The Dutch have given the world some pretty great stuff over the years. Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and Mondrian in the art world. Wooden clogs, gouda cheese, Delftware and tulip mania. One of my favorite Dutch contributions to the world is their architecture. I'm not just referring to their windmills and their boxy little farmhouses nestled into the rolling countryside, or the narrow three and four story merchant homes sandwiched side-by-side on the canals of Amsterdam. I'm talking about the innovative and sometimes futuristic designs that have come out of the Netherlands since the end of WW2. Much of the world is familiar with the works of Rem Koolhaus, who has had a prolific architecture career. Among other things, he designed the Seattle Public Library and it's one of my favorite buildings. Here are a few very cool, very clever Dutch picks, all located within the Netherlands and I'm thinking a trip is in order!
The Selexyz Bookstore
Maastricht
From the outside, this former Dominican church is rather austere and somber, but pass through the double wooden doors and you enter what the UK's Guardian newspaper called "the most beautiful bookshop of all time". I don't disagree.
The Selexyz has all the fittings and trappings of any other bookshop including a cafe and sitting are tucked into what was once the home of the main altar. You can sip cappuccinos while flipping through the latest magazines or simply wander around taking in the murals and stained glass windows as you look for the latest literary works. I'm in!!
Aluminium Bos
Houten
Near Utrect, on the edge of a man-made lake, sits the Aluminium Centre. (Yes I realize that is the British spelling, but if you were to Google "aluminum center" you will not find this building. Believe me, I tried it.) This unassuming aluminum box partially extends out over the lake, perched atop rods also made of aluminum. The metal posts, called the Aluminium Forest, mimic the surrounding Birch forests and also double as drainage pipes and service conduits. Very clever.
By far, the coolest feature and the one that won me over, can only be seen at night. When the sun goes down, the building is turned into a dazzling display. Fitted to the center are several outdoor lamps called Exterior 200s and Exterior 600s. These "intelligent luminaires" create an ever changing, light show of endless colors and hues. The glow reflecting off the shiny metal and the still lake waters is lovely.
Urban Cactus
Rotterdam
An oasis in the heart of a bustling commercial center is what the Urban Cactus is meant to be. This 19-story residential building on Rotterdam's harbor was conceived by UCX Architects. Each of the levels is "rotated" to allow the most possible natural light to enter each unit. The floor plan also allows for huge outdoor terraces where residents can have private gardens and green spaces. Although very cool and somewhat retro looking, I can't actually find evidence that this has been built, nor can I find the firm's website. The image I have is an artists rendering. It's a shame too, because I would seriously consider a place like this for myself! Maybe one day it will come to fruition, but it's a great example of Dutch creativity nonetheless.
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