The document discusses re-inventing the Amsterdam urban block through improving existing structures. It presents three strategies for improving canals-streets, streets-facades, and courtyards. Specifically, it details a proposal to extend facades to better connect public and private spaces and transition between uses. Diagrams and sections show the starting point, types of transitions, and proposed strategy involving four steps. It also discusses abstracting and defining the block, and improving courtyards by analyzing the existing condition and defining public versus private volumes and functions.