An expert team from DSP-groep assists the City of Amsterdam in its policy making on the Night Time Economy. Keeping nightlife areas attractive and, most importantly, safe.

The development of nightlife areas and events in the city brings many opportunities. On the other hand, there is increased pressure on public spaces and the residential function in the vicinity of nightlife areas and event locations. This pressure is often accompanied by an increase in nuisance, from noise to waste and bicycle parking.

Positive behavioral approach

The basic premise of the positive behavioral approach is that nightlife areas play an important social role and most of the nightlife public go out to have a nice evening. Nuisance and violence arise as a result of an escalation process: under the influence of light, noise, crowds, temperature and alcohol and drug use, a context is created in which people react more strongly to situations. By facilitating a good inflow and outflow of visitors and sufficient and recognizable facilities and signs/referrals, a calm basis can be created, which can prevent a lot of unnecessary inconvenience. This basis can then be expanded with a safety approach that focuses on hospitality and experience. All in order to reduce the risk of escalation.

Recent behavioral experiments, monitors and pilots DSP-groep

The DSP-groep has carried out various studies into this positive behavioral approach in recent years. In addition, we have been involved in various behavioral experiments, we monitor pilots and we advise on the design of nightlife areas. Some examples of recent projects are (in Dutch):

Would you like to know more?

Contact Daniel Hofstra – dhofstra@dsp-groep.nl