MOMENTS IN AMSTERDAM
ON A STUDY TRIP TO AMSTERDAM, I walked the city to investigate how people interact with buildings and space, why they do so, and how buildings can influence this. Amsterdam is also a city where old and new come together. In an aesthetically harmonious city, seeing this interaction was important to learn from as I make additions to the Essoldo.
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There were three themes that stood out to change people's interest; threshold, open to close, and old and new. The following photographs document my observations, and what I have learnt will inform how I design my space to achieve a desired feeling.
"DAM SQUARE"/
"SINT JANSSTRAAT"
These pictures show the stark contrast between Amsterdam's main square - an open space - versus a busy street, a closed space. People tended to gather and look around in the square, whereas the street was more of a route. The street did however spark moments of interest from the onlooker, with signs, lights and glimpses tempting people down.
"DE OUDE KERK"/
"MVRDV APARTMENTS"
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"MATERIAL TYPOLOGY"
The old East Church has had extensions which whilst of the same construction [brick] are painted a bold red. This strikes a contrast between old and new, making the original building stand out clearly, rather than be lost behind refurbishment. Similarly, MVRDV's apartments have different facades donating different layouts and types. Material is used in these examples to highlight differences, resulting an a bolder visual impact.
"STEDELIJK MUSEUM"/
"VAN GOGH MUSEUM"
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"THRESHOLDS OPENING"
The entrance to the Stedelijk Museum is defined by a large white mass arching over the pathway. This creates a point to mediate between the inside and out, the passerby feels part of the building and interested about entering when walking through. The Van Gogh Museum uses this in the opposite way, showing a large space upon entry, to create a sense of arrival and destination from the outside.
"EYE FILM MUSEUM"
"NEW INTERVENTION"
On an isolated sight, with little surroundings or landscape, the geometry of the EYE film museum draws all attention towards it as a focal point. Building sites and empty, derelict space behind evaporate as all focus is on the building.
"NEMO SCIENCE MUSEUM"/
"EYE FILM MUSEUM"
"DRAW ATTENTION"
The step up into the science museum draws people in with curiosity, whilst the step down in the film museum literally puts the view of the river centre stage. In both examples, a stepped effect has been used to draw attention.
"RIJKSMUSEUM"
"OLD/NEW, OPEN THRESHOLD"
The refurbished entrance to the Rijksmuseum is central to the building. The materiality of old and new compliment each other, elevating the overall aesthetic, whilst an open space develops into smaller ones, drawing people into the building. Seeing people move and gather makes this an exciting space which a passerby needs to investigate.
click image for full drawing
"ENTRANCE TO RIJKSMUSEUM"
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CAD LINE MOMENT DRAWING
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