Amsterdams Architecture Over The Ages :: European Europe History

capital of The Netherlandss Architecture Over The AgesAmsterdam has witnessed many architectural changes during its earthly concern as a capital. From its earliest canal houses to its recent modernisation, it is a widespread array of fascinating design and architecture. Throughout this short guide, I paying attention to take you through these ages, demonstrating the designs, the reasons for them, the way of living and the way the architecture developed around the community. This guide focuses mainly on the last genius hundred years, looking at in depth at the gradual changes make to this great city, and its surrounding areas. I will also look at the great architectural achievements made over time in this area, looking at their design purposes and influences. Older architectureCentral Amsterdam ages back to over 700 years, but most of the buildings seen straight off were built in Amsterdams Golden age, about 250-500 years ago. The Golden age was the end when most of what is now known as central Amsterdam was built. Some people think it is Amsterdams best architectural achievement. Probably the most prominent building built within this time period is the canal house. These barrier all the canals in the centre of Amsterdam. Every canal house was built to be unique from any other, though built with the same shape, each one was personalised with an ornamental piece, such as the gables and plaques. Another method was to put very decorative carvings on the neck of a house. This is called necking. The picture on the right is an excellent example of necking. Due to the swamp like quality of the reclaimed land under Amsterdam, it was very hard to build buildings. Because of this wooden stilts were utilize to support the houses. They were driven into the wet ground before construction for support. Now due to the wet ground some of these supports are rotting, causing houses to tilt and give into the earth. The picture on the left is of a house on the Keizergracht, it has gradually sunk into the ground over the years causing it to lean sideways. During the time period in which these houses were built, your house taxes depended on the frontage. Meaning your taxes were determined by the width of your house. Therefore the sneaky Dutch built their houses deep and narrow to avoid painful taxing. For this same reason the staircases are very narrow and low, making it impossible to take furniture up and down them.