Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Understand
Amsterdam School Architecture
When Amsterdam School architecture started around WWI, it was as much a political movement as an aesthetic
one. Architects such as Pieter Kramer and Michel de Klerk were reacting to the decadent, elitist style of neo-
Renaissance buildings like Centraal Station, but also to appalling housing conditions for the poor. Their fantast-
ical public-funded housing projects resemble shells, waves and other organic forms; they were obsessive about
details, designing everything down to the house numbers. Some details were a bit paternalistic and controlling -
windows high in the wall were meant to deter leaning out and gossiping with neighbours - but in general the
buildings were vast improvements. Stroll around De Dageraad, then visit the museum at Het Schip (
Click here
)
near Westerpark.
