Contemporary Iconic Architecture in Amsterdam: Bilbao ...indusedu.org/pdfs/IJRESS/IJRESS_1007_21645.pdf · Guggenheim Bilbao, the city is still developing its contemporary Iconic

Muhammad Hegazy Ali, International Journal of Research in Engineering and Social Sciences,

ISSN 2249-9482, Impact Factor: 6.301, Volume 06 Issue 12, December 2016, Page 19-34

http://indusedu.org Page 19

Contemporary Iconic Architecture in

Amsterdam: Bilbao Effect hunting the

City?

Muhammad Hegazy Ali (Assistant Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Suez Canal University, Ismailia,

Egypt)

Abstract: Image of the city is what makes it distinctive among other, as well as the perception of people

towards that place and how it remarks in their memories. Iconic architecture is among the major shapers of this

image, where a remarkable, eye-catching design gives sharper identity for the place. The feature of being iconic

can fit both old and modern buildings. However, the study focuses on contemporary iconic architecture that

became a trend in the 1990’s, using technology and radical design forms by famous architects.

Amsterdam has a dominant image of traditional architecture, an image that is replaced rapidly by

international style buildings, and a few Iconic buildings. This replacement is promoted by policies encouraging

creativity while urbanizing more and more lands around the city center. NEMO center is a good example of a

successful iconic building as a touristic attraction and a landmark for the city center. However, compared to

Guggenheim Bilbao, the city is still developing its contemporary Iconic architecture, where the Bilbao effect

does not seem to be the first priority rather than redevelopment and gentrification of suburbanites within the

city.

Keywords: Iconic Architecture, Amsterdam, Bilbao Effect, City Image

I. INTRODUCTION Problem Statement

Among one of the major features giving the city its unique image, is architecture. Architecture creates

the identity of the city in a way that makes it unique and identifiable from others. Therefore, prosperous

societies always tend to build architectural landmarks to identify their cities and themselves, this is clearly seen

in the spacious, gigantic cathedrals in European cities, as well as the ultra-complicated ornaments in Gothic

architecture. These types of architecture are meant to be “Iconic”, different from the other average buildings of

the city, as their function exceeds the normal physical activities (residence, commerce) to a surreal role

expressing the identity of the city, and -of course- the values of local society.

However, the “Iconic Architecture” meant in this study is not the old architectural marvels of the cities,

as these buildings were breakthroughs only in their time (in terms of technology), but now they are more

recognized for their historical and cultural originality. In contrast, the study focus on the Iconic architecture as a

new trend of postmodern architecture where the uniqueness of these buildings comes from their ultra-modernity,

the technology used to build them, the novelty and aesthetic sensation for the form of the building and how

much the building express the values and qualities of its physical and nonphysical environments. Examples of

Iconic Architecture can be found in almost all world cities, such as Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Palm Islands), London

(Swiss Re-Tower, Shard tower, London Eye) and Sydney (Opera Sydney, Harbor Bridge) and Singapore (Bay

South Garden, Marine Bay).

Modern Iconic architecture promotes the city image and attracts more tourists to come and see these

technological and aesthetic marvels, a phenomenon that is often known as “Bilbao effect”. However, some cities

(especially in Europe) are resisting this trend, refusing to change their face. For example, Paris has adopted

many urban policies to control shapes and heights of the buildings in the city, in order to preserve the superiority

and uniqueness of the Eiffel tower, which was built in 1889 (too old to be modern iconic). Another example is

Amsterdam, where the dominant architectural image is still the traditional colonial brick buildings, with an

increasing number of “international style” systematic glass buildings, and very little modern iconic architecture.

Significance

The significance of this study lies in its novel approach to criticize the image of Amsterdam city

regarding architecture, and the apparent domination of the modern buildings invading the classic character of

the city. The study responds to many questions about the future of Amsterdam, and people’s reaction to this

change. In addition, the study sets up a holistic comparative study on contemporary iconic buildings within

Amsterdam, uncovering the similarity pattern behind being iconic, and demonstrates whether the city is

experiencing a significant Bilbao effect or not.




