would articulating cultural differences on block-scale create an inviting and accessible heterogeneity. Could a juxtaposition of these microcosms be a way to evoke a socially sustainable society?