Architecture of Amsterdam - Coursework Example

Amster)Dam-Ness in Architecture Introduction The modern architecture of Amsterdam tends to be rooted somewhere in the Space Age. In order to be able to understand the present, it is critical to look at the very distant past. In this case, it will enable the understanding of all aspects of Amsterdam architecture, both modern and ancient. This is supported by Isozaki(1979) who analyzed the historical examples such as Shrine then took it to up to date. According to literature review, what has been brought out is compelling and consistent, presenting Amsterdam that alternates time also between intense receptivity periods to foreign influences as well as periods where such influences are either rejected or assimilated. Many examples left in architectural landscape have been brought out in relation to literature and they include the royal palace (Koninklijk palace,) the national monument of Dam square, the royal palace museum, Historic church of Dam square and Amsterdam city museum. They are seen to have undergone several changes over many years in order to make them look as original as possible. It can also be pointed out that the architecture tends to be flawed due to globalization. Dam square is a big center that is located within Amsterdam in the Dutch land. The center is very important in Amsterdam since it lies in a historic center of the city (Amsterdam.info 2003). With about 750meter south of the main transport hub, Dam square just from its name is roughly rectangular in shape (Amsterdam.info 2003). The name Dam came up from the original function of the town since the area was previously a dam on the Amstel River (Amsterdam.info 2003). The dam area was slowly developed and enlarged to an extent where it developed into a town. The center became a center for fish market and slowly it developed to become an economic center. Amsterdam is the preference city of study in this paper precisely because it is composed of clearly and well mapped districts. Among the districts is Dam square. Dam square has long been favored for its elegancy and historic beauty. The most unique aspect that distinguishes Dam square is the fact that it has more historically constructed buildings and tourist sites. This is special as compared to other districts in Amsterdam. It’s important to note that all the districts of Amsterdam are connected together through a canal of network and cities fabric. This paper will analyze various features and importance of the Dam square to Amsterdam city. Development Historic landmark of the great Dam Square Amsterdam main district Dam square is well known to be a major land mark that attracts numerous tourists around the globe. The city bears a broad spectrum of recreational and cultural sight (Burke, 1960, p.26). Born in the 13th Century, the city first began with construction of a Dam used to control floods affecting the larger Amsterdam city. This slowly developed and building were set up surrounding the Dam and later developed into a famous hippie. In regard to this, it is absolutely critical to mention that there are several key landmarks in Dam square ranging from historic sites and monuments and have been explored in the next section. The royal palace (Koninklijk palace) In the heart of Dam square lies the royal palace of the queen. This palace is known by the name Koninklijk palace (Amsterdam.info 2003). This word simply means that bearing the jewel in the crown and more specifically symbolized leadership of the queen (Amsterdam.info 2003). Founded in 1808, the palace was first constructed to serve as the city hall of Amsterdam. The elegancy and unique architecture of the 350 years old construction rendered king Louis Napoleon Bonaparted to convert it into a mega palace of that time (Holland.com 2013). The features and original function of the first palace are still available in Koninklijk palace since it has been preserved as a palace till today. Contrary, the Koninklijk is currently not the current residence of the present royal family of the Dutch. The palace up to date is actively used in holding official reception of dignitaries and various leaders of the country (Amsterdam.info 2003). Contrary to this report, the palace normally undergoes regular repair and renovation to keep it strong as well as its architectural design. The truth is that the original material used to construct the palace did wear out but the building plan and design has been maintained through renovations. This is a reflection on Isozaki (1979) who claimed that architectural discourse demands that the buildings should be viewed as events but not as inert objects. Noting the fact that Koninklijk palace in Dam square is currently an attractive center with unique architectural sites worth visiting. The beautiful long-lived historic center is always open for people to visit and witness past historic features including the buildings. The ancient marble floors, magnificent well and designed painting normally leaves many visitors mouth open (Holland.com 2013). The amazement of the delicate sculptures