Question and Sub-issues

The main question of this study: “To what extend is the trend of Modern Iconic Architecture

changing the face of Amsterdam?” this question focuses on the effects of “Iconic Architecture” phenomenon

on Amsterdam, and if the city’s municipality and residents promote this trend or resisting it. Moreover, a

number of sub issues are discussed and investigated; including exploring the architectural image of Amsterdam,

examples of modern iconic architecture, comparing the “NEMO” museum to Guggenheim museum in Bilbao as

both of them plays a vital role in changing the urban image of the city.

Methodology

The methodology of this study is generally a deductive quantitative, includes three themes; the first

part will discuss the image of the city and Iconic architecture in terms of definitions, approaches, features and

the mutual connections between them, by reviewing and analysis of related literature. The second part will

explore the architectural image of Amsterdam in general, reviewing the main three types of buildings

(Traditional, international style, modern iconic), then examples of the modern iconic architecture in Amsterdam

will be reviewed to conclude features and urban policies behind their creation. Fieldwork and site visits will be

the main source of data, as well as related literature and governmental reports. The third part set up a

comparative study between “Nemo” building in Amsterdam and Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, Spain. The

comparison will focus on the historical approaches, functions, policies and effects of the buildings on both

cities.

Limitations of the study

The main limitations can be expressed as follows: First, the sample size for the comparative study

regarding iconic buildings in Amsterdam is limited to 11, the criteria of choosing what is more “iconic” than the

other depends mainly on the availability to visit, and its unorthodox shape. However, the discussion of other

relevant factors is beyond the scope of this paper. Secondly, the study was geographically limited to the city of

Amsterdam. As a result, the evaluation and analysis of Guggenheim Bilbao relies on literature analysis and

available data, but not on field visits or face-to-face inspection.

Image of the City and Iconic Architecture

In his book “The image of the city”, Kevin Lynch stated that structuring and identifying the

environment is a major ability among all mobile animals, where a set of indicators are used, such as the visual

sensation of color, shape, motion, light as well as other senses such as smell, sound, and touch. Clear city image

enables one to move easily and quickly, and the more vivid and integrated is the physical setting, the sharper is

the image of the city. (Lynch, 1960, pp. 3-4)

In fact, the image of the city is its character, unique features, as well as the perception of observers

towards it. It can be defined as “the extent to which a person can be recognize or recall a place as being distinct

from other places” (Muge Riza, 2011, p. 294). This image, more like the face of the city, can be formed

according to many aspects, some are natural (landscape, topography, climate), where the others are man-made

(Built environment, Architecture, Hardscape), as well as the nonphysical features such as culture and traditions.

Cities are recognized and have their own identity for many reasons, physical and nonphysical. For

example, traditions of local people in Delhy, international events in Cannes, European institutions in Brussels,

and dazzling nature of Morondava (Madagascar) (see Figure and Figure1). However, architecture is one of the

most effective factors that form the image of the city, specially the iconic architecture.

Figure1.1 Institutional building in

Brussels. Source: (Author)

Figure1.2 Morondava nature.

Source: (Vassen, 2010)

Iconic architecture can be defined as those types of buildings that are well known inside the profession,

as role models for some supremacy in technology, aesthetic values, and form. This fame always spread among

the non-professionals too, as recognition of building uniqueness and aesthetics, and sometimes for historical

value. Sklair states that the building as an icon is not a nonsense celebrity, but for “processing specific

symbolic/aesthetic qualities, qualities that are the subject of considerable debate within the recent rise of

blogosphere, debate to which the general public actively contributes” (Sklair, 2010).




In general, Iconic buildings are not limited by time. Giza pyramids (built 4500 years ago), Hagia

Sophia (built 1500 years ago) and even Eiffel tower (built 128 years ago), can be considered iconic architecture,

because they had the same features of recognition and uniqueness in their own time, but now, their technological

supremacy is away outdated, and their forms can be easily replicated swiftly and accurately using contemporary

techniques. Therefore, the study is focused on the iconic architecture of this time; the “contemporary”

architectural marvels built using technology not earlier than that of the 1990’s. In addition, the reputation of the

architect is very effective, a phenomenon known as “star-architects”, where famous recognized architects are

invited to have their signature on cities, to promote its image internationally and attract more visitors.

