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Amsterdam (NH): 'Het Schip' (M. de Klerk, 1917-1921)

Probably the most classic example of Amsterdam School architecture is this remarkable complex, which was built for dockers and railway workers on a triangular piece of land. Its typical, apparently in the eyes of many people ship-like, shape soon earned it its name of Het Schip (and not 'Het Scheep' as some sources in the English language insist to call it, even though no such word exists). It is also often incorrectly called 'Eigen Haard', after the housing association that ordered its construction.This was the third complex De Klerk designed for this neighbourhood, and it is by far the most expressive. This complex has it all; an imaginative layout, complex craftmanship, odd shapes and more unnecessary ornamentation than you would normally expect in a building for the working class. The roofing tile-clad spire for instance, which has no other function than simply to mark the building's presence. Details are typical for the Amsterdam School too; there are windows and arches in the parabola-shape. All windows are held in thick wooden frames which are often decorated themselves. Roofing tiles are used in a decorative way too, often vertically. It's a true palace for the people, and was a major improvement in workers' living-conditions.
Right: the first picture and this one suggest a symmetry that would be there at this point (and at this point only) if only it would not be disturned by the strange bulb in the corner we see better in the next picture.

 

 

 

 

This project must have demanded the very best of skills bricklayers and carpenters can possibly have. The left-hand picture probably illustrates this better than anything, but there are more odd shapes to be found.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part of the complex is this former post-office. Imagine having to clean all those windows! Just visible in the right-hand picture is a multicoloured object which unfortunately spoils the view at the complex at this point.

 

A gate gives access to a small triangular courtyard.

 

 

 

 

 

Left and right: two views of the complex taken from the courtyard. It's obvious that the look of the complex was not merely meant for passers-by, but for its residents in the first place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few years before construction of this complex, a school had been built on part of its location. De Klerk incorporated it in his design; his complex more or less is wrapped around and over it.

 

 

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