Java Island

Another part north of Amsterdam center is Java Island. Formerly a shipping and warehouse district for KNSM Shipping, it's now been reclaimed for residential buildings. Here you see much more modern design and a few nice shops including 90sq. meters, a destination for sneakerheads and style enthusiasts. Check the detail shot closely, it's bamboo reinterpreted in concrete, complex simplicity?

Amsterdam Architecture

As the city of Amsterdam was founded in 1275, the city's architecture is quite old. You can see that aesthetic resonates in many perspectives of the culture. It's not necessarily the most important thing that it looks great, as long as it is efficient and functions well. I was quite surprised at the level of sophistication of the interiors of these old buildings. Well maintained and modern on the inside in complete harmony with the vintage exteriors. Timeless design. Many times you can also discover very new and modern buildings amidst the old, which created a nice tension.

Gaudi

Though I was not able to visit any of the Gaudi works on this trip, I did visit them previously and am taking the opportunity to show the images again since I was in Barcelona. There is a deep connection between Gaudi and the new organic forms that are being created by computer and only manufacturable by rapid prototype machine. Both were inspired by nature. Supernature.

ARCAM

This amazing building is the Architectuurcentrum Amsterdam or "Arcam". The current exhibition focuses on the history of life on boats and barges, and future prospects for floating architecture. For the Dutch, life, water, and boats are so intertwined, you can see the influence of one on the other in the shapes and textures of modern architecture.