In this way, contemporary iconic architecture is those buildings or structures having a set of common

features:

Relatively modern, make use of state of the art building and design technologies.

Eye-catching, has a radical unique design.

Designed by a famous, award-winning architect.

Holds aesthetic and abstract qualities beyond the normal functions, expressing the identity of the city or

its function (art in itself).

Attracts visitors for its sole architecture, not just for the function within.

Iconic Architecture in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the world’s top destinations. According to MasterCard index 2012, Amsterdam

came the 17th

worldwide and the 9th

in Europe with 6.9 million international visitors (Wong, 2012). The city is

known for its liberal policies towards sex and drugs, as well as gay parades and other matters that are often not

allowed elsewhere. Along with adult tourism, it is also known for its dazzling canals, beautiful architecture and

great number of museums in almost all aspects.

A tour within Amsterdam city center can give a comprehensive idea of its dominant architectural

image. Most of building types can fit in four categories; Pre-19th

century monumental buildings, Traditional

brick houses, modern institutional / residential buildings, and Iconic buildings. The central station is a good

example for the 19th

century architecture in the city (Figure). The famous Dutch architect Petrus J.H. Cuypers,

assisted by Adolf L. Gendt for structure system and the platform hall, built it between 1881 and 1889. The

building style is a concoction of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance styles (History of Amsterdam Central

Station, 2015). Another example is the Royal palaces (Koninklijk Palace), which was built in 1665 by architect

Jacob Van Campen, it was constructed entirely with white stone with rich decorations and sculptures (Figure).

In addition, famous artists such as Rembrandt and Ferdinand Bol contributed to the interior(History of Royal

Palace, Amsterdam, 2015). Other examples to this type of architecture includes; Montel baanstoren(16th

century), Westerkerk (17th

century), and Oude Kerk (15th

century) (Figure and Figure).

Figure1.3 Amsterdam central station

Source: (Author)

Figure1.4 Royal palace in Dam square

Source: (Author)

Figure1.5 Montelbaanstoren

Source: (Author)

Figure1.6 Oude Kerk

Source: (Author) Another type of buildings in the city is traditional brick houses. Many of these houses were built during

the golden age of the city. They are characterized by brick (often brown) walls, sloped roofs, limited width,




minimal decoration with heavy cornices, and a top decorated crown(chimney like)with a hinge (used to move

furniture in and out). There are much examples of these houses and most dominant closer to the city center

(Figure).

Figure1.7 Examples of traditional houses in Amsterdam

Source: (Author)

A third example is the modern architecture, mostly adopting the “international style” principals in

design (Figure). These buildings are often pure boxes, of concrete or brick, very functional with no decorations

at all. Many of these buildings are made also of steel and covered with curtain wall glass. They cover a wide

range of uses including residential, commercial, education and institutional. The first perception about these

buildings is that they can be found anywhere worldwide. They reflect a globalized standard of international style

architecture more than reflecting the image of Amsterdam itself. This type is more dominant outside the city

center, especially in Bijlmer.

Figure1.8 Examples of modern architecture in Amsterdam

Source: (Author)

The fourth type of architecture in Amsterdam is the contemporary iconic architecture, of which the

study focuses most. There has been a lot of debate around when to call a building “Iconic”, and who can do it. In

fact, a selection criterion was followed to choose the most expressive iconic structures within Amsterdam. This




criterion relies on the previously discussed definitions and features of Iconic buildings. A set of 11 buildings

were selected for review and analysis (Figure 1-1):

Figure 1-1 A map showing selected projects for review

Source: (Author)

Figure 1-2 Projects distribution by opening year

Source: (Author)




NEMO Science center

A landmark for the city center located near the Central Station, dominating the skyline of the area. NEMO is a

science museum meant to show scientific experiments and facts as a matter of fun. Further study on this

building will be made in section 1.4.

