Urban Justice in Amsterdam's Red-Light District

Background 

With increasing pressure on urban spaces, justice in participation processes becomes increasingly important. In the Red Light District, various interests – from residents to entrepreneurs and sex workers – are often diametrically opposed. At the same time, many stakeholders feel unheard in decision-making. This project addresses the growing need for tools that support professionals in dealing with conflicts and strengthening marginalized voices. By integrating justice into urban development processes, we contribute to fairer and more inclusive cities. 

Research Question 

How can urban professionals like planners, policymakers and designers integrate justice perspectives into participation processes, in order to balance conflicting interests in urban development projects? 

Project Goal 

To develop an instrument that helps urban professionals make justice practically applicable in participation processes, focusing on balancing conflicting interests. 

Research Method 

The project combines research and co-creation. We analyze existing methodologies and conduct interviews with stakeholders in the Red Light District. Together with local stakeholders such as policymakers, residents, and entrepreneurs, we develop and test a prototype of the instrument. By working iteratively and closely involving all stakeholders, we strive for a practical tool that integrates justice into participation processes. 

Expected Result 

At the end of the project, we will present a prototype of a justice instrument that can be adapted to other urban contexts. This instrument helps professionals balance conflicting interests and make participation more inclusive. In addition, insights and experiences are shared in an accessible handbook, publications, and lectures, with which we expect broad impact in both practice and education. 

• "In the Red Light District, various interests have sometimes become diametrically opposed. It would be a great outcome if this project could contribute to just and inclusive solutions. Other areas can then learn from this."  

• Marthe Singelenberg, Senior researcher 

Social Impact 

The project promotes inclusive decision-making by giving marginalized voices a greater role in urban development processes. The instrument provides policymakers and designers with practical tools to reconcile conflicting interests, making urban transformations more just and effective. This contributes to the social cohesion and livability of diverse urban areas. 

Impact on Education and Research 

The insights from the project are integrated into educational programs such as the Public Administration course "The Just City" and the Master Urban Management. Students learn how to practically apply justice in urban issues. In addition, the project contributes to research on participation and justice, with publications in academic and professional journals. This makes the instrument not only a practical tool but also a valuable source for knowledge development and educational innovation. 

Research Team 

• Marthe Singelenberg 

• Iris Hagemans 

Involved from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) 

• Centre of Expertise Rechtvaardige Stad (Just City) 

• Lectoraat Coördinatie Grootstedelijke Vraagstukken (Coordination of Metropolitan Issues) 

• Lectoraat Emerging Technology for Business 

External Partners 

• Prostitution Information Centre 

• Gemeente Amsterdam (Municipality of Amsterdam) 

• Studio Anna Torres 

Funding Provider 

• Regieorgaan SIA