Just Intermediaries? The role of project managers in making spatial projects in Amsterdam more just.

Abstract

Amsterdam has long been considered a prime example of a just city. However, there are also authors who claim that it is a just city in decline. This thesis adds to the debate surrounding Amsterdam as a just city, and looks how it could improve. In order to be able to do this, the definition of a just city will be looked at. Different concepts of justice, namely utilitarianism, libertarianism and social justice will be used to understand what a just city is. Once it is clear what a just city is, the question remains how Amsterdam can improve itself as a just city. This thesis looked at project managers of spatial developments to see how they can influence the process and outcomes of the spatial projects in Amsterdam that they manage. By doing this, this thesis offers new ways for cities to try and make them more just.