Figure 1-3 NEMO exterior as seen from the canal

Source: (Author)

Eye Film institute

The Eye Film Institute is a Dutch museum aims to preserve and show both Dutch and foreign films

screened in the Netherlands. It was designed by the Austrian architects “Delugan Meissl Associated Architects”

and was opened in 2012. It represents the visual landmark of the new Amstrdam Noord quarter, specifically in

“Overhoeks”, “This development area extends over to the former Shell Terrain on the opposite side of the river

to the Centraal Station, Amsterdam’s train station. As the international oil company’s former research centre,

this area which is situated close to the city centre and along the the busy urban water vein held a sensitive

function. It used to be an isolated wasteland, hermetically secured and not accessible to the public.”(EYE -

New Dutch Film Institute / Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, 2012).

“Much of the river’s north bank has been transformed in recent years, and its showpiece now is

immediately visible to travelers arriving on the ferry: the EYE Film Institute Netherlands, a museum that Queen

Beatrix opened officially on April 4, 2012”(Tefer, 2012). It is known for an aerodynamic structure and a

particular sensation in this city of stolid brick buildings.“The building concept becomes the story board, the

architecture the scenography. By delivering a dynamic interplay, the building’s assigned role oscillates between

acting as the urban scenery’s protagonist and as a dramaturgical element placed in front of a heterogeneous

landscape setting.”(EYE - New Dutch Film Institute / Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, 2012)

Figure 1-4 EYE exterior as seen from the river

Source: (Author)




Python Bridge

Located in the Eastern Docklands, it’s is a bridge connecting Sporenburg and Borneo Island. It was

built in 2001 and designed by Adriaan Geuze of the architectural firm West 8. The unique dynamic design was

awarded International Footbridge Award in 2002. “It plays an essential role at the creation of the unique

atmosphere in the harbour-residential area. Two of the bridges, one on the West side and the other on the East

side” (BRIDGES BORNEO-SPORENBURG, 2010).

Figure 1-5 Python bridge in the Eastern Docklands

Source: (Author)

ING House

It is an office building for the famous Dutch ING company. It is located in Amstelveenseweg, South

Amsterdam. The Dutch architects Meyer en van Schooten and opened in 2002 designed it. Up close, the

technical look of the building features large pillars, bolts, rods, glass and aluminum are the result of the

imagination of 'transparency', 'innovation' and 'sustainability', ING values which inspired the architects. These

concepts come together in the two glass "skins" of the façade that the mute most of outer noises. Between the

two skins is an air circulation, so that the inner windows can be opened. It is known among locals as the “Shoe

building”, as its design resembles the shoe shape. This project won the National Steel Prize 2002 and the

European Award for steel structures assigned(ING House, 2010).

Figure 1-6 ING house exterior

Source: (Author)

Amsterdam Centre for Architecture (Arcam)

Arcam is Amsterdam’s center for architecture; it offers a broad program of exhibitions, lectures,

excursions and debates. ARCAM is located in the city center, at the Prins Hendrikkade. Built in 2003, “its

activities are directed at the larger public, with the aim to get people involved in the development of Amsterdam

and its architecture. ARCAM works also with architects and institutions influencing the city architecture.

Especially young architects, who will eventually shape the future of Amsterdam urbanism, are the ARCAM

target public”(ARCAM - Amsterdam Centre for Architecture, 2015).

“The building is designed by René van Zuuk and it is a compact, sculptural building existing of three

layers, which are connected by, vides. The building is covered in coated aluminum that flows from bottom to

roof and over, all around the building on opposite sides. A special feature is the sculptural glass facade around

entrance at the city-side. The waterside facade exists entirely out of glass”(ARCAM, 2010).




Figure 1-7 ARCAM northern façade; Source: (Author)

Stadgenoot Pavilion

This building is located in Sarphatistraat, designed by the famous architect Steven Holl in 2000. The

building is a part of renovation plan for Het Oosten housing developer to promote sustainability and green

building principles. The building features a semitransparent façade through the use of dotted metal sheets

covering the exterior, and it was positively featured in press including, TIME magazine, Architectural Record.

On this project, Steven hall states: “In Amsterdam, on the Singel Gracht, the renovated building is a

four-story brick "U" merging internally with a new "sponge" pavilion. While the exterior expression is one of

complimentary contrast (existing brick adjacent to new perforated copper) the interior strategy is one of fusion.

