Space can be a bit of an abstract concept, right? 

There are places in the world where you can drive for hundreds of kilometers and not see a single building or even person. In that scenario you may think to yourself ‘the world has plenty of space for everyone.’

On the flip side, you get dropped in Amsterdam and it may feel like ‘Ouff, is there really a house for me in this city? Or will I get pushed outside to a neighbouring town just to get a roof over my head?. 

It turns out, the problem isn't always about how much physical land we have. It’s about perspective, efficiency, and functionality.

In collaboration with Dentsu Labs we were very excited to present a panel that brought a distinct yet valuable perspective to the conversation. Guided by moderator Pascal Rotteveel (Global Executive Creative Director at Dentsu Lab), three visionary thinkers brought their distinct lenses to the stage:

Stephanie Akkaoui Hughes:  Investor, entrepreneur and systems thinker exploring environments and human behaviour

Hans Meyer:  Co-Founder and Managing Director of Zoku, rethinking spaces for home, work, and social life

Naud van der Padt:  Founder of Leafy, transforming unused urban façades into living ecosystems

Together, they unpacked how space, design, and efficiency intersect, leading to three key insights from the session:

1. Space isn't neutral, it shapes us

Our surroundings quietly dictate how we feel, how we interact, and how we build community. True design goes far beyond aesthetics or modern decor; it directly engineers our social well-being and daily mental state.

2. Scarcity is about access and flexibility, not just square meters

Instead of constantly pouring new concrete, we need to rethink how we use existing spaces, integrate green urban infrastructure as a necessity, and embrace adaptability over rigid planning.

3. Cities are living organisms

Designers set the stage, but people bring spaces to life.By leaving room for undefined, open spaces, we allow communities to co-shape their environments and connect naturally.

Why partnerships matter 

Bringing big ideas to life takes more than just a single perspective. That's why collaborations like the one between TEDxAmsterdam and Dentsu Lab are so meaningful.

“By teaming up with a partner like TEDx, we get access to all kinds of different thinkers and audiences, and really get the inspiration that we need to bring solutions that drive that societal and business impact that we're looking for." - Pascal Rotteveel

By bridging creative innovation with open community conversations, we can tackle  real-world challenges such as  the future of our urban spaces in ways no single industry could do alone.

Share your idea worth spreading

We’re always looking to collaborate with partners who want to spark meaningful discussions and shape the future. Partner with TEDxAmsterdam, and let’s share your idea worth spreading. Say hi partners@tedxamsterdam.nl

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