University of Amsterdam · Amsterdam School of Planning
Research-based answers to spatial questions.
PlanAtelier is an academic planning studio connected to the University of Amsterdam. We bring current planning research and methods to real spatial questions: how a site is used, what it needs, and which options hold up.
Clients get a clear, research-grade deliverable. Planning students, working under academic supervision, get real questions to work on.
At a glance
Academic
Supervised by planning staff of the University of Amsterdam.
Research-based
Current planning research and established methods, applied to your site.
With students
Teams of planning students bring fresh eyes and time to look closely.
Proven on campus
Piloted with UvA Campus & Facilities on the Roeterseiland campus.
Connected to the Amsterdam School of Planning, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam
How we work
From brief to handover in four steps
01
Brief
We sharpen your question with you and agree scope, deliverables and a timeline.
02
Diagnose
We study the site, its users and the policy context with established research methods before proposing anything.
03
Propose
Options and strategies, tested against the objectives agreed in the brief.
04
Hand over
A report you can act on, with open questions flagged for whoever takes it further.
Selected work
The pilot: rethinking Roeterseiland
UvA Campus & Facilities · 2026
REC Redesign, Preliminary Diagnostic Study
An assessment of seven areas of the Roeterseiland campus against three objectives: a sticky campus, better circulation and climate resilience, carried out with a team of planning students. The study lays the groundwork for the design team that follows.
Areas studied
- Shared Entrance
- B/C Entrance Forecourt
- CREA Courtyard
- The Commons
- Green Edge
- Mobility Court
- Food Truck Yard
For clients
A spatial question that deserves research-based thinking
You bring a real question and a contact person. We bring academic expertise, current planning research and a clear deliverable, often working with a team of planning students.
- Site analysis and diagnostic studies
- Strategy and option development
- Stakeholder and user research
Scope, timeline and costs are agreed with you for each project.
Working with students
Research and education in one studio
Many projects involve planning students from the University of Amsterdam, working under academic supervision. They bring fresh eyes; you get research-grade work.
Have a spatial question?
Tell us what you are working on.