The porous architecture of the rectangular pavilion is inscribed with a concept from Morton Feldman's music,

"Patterns in a Chromatic Field." The ambition to achieve a space of gossamer optic phenomena with chance-

located color is especially effective at night when the color patches reflect in the De Single Canal. The layers of

perforated screens are developed in three dimensions, analogous to the "Menger Sponge" principle of openings

that are continuously cut in planes and constantly approaching zero volume.”(Holl, 2008)

Figure 1-8 Stadgenoot pavilion exterior; Source: (Author)

The Whale

The Whale is one of three big housing blocks, which have been built in-between, the low-rise row

houses on the Islands of Borneo and Sporenburg, Eastern Dockland, completed in 2000. Thanks to its sculptural

shape, this building by Frits van Dongen is a real landmark for the city. It is known for the locals as “The

Whale” as its form resembles a whale body, a metaphor linked to the navy identity of the place.

Figure 1-9 The Whale building; Source: (Author)




The Rock

It is part of an expressive urban development south of Amsterdam, named Zuidas. Located relatively

close to the city center and with direct access to the urban network of public transport and highways, the project

incorporates the potential of this unique location. The ambitious programming of a vibrant, high-density mixture

of offices, housing, retail and public space, designed by Erick Van Egeerat and finished in 2009.

“The urban concept for this location as developed by De Architekten Cie, is based on a vertical

layering structure with the anatomical analogy of legs, torso and head. The Erick van Egeraat office tower

challenges this masterplan further and proposes to create an explicit tactile and emotional experience out of the

stacked block structure. Both an innovative composition of shifted volumes and a transformation from a light to

heavy materialization”.(THE ROCK, 2013)

Figure 1-10 The Rock tower

Source: (Author)

Van Gogh Museum (Exhibition wing)

The building is located Paulus Potterstrat near the city center. It was built in 1999 and designed by the

Japanese recognized architect Kisho Kurokawa for the extension of the Van Gogh museum, joining the existing

museum perfectly. The design features the use of simple geometric shapes, like cones, ellipses and squares,

symbolizing the interactions between the eastern and western ideologies of philosophy and architecture.

Figure 1-11 Van Gogh museum extension; Source: (Author)

WOZOCO housing

The building was built in 1997 by the Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, located in Reimerswaalstraat

1. It is a clear example of a specific need for more social housing units in the country. It was meant to house

elderly People within 100 living units.

“MVRDV calculated that only 87 of the proposed 100 units could fit the restricted footprint due to

regulations about day lighting. From this arose the idea of cantilevering the remaining units on the north

facade, to connect to the transparent gallery of the main block found below while also opening up space on the

rest of the site. Although striking and very poetic, the gesture created additional costs that had to be handled in

shifting and cutting costs in the rest of the project in order to provide enough to pay for the cantilevered units.”

(Sveiven, 2011)




Figure 1-12 WOZOCO housings

Source: (Author)

OZW Institute

OZW is a healthcare and well-being training institute, a part of VU University. It was built in 2006 and

designed by Jeanne Dekkers, located in De Boelelaan 1109. The design is inspired the traditional red brick

buildings in amsterdam, with an eye catching smooth curves and curtain wall integration within the façade.

Figure 1-13 OZW building

Source: (Author)

Table 1-1 Fact sheet for the selected projects

Source: (Author)

Project Image Year Architect Location Function

NEMO

Science

center

1997 Renzo

Piano

Oosterde

k 2

1011 VX

Cultural

Eye Film

institute

2012 Delugan

Meissl

Associated

Architects

IJpromen

ade 1

1031 KT

Cultural




Python

Bridge

2001 Adriaan

Geuze

(WEST 8)

Piet

Heintunn

el

1019

Transport

ING House

2002 Meyer en

Van

Schooten

Architecten

Amstelve

enseweg

500

1081 KL

Office

Amsterdam

Centre for

Architecture

(Arcam)

2003 René van

Zuuk

Architekten

Prins

Hendrikk

ade 600

1011 VX

Cultural

Stadgenoot

Pavilion

2000 Steven Holl Sarphatis

traat 370

1018

GW

Office

The Whale

2000 Frits van

Dongen

Baron G.