together with gigantic royal chandeliers are features no one should miss viewing (Holland.com 2013). Nevertheless, the palace also holds exhibition most probably at annual level. This also provides people with chance to experience the Dam square creativity. The royal palace museum It is important to mention that there is a royal museum which is located in the interior of the royal palace. This is another feature that is known globally which brands Dam square positively. The unique, most pleasurable and tempting visit is the annual exhibition normally organized inside the royal museum (Holland.com 2013). It is very well organized with very unique features. There are vast artifacts, utensils, currencies, weapons and drawings of the past ancestors of Netherlands found within the museum. There is a lot of worthy information and history of past empire which is very fascinating and interesting. When inside the museum, it feels like back in the 17th century. The national monument of Dam square Opposite the royal palace of Koninklijk and to the south side of Dam square lies the controversial phallic national museum statue (Kroes 1992). The monument is made up of tall white concrete pillar adorned with sculptures. It is composed of beautiful glamorous provincial crest which is located at the back of the monument. Moreover, many people prefer visiting the monument and witness the beautiful compartments with unique architectural products that are filled with soil from all the provinces of Netherlands. The size of the monument is also satisfactory. It is one of the favorite memorable sites of Dam square. The statue was erected with a sole purpose of saluting the soldiers and those members of the resistance who died in the World War II (Kroes 1992). The statue was unveiled in the year. In this case we can see that buildings can’t be taken as dead objects as claimed by Isozaki (1979). Nieuwe Kerk: Historic church of Dam square From its name Nieuwe, meaning the new church yet in real sense it is not new at all. This is one of the magnificent architectural products of Dam square. Constructed during the historic days in 1400, Nieuwe Kerk is one of the mostly visited sites in Dam square by tourist. This is by the virtue that the church is located just adjacent to the Dam square royal palace. Despite the old age, Nieuwe Kerk up to date boasts of ancient features, posture and architecture. This is one of the buildings in Dam square that preserves the ancient historic architecture of the Dutch. Despite massive challenges of fire, the new church still has restored and original grandeur (Holland.com 2013). Many visitors spend most of their time staring at the famous stainless glass windows that the church was installed with (Holland.com 2013). In addition to this, the most relaxing concerts are always performed to guests and are done on a traditional grand pipe organ (Holland.com 2013). Nieuwe Kerk (Holland.com 2013). Despite the beauty, Nieuwe Kerk suffered fire incident when it was burnt along with other building in the city in 1645. The other intentional negativity in the architectural side is that despite the size, the building does not have a bell tower. This was failed to be constructed after the fire incident. The church is currently managed by three small clocks yet smaller building has bigger clocks. Amsterdam city museum The city museum of Amsterdam holds the largest and key landmark with unique architectural products that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world annually. To be specific, museum centers like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk museum are some of the major attractive center with unique buildings and including architectural products lodged in the city of Amsterdam (Burke 1960, p.29). Notable to mention is the fact that Amsterdam as a city at large holds over 50 museums that attracts millions of visitors every year. Construction Architecture of Amsterdam city When it comes to key building landmarks, Amsterdam is privileged to hold one of the most treasured buildings in Netherlands called the Oude Kerk. This is an old church that holds so many little houses which are clinging to its sides (Amsterdam.info 2003). Oude Kirk holds the ancient architectural designs and is one of the best memorable land marks of Amsterdam. The building is known globally and people visit to witness the amazing Dutch historic construction. The building attracts many people since it is one of the oldest in the history of Amsterdam. The building also provides a calm relaxing natural safe heaven. Moreover, one of the most unique characteristic of the building is the fact that it bears octagonal bell tower symbolizing the one sailors in early renaissance used to identify their bearings with (Amsterdam.info 2003). The Oude Kirk (Amsterdam.info 2003) In the city of Amsterdam memorable building site is the Beginhof. The building vaulted passageway that leads to this charming garden which is surrounded by old houses (Amsterdam.info 2003). Historically, the building used to be occupied by devout celibate Beguine nuns (Amsterdam.info 2003). However, this continued and up to date, the building is currently still occupied by single women. The most unique feature of the building is the fact that in the middle of the lawn within the building lays an old church. Moreover, at number 35 in the lawn lies the oldest building in Amsterdam (Amsterdam.info 2003). The BeninhofIn (Amsterdam.info 2003) The Venice of the north This is a romantic name granted to the city of Amsterdam for its key pleasurable land mark. The city has got natural and beautiful canals which have created. The view of the place is very romantic. The canals are well renovated with flower garden at the banks. On visitation, there are boats that lodge there ready for any movement there are people acting as tour guide who are knowledgeable and experienced. Many tourists prefer the canal tour since it is the most fascinating experience that people travel from far to come and enjoy (Kroes 1992). At night the entire place and the bridges are normally illuminated and this has made Dam square and other canal holding districts within Amsterdam prinsengratch. Characteristics of Historical Dutch Architecture Dam square is one of the districts in Amsterdam that is blessed with robust historical architecture throughout the town. Statistic reveals that Dam square is currently the largest historic city center and also one of the oldest towns in the larger Netherlands (Citymundo.com 2012). When it comes to traditional architecture, Dam square offers the mighty Nieuwmarkt (Citymundo.com 2012). This is one of the oldest 17th century constructed building using the Old Dutch architectural designs. The building was also given another old class name De waag of the weigh house. The name given was purposefully because building’s original purpose was the east city gate security (Citymundo.com 2012). The 15th century original architectural design was used to construct and fortify the building which served as security east city gate. In the present 21st century, the building is still there as Nieuwmarkt and is currently used as restaurant within the city (Citymundo.com 2012). Dam square is also blessed with a 14 century designed building which was developed from the Dutch architectural plan. This old building worth seeing is known as Begijnhof (Citymundo.com 2012). The building is specifically located between Spui and kalverstraat. These two are architectural products of Dam square. The 14 century constructed court yard was founded by pious women who never wanted to take off her veil (Citymundo.com 2012). Dam square is also privileged to be the successive host of the Nes. This is another well designed narrow and dark side street that leads off the Dam square town. The most memorable and traditional aspect of the Nes is that it is full of many traditional theatres. They include the Flemish Culture theatre known as “De Brakke Grond” (Citymundo.com 2012). This normally attracts many people to visit Dam square. Furthermore, there are more historic buildings within Dam square including the central station build in the 19th Century by Cuper, the Dutch architect who also built the famous Rijksmuseum (Citymundo.com 2012). During the historic era of art and architecture, Baroque era is still the period where most artistic styles that were used in architecture employed exaggeration motion, clear with easily interpreted details to produce drama (Edward 1994). In regard to the Dutch land, Baroque painting was being practiced mostly in Northern Dutch areas. Notable to mention is that there was no commissioning from the church to carry out the painting (Edward 1994). It was a free initiative where not even wealthy patrons and even clergies had a voice over it (Edward 1994). In regard to Isozaki and Katsura (1980) architectural point of view, the main characteristics displayed in the art posed a broad understanding of the human nature (Edward 1994). The Baroque arts employed in Dutch revealed no relationship with mathematics. Moreover artists of the time were more interested in light and motion with loose styles that involved a collection of brush strokes that came together to show movement in the painting (Edward 1994). In the north, most architectures were supplemented with more iconography and became more popular as compared to south of Dutch land. The north posed to employ more of genre painting and was more secular as compared to other parts of Dutch land (Edward 1994). Back during the Baroque era, in Netherlands there was very little competition for jobs and other fields of work. To this effect, art was not competitive and it germinated to be more specialized and independent field (Edward 1994). The other key factor was that land was also an important element in north Holland during the Baroque art period. By the fact that Netherland was at that time a low country full of swamps, including land in artwork posed a pride of gaining land and construction of dikes to keep water off (Edward 1994). In addition to this, the baroque style of painting employed styles that broadly revealed exceeding emotion and the art of passion