Brief Summary
This video discusses Amsterdam's plan to redesign its red-light district by creating a new erotic center. The initiative aims to address issues like over-tourism and unregulated prostitution while maintaining sex workers' safety and income. The plan involves moving a portion of the existing window brothels to a new, centralized location, potentially a high-rise or floating structure, equipped with enhanced security and diverse facilities. The proposed locations, challenges, and the controversies surrounding the project are also examined.
- Amsterdam is planning to build a new erotic center to redesign its red-light district.
- The initiative aims to address issues like over-tourism and unregulated prostitution.
- The plan involves moving a portion of the existing window brothels to a new, centralized location.
Introduction: Amsterdam's Erotic Center
Amsterdam is designing a 5,000 square meter erotic center, commissioned by the city government in 2020. This high-rise concept includes hotel rooms, offices, bars, entertainment, a store, and a restaurant, aiming to be one of Europe's largest and most advanced brothels. The locations being considered are on the outskirts of the city, sparking debate and controversy.
Project 1012: Cleaning Up the Red Light District
In 2009, a plan called Project 1012 was initiated to clean up Amsterdam's red-light district by removing low-quality buildings like window brothels and coffee shops. The approach focused on spatial changes to push crime away. However, after a decade, the project had a marginal impact on crime and created a rift between sex workers and the city government.
New Regulations and Controversial Suggestions
In 2020, Amsterdam banned organized tours of the red-light district, followed by bans on cannabis in May 2023. Additional measures included mandated bar closures, restrictions on alcohol sales, and ad campaigns targeting young British men. The mayor also considered banning international tourists from buying marijuana and introducing entrance gates to the red-light district.
Four Scenarios for the Future of the Red Light District
In 2019, Mayor Femca Halsima presented four scenarios to reduce over-tourism in the red-light district. The first scenario involved permanently changing window prostitution by closing the curtains in the vola and single districts while keeping the rooms open. The second scenario proposed removing all rooms from the vola and single districts and relocating them elsewhere. The third, most realistic scenario, suggested moving a portion of the rooms to a new location, with a commitment to creating new spaces for them.
Design and Inspiration for the Erotic Center
The government considered a single high-rise or a cluster of multi-function buildings for the new erotic center, drawing inspiration from Pasha (world's largest brothel) and Villa Tinto (Antwerp's largest brothel). The goal is to create a classy and distinct establishment by mixing hotel rooms, art exhibitions, and a debate center to avoid an isolated sex palace. Architects giannisito and Jurgen tenhuva designed a concept converting the red-light district's linear streets into a circular form, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim.
Potential Locations: NDMS vs. Zuidas
The city government considered eight regions and narrowed it down to two main locations: NDMS in North Amsterdam and Zuidas. NDMS would require a floating brothel design, while Zuidas offers two plots of land. NDMS is culturally rich but has limited accessibility via ferry, whereas Zuidas has better Metro connections but is less hip.
Concerns and Advantages of the Erotic Center
Both potential locations face opposition from homeowners concerned about noise, criminality, and the impact on children. Sex workers have also raised safety concerns. The city government argues that a centralized building would enhance security compared to the current scattered setup. The new center aims to attract clients rather than tourists, potentially increasing sex workers' incomes and reducing disturbances.
Challenges and Future Plans
The isolation of the new erotic center raises concerns about sex workers' safety, especially given the city's already stretched police force. Despite facing backlash and postponements, the mayor has a majority in the government, committed to moving some rooms from the vola to a new location.
