Pakhuis de Zwijger focuses on the future of the region, our country and the world from an urban perspective through its programs and projects. Our approach to the large and complex social issues and challenges is value-driven and the programs and projects aim to contribute to better cities for everyone.

Future focused
We are an independent and progressive platform for everyone who has ideas and plans for the cities of tomorrow. Or better yet: for the whole world. We have a curious attitude and look critically at the past and present. In our programming we investigate new solutions for urgent social issues and tasks – such as affordable housing, equal opportunity or sustainable economies – whereby we constantly ask ourselves: in what kind of a world do we want to live in the future?

Urban
We look at global developments from the perspective of the city. After all, cities are the places where the major challenges of our time – such as racism, climate change and gentrification – manifest themselves in a pronounced way. Cities are also places of progress and innovation. Many different people live there, all with their own dreams, ambitions and wishes. When we bring these people together, creativity is spawned and unexpected solutions arise for the major challenges we face.

Connected
Politics, economy, ecology and social issues: they are all interconnected. In the city, the country and all over the world. That is why we believe in an integrated approach. Only when we see the whole picture can we develop sustainable solutions. That is why we connect people from different disciplines and bring together individuals with a variety of opinions. In this way we arrive at conversations that generate innovative ideas that make the world and the city a better place.

Humane
We build cities for all. Cities are becoming increasingly diverse. There is no majority of one population group: differences in age, cultural background, gender (identity), religion, sexual orientation, and physical, mental and economic capacities are an intrical part of the city. Cities where everyone feels at home. Where the human dimension is at the centre, where exclusion has no place, representation and power distribution are in balance and all people are given equal opportunities.

 

Sustainability
We focus on an economy in which the well-being, health and resilience of people and the planet are at the centre, here and all around the world. In doing so, we respect the limits of our earth and commit to circularity, climate, environment and biodiversity. We are on our way to a sustainable city and society.

Equality
It all starts in the street, the neighbourhood and the district. This is where the people are with whom we want to build a better city and metropolitan area, a more beautiful world: a bottom-up approach. Here, residents, entrepreneurs and social organisations have a seat at the table, alongside governments, the business community and knowledge institutions. Only through cooperation between all stakeholders within the city and region can we arrive at sustainable solutions for everyone.

Design
We see all urban issues as design-related. By bringing together designers, artists and other creatives, we make room for imagination and different ways of looking at things. For example, we work on design principles with which we can shape a world that contributes to the happiness and well-being of all its residents.

Value-oriented
We bring people together, find common denominators and are not afraid to start awkward conversations. In order to take the next step together, we use the value-oriented dialogue as a form of discussion. The dialogue focuses on listening, understanding and constructive cooperation with one another.

Accessible
We offer space to all people who are committed to a city for all. We explicitly make room for marginalised groups, so that everyone (regardless of age, cultural background, capacities, faith and gender) is heard. We ensure that innovations and ideas that contribute to just and sustainable cities are given a stage. Access to our conversations is and will remain free.

Storytelling
We use storytelling to put current topics on the agenda and present innovative ideas. Stories inspire, give meaning and appeal to the imagination. We ensure that new talents and established names can meet one another. This creates new stories and exchanges between different points of view and mutual understanding.

Aankomende programma’s
Amsterdamse Architectuurprijs 2025 1
Corporatiecore!
In gesprek over innovatieve trends in sociale woningbouw.
Vandaag, 19.30
Reserveer
Diaspora Dialogen 11
Nowruz
Welcoming the arrival of spring and celebrating Nowruz (Persian New Year).
Vandaag, 20.00
Reserveer
VPRO Tegenlicht special 7
Meer AI, minder mensenwerk
Vanavond in première. Hoe ziet ons werk er in de toekomst uit als AI steeds meer werk kan overnemen?
Morgen, 20.00
Reserveer
Vrij Nederland 3
De opgeschudde wereldorde
De Avond van Vrij Nederland draait om de razendsnel veranderende verhoudingen in de wereld. Wat doen we als we niet meer op Amerika kunnen rekenen?
Morgen, 20.00
Reserveer
Kringwijs presenteert: training voor buurtbewoners 1
Iemand Erbij
Leer hoe je het best kunt handelen in een crisissituatie met uiteenlopende problematiek.
vr 4 apr, 09.30
Fotokroniek 109
Jan Dirk van der Burg
Tijdens deze aflevering van Fotokroniek presenteert Jan Dirk van der Burg zijn nieuwe fotoboek ‘Waar wil je me hebben?'.
vr 4 apr, 20.00
Reserveer
Film screening & discussion
A night of Syrian stories, solidarity & hope
Screening of the film 'For Sama'. How can we stand with Syrians rebuilding their future? Together with Waad al-Kateab.
ma 7 apr, 19.30
Reserveer
Gekaapt door het kapitaal 1
Het kapitaal en de klas
Commerciële belangen krijgen meer en meer greep op ons onderwijs. Hoe kunnen we dat stoppen?
ma 7 apr, 20.00
Reserveer
BioBlitz 1
BioBlitz: Samen uit vogelen
Kom BioBlitzen op het Marineterrein en help jouw stad vergroenen! Deze keer spotten we vogelsoorten in de vroege morgen.
wo 9 apr, 07.00
Reserveer
Tegenlicht Meet Up 253
Game of drones
Wat betekent het wanneer we automatische wapensystemen zo’n grote rol geven in beslissingen over leven en dood?
wo 9 apr, 20.00
Reserveer
Kringwijs presenteert: training voor buurtbewoners 2
Iemand Erbij
Leer hoe je het best kunt handelen in een crisissituatie met uiteenlopende problematiek.
vr 11 apr, 09.30
Land van Ons presenteert
Van monocultuur naar natuurinclusieve landbouw
Hoe brengen we meer leven in de landbouw? Een filmdag met drie inspirerende documentaires over hoe het wél kan.
vr 11 apr, 14.00
Koop kaarten
Ruimte! Ruimte! Ruimte!
Dringen in het Noordzeekanaalgebied
Hoe verdelen we de ruimte slim om het toch al overvolle Noordzeekanaalgebied toekomstbestendig te maken?
ma 14 apr, 19.30
Reserveer
Designing Technology for All x FemData 3
Shaping the future of AI
How can we influence AI to ensure it benefits society? We explore how EU regulations and grassroots initiatives can shape the impact of AI.
ma 14 apr, 20.00
Reserveer
Filmvertoning en nagesprek
Blauwe ballen en andere verkrachtingsmythes
Wegens succes een tweede vertoning van de film gemaakt door Sunny Bergman. Als zoveel vrouwen seksueel geweld meemaken, wie zijn dan diegenen die hen dat aan doen?
ma 14 apr, 20.00
Volgeboekt
De Architect x PDZ
Vakmanschap van vroeger voor straks
Traditioneel vakmanschap maakt een comeback. We gaan in gesprek over bouwen met bakstenen en bio-based materialen.
di 15 apr, 20.00
Reserveer
Biodiversity X Finance
Groene landbouw, rode cijfers
Hoe kunnen financiële innovaties de transitie naar natuurinclusieve landbouw versnellen?
di 15 apr, 20.00
Reserveer
NJi x PDZ
Ravijnjaar 2026
In 2026 moeten gemeenten ruim 2 miljard bezuinigen. Hoe kunnen ze hierin de juiste keuzes maken met het oog op het sociaal domein?
wo 16 apr, 19.30
Reserveer
Universiteit Leiden x PdZ
Conflictoplossing door rechter of overheid
Bij wie kan de burger terecht om conflicten op te lossen?
wo 16 apr, 20.00
Reserveer
In de spotlight