and theatrical display (Amsterdam.info 2003). The art also emphasis strongly the sense of tension and movement felt in the displayed paintings and sculptures (Amsterdam.info 2003). In application, there are various buildings erected in Amsterdam that display the baroque style of art. The baroque building also reveal their undulating walls, decorative surface elements and imply motion with intense regard to light and color sensation (Amsterdam.info 2003). The best example is the baroque paintings on the Roman Catholic Church. There are several paintings of ecstasies, martyrdom and even miraculous apparition (Amsterdam.info 2003).There is also the style of realism. This is very popular integral feature of baroque art that is basically used to display the artist personal impression and what concerned in their mind they shred it out through painting to the public (Edward 1994). Baroque painting (Edward 1994) Effects of globalization and isolationism to architectural principles Amsterdam is categorized to be one of the top financial centers with unique architectural products and features in Europe. This is by the fact that it is considered to be an alpha city by globalization and world cities study groups (Burke 1960, p.27). Globalization being a factor that frames lives in every corner of the world has drawbacks to the countries architectural principals (Burke 1960, p.30). As far as Dam square district of Amsterdam is concerned, people reside and are confined within their global horizon. There is no exceptional case as this is applicable to Amsterdam as a whole. In relation to Isozaki and Katsura (1980) who perceived that modernism was not able to respond to a crumbling social system related to Japan post-war, globalization effects begin in a divergent manner exhibited by the circulation of people, things and ideas related to architectural products and features that had been increasingly manifold with speed (Burke 1960,p.30) noting the adverse effect of globalization. It should be noted that such new forms of uncertainty and risk pervade social life and in the global perspective has opened both wider horizon of hope and new depth of despair (Burke 1960, p.35). This creates isolation since what people pleasurable enjoyed has resulted in forced displacement and immobility (Burke 1960, p.30). During this era, it is being exhibited that there is huge rise of uncertainty. The current cities like Amsterdam are witnessing an increased impact of globalization on self and identity in terms of architecture (Hermans & DiMaggio 2007). This experience of identity has motivated many districts in Amsterdam city to adversely look for local niches to enable them carry out identity construction. This is contrary to the architecture of Amsterdam and is caused by isolation and it’s due to globalization current scales, the number of economics, ecological, demographical, political and social linkages that is far much greater than the previous times in history (Hermans & DiMaggio 2007). Globalization has also enabled penetration of people, goods and services across borders and this has really facilitated exchange of culture, ideas and practices (Besnier & Moors 2005). Culturalism in the era of universalism Culture is the only way an ethnic group can be identified as well as preserving their practices throughout generation (Ross 1985, p.20). During the period of Universalism, Culturalism was treated as a very important aspect and it had a huge impact towards decision making. This is because most conflicts emanated from issues related to cultural practices. Furthermore, for Universalism to be effected appropriately there is need to respect and preserve individual culture to avoid conflict. For instance, preserving the unique architectural features of ancient buildings can mean preserving the culture. In relation to Isozaki and Katsura (1980) point of view, modernization should be done critically on the basis of cultural practice of the natives. This is because not all countries practice the same culture. There are very many different cultures in the entire world with different social values and logical reasoning (Joop & Arend 2007). Notable to mention is the fact that as far as universalism is taking place, no one can ever unify the cognitive and motivational processes across the world (Welschen 2005). There is a direct link between community culture, society, architecture and national identity. The societies of Netherlands are composed of mostly native’s who speak their official language Dutch. This is because Netherlands is a mono-ethnic society (Welschen 2005). Language is a key unifying factor that links the mentioned elements together. Netherlands being a mono-ethnic nation by history and tradition, it is expected that everybody to speak in one tongue and bear same accent. Not dead but social best Many people perceive buildings as dead object with no fundamental benefit a part from housing. The truth is that building can be a channel of preserving the country’s history and culture. This is in line with Isozaki (1979) who claimed that architectural