Amsterdam Modern Architecture

Amsterdam has recently experienced a new wave of modern architecture that started in the 90's. Here are some buildings and locations where these impressive designs can be seen.

 

The KNSM Eiland
What were formerly factories on the eastern docklands of Amsterdam city, is now an impressive island of renovated and modern houses, apartments, shops and restaurants thanks to city planner Jo Coenen (1993). Keep your eye out for the 'Piraeus' (Hans Kollhoff, 1994) and 'Barcelona' (Bruno Albert, 1994) buildings.

 

Rokin 99
This extraordinary, post-modern, office building, no wider than a residential building, was designed by Architect Mart van Schijndel with an unusual green glass front (1990).

 

Java-eiland
This neighbouring island was finished in 2000 and created by city planning designer Sjoerd Soeters (1995) with the help of various architects. The small canals and bridges criss-crossing the island are extraordinary and some have dubbed this 'architecture touristique’.

 

NewMetropolis (NEMO)
Renzo Piano built this science museum in the shape of a ship that rises from or sinks into the waves, depending on the viewer. In fact , Piano reflected the shape of the IJ tunnel that disappears under the building (1997).

 

New wing Van GoghMuseum
Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa designed an oval-shaped exhibition room that already taken on several nicknames, including ‘The Oyster’ (1999).

 

Passengers Terminal Amsterdam
Danish architectural firm Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum designed this building mainly of glass in the form of a wave or a whale, depending on whom you ask (2000).

 

Silodam
Designed by architects of MVRDV , this residential building resembles a container ship (2002).

 

Oklahoma
A complex of senior housing in de Westelijke Tuinsteden designed by MVRDV (1997).