A.

Tindalple

in 1

1019 TW

Residentia

l

The Rock

2009 Erick van

Egeraat

Clude

Debussyl

aan 80

1082 MD

Office

Van Gogh

Museum

(Exhibition

wing)

1999 Kisho

Kurokawa

Paulus

Potterstra

at 7

Cultural

WOZOCO

housing

1997 MVRDV Reimers

waalstraa

t 1

1069 AE

Residentia

l




OZW

Institute

2006 Jeanne

Dekkers

Architectuu

r

De

Boelelaa

n 1109

1081 HV

Education

al

Table 1-2 Comparison chart for the case studies

Source: (Author)

Strong existence Average

existence Weak existence

Project

NE

MO

EY

E

PY

TH

ON

ING

AR

CA

M

ST

AD

GE

NO

OT

WH

AL

E

RO

CK

VA

N G

OG

H

WO

ZO

CO

OZ

W

Technolog

y in Design

Design

Radicalism

Award

winning

Architect

Artistic

Qualities

Tourist

Attraction

II. CASE STUDY (NEMO vs. Guggenheim Bilbao) Before Guggenheim museum was built, Bilbao was like many other European industrial cities,

suffering an economic recession and identity crisis as a result of the general decline in the heavy industries,

becoming obsolete. At this point, many cities looked for an alternative base to revive their economy rather than

industry. For example, Glasgow competed and won European Capital of Culture in 1990, Liverpool built Albert

Docks in 1998, Salford built the Lowr in 2000 and Nord-Pas de Calais established a branch of the Louvre in

Lens in 2006. (The “Bilbao Effect”: from poor port to must-see city, 2007, p. 32)

When Bilbao city decided to spend $228.3 million on a modern art museum, designed by a radical architect like

Frank Gehry, critics believed this was too much expense for something that is so irrelevant and exclusive. The

city’s plan was to build an iconic cultural building on an industrial land with a riverfront, where it acts as an art

museum holds the same name of the famous “Guggenheim” museums worldwide. Frank Gehry made a very

“mad” design compared to technology available in the 1990’s, needing a very large fund to achieve precisely.

However, the city council took the risk and continued funding the project.

After finishing the building, the miracle happened; the city had a remarkable landmark that attracted

much visitors worldwide. Visitor spending in the city raised dramatically, refunding the building cost within

only three years. Five years after construction, Bilbao estimated that its economic impact on the local economy

was worth €168m, and dispensed an additional €27m into Basque government tax funds – the equivalent of

adding 4,415 jobs. More than one million people annually now visit the museum, which became the centerpiece

of the Bilbao Art District: a cluster composed of the maritime museum, the fine arts museum and the Sala

Rekalde art centre. (The Bilbao Effect: is 'starchitecture' all it’s cracked up to be? A history of cities in 50

buildings, day 27, 2015, pp. 13-34)

The world was surprised by that astonishing success, it was realized how a single building could boost

a city’s economy from death to leadership. That phenomenon was known later as “The Bilbao effect”. Most of

world cities competed to replicate that effect, by hiring star-architects, world recognized designers to design the




most expressive architectural marvels possible, often to host a cultural function such as museums, concert halls,

etc. It became a trend to create new tourist attractions rather than historic and natural ones. Iconic architecture

began to invade world cities skylines, replacing traditional buildings with huge architectural sculptures that act

as attractions whatever happens inside them.

Amsterdam is not far from that trend, too. It is clear that during the last two decades, the city image has

changed regarding architecture. Many modern buildings were replacing the old industrial zones, especially in

the Eastern docklands. The city vision towards “beautiful” modern architecture can be concluded from architects

they hired, who are always creative, non-standardized artists after all. Also, the city policies is opening new

opportunities for iconic architecture in Amsterdam suburban areas such as Zuid and Osdorp.