discourse demands that the buildings should be viewed as events but not as inert objects. There are many examples in Dam square; where there are buildings perceived beyond just a construction. For instance, Nieuwe Kerk forms part of historic heritage in the city. This is one of the historic buildings that serve as a source of revenue through tourism. Many people travel from far to come and see this old church that was constructed in the year 1306 (Kroes 1992). The other building that serves to remind young generation on past social culture of Amsterdam is the Het Houten Huys. This building was constructed out of wood back in the year 1425 (Ross 1985, p.40). Amsterdam has only two traditional and ancient wooden building which used the old traditional Gothic architecture (Ross 1985, p.42). Today, such buildings are not just perceived as dead construction, but they are seen as reminder of culture and history of Netherlands and this supported by Isozaki (1979). They are also huge contributor to the country economy through tourism. In the 16th century, most of the traditional buildings including the wooden Het Houten Huys were razed out and new style of architecture developed to modernize construction (Ross 1985, p.38). This was the renaissance era which entirely employed architectural styles of construction. The building at this time was very distinct and contained much similar characteristic. Some of this historic features included stepped gable facades which is a common and traditional Dutch renaissance style of construction (Ross 1985, p.39). One of the presently available buildings constructed in the renaissance era is the Westerkerk. Today Westerkerk serves not only as a construction but also as a historical and cultural preservation site. Present day Amsterdam Westerkerk built in 16th Century (Ross 1985, p.25). The renaissance construction was followed by an advanced Baroque designs in the 18th Century (Ross 1985, p.42). This was a design that saw construction of the Royal palace in Dam square. Notable to mention is that at this time, architect of Dam square copied the French culture in most of their constructions (Ross 1985, p.42). Ancient architectural preservation It is important to discuss the aspect of ancient structures preservation in Dam square despite the encroachment of modernism. It is true that nothing lasts forever. This means that for future remembrance, there is need to develop strategies that will protect these ancient structures despite side effect from modernization as reflected by Isozaki (1979). In Netherlands, one of the strategies employed is reconstruction. It is true that some of this ancient structures were build up using poor materials that cant withstand modernization and change in climate over time. For example, in the 16th century, a wooden traditional building called Het Houten Huy was constructed (Bolt 1999). The wood material could not withstand the weather and modernization for long time. That is why in renaissance era, the building was razed out and reconstructed using bricks. It is still there up to today. The other strategy for maintaining ancient structures is through rehabilitation. Under this strategy, the biggest emphasis was on retention and repair of the historic materials whenever they start wearing off (Joop & Arend 2007). In case of tear and wear, replacement was the only option since the material was assumed to have worn out beyond repair (Joop & Arend 2007). The current rehabilitation standards depict that the process must focus on the structures features, finishing and spaces to collectively produce its historic original character (Joop & Arend 2007). Moreover, the concept of reconstruction is another essential preservation strategy. This is mostly employed whenever there is limited opportunity to re-create a non-surviving site (Joop & Arend 2007). Conclusion In summary, the district of Dam square is an important area within Amsterdam city. This is because Dam square is full of key land marks with unique architectural products that are of historic world class. In regards to Isozaki (1979) claim, it is evident that in terms of architectural discourse the buildings are viewed as events but not as dead objects. It is also evident that Dam square has been growing gradually from being a stop over dam center into a bigger district within the City of Amsterdam. It is in Dam square where there is so much attractive 14th century historical atmosphere (Holland.com 2013). This has transformed the robust mood and mentality of modern metropolis to a friendly and relaxed environment full of intimate sites worth a visit (Holland.com 2013). The town is now a key strategic place that has more than five roles including generating income through tourist attraction. References Amsterdam.info. (2003).Dam Square in Amsterdam. Retrieved from . Besnier, N & Moors, AC.(2005). Globalizing Culture and the Quest for Belonging: Ethnographies of the Everyday. Sociology and Anthropology. Citymundo.com.(2012). Dam Square. Retrieved from . Edward, JS (1994). 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