NEMO center in the center of Amsterdam has many features and facts similar to that of Guggenheim

Bilbao.First, both of the projects were developed in the late 1990’s, for cultural and touristic purposes. They

have been even opened in the same year. However, NEMO is a science-oriented museum, oriented to show

scientific facts and phenomena as a matter of fun for families and kids, while Guggenheim Bilbao is meant to be

an art gallery.

Second, in both cases the city municipality selected a well-known, creative architect, to make a

remarkable design expressing the identity of the place and to be a landmark for the city many years after. It is

important to state that Frank Gehry’s design is far more radical. However, both of them hold expressive

aesthetics to be attractive, and both architects are award winning.

Third, both of projects have a river front location close to city center. Both sites were former industrial

zones. In this way, both of the designswere inspired by the surrounding, abstracting a ship structure, covered

with monochromatic tiles.

Fourth, regarding “Bilbao effect”, NEMO is a very successful project that changed the skyline of the

city center. Over 500,000 people come through NEMO’s doors every year. It was a part of the long-term policy

of the municipality to transform the industrial Eastern Docklands into a new urban environment. However,

Amsterdam still has a lot to show rather than NEMO. The city is packed with museum for almost every aspect,

dazzling canals, beautiful historic architecture, and liberal adult districts. The effect of Guggenheim was much

stronger for Bilbao than that of NEMO on Amsterdam.

Table 1-3 Comparison between NEMO and Guggenheim Bilbao

Source: (Author)

NEMO Center, Amsterdam Guggenheim Bilbao

Image

Year opened 1997 1997

Purpose Science and Technology

museum

Art museum

Past land use Industrial Industrial

Cost $19 millions $229 millions

Area 5000 m2 32000 m

2

Architect Renzo Piano Frank Gehry

Surrounding Water Front, city center Water Front, city center

Form abstraction Ship, local environment Ship, fish

Visitors per year 588,368 (2014)

(http://www.e-nemo.nl/)

1,011,363 (2014)

(http://www.elcorreo.com/bizkaia/

culturas/201501/02/guggenheim-

supero-millon-visitantes-

20150102132645.html)

Visitors majority

(Observatory)

Residents International tourists

Targeted visitor

segment

Families/ Kids Adult singles/ Couples/ Art

followers




Figure 1-14 Guggenheim Bilbao

Source: (Dalbéra, 2009)

Figure 1-15 Approach to the building's roof

Source: (Author)

Figure 1-16 Building form as seen from the external stairs

Source: (Author)




Figure 1-17 City's skyline as seen from the roof

Source: (Author)

Figure 1-18 Interior spaces full of science games, and visitors

Source: (Author)

Figure 1-19 Visitor overcrowded to watch a live physics show

Source: (Author)

III. CONCLUSIONS Amsterdam is still preserving its architectural image, keeping dominance for traditional brick houses

and gothic golden age buildings. Moreover, this architecture is marketed as touristic attractions especially at the

city center. The local people culture of “Calvinism” rejects nonfunctional showy architecture, at least in modern

residential buildings, where form follows function. In addition, the municipality urban policies still protect many

parts of the old urban fabric. However, the reurbanisation and continuous expansion of the city introduce more

modern architecture, as both aesthetic and functional solutions. The new urban environments such as Eastern

Docklands and Zuid are clear examples for this new contemporary architecture, where policies promotes




creativity and hires talented architects with fresh ideas for the image of the city, or even leave a whole place for

the artist imagination like what happened in (NDSM).

The contemporary iconic architecture does effects the image of Amsterdam. In the last two decades,

many iconic buildings were developed in the city center, mostly for cultural purposes targeting more tourists,

such as NEMO and Eye Film Institute. Going away from the center, more iconic office and residential buildings

can be found, developed by the private sector. NEMO center is a parallel approach to the Bilbao effect, yet it has

not the same economic nor urban impact on the city. It still dominates the skyline of the city center and attracts

thousands of families every year.

The study expects a brighter future for contemporary iconic architecture in Amsterdam. The city is

expanding rapidly and new buildings are integrated to its face, promoted by the support of governmental

policies that intend to change Amsterdam into more beautiful and modernized environment.

Directions for future research

The study recommends more research on the social side of “Iconic architecture”. The interactions and

feedback of local people with this type of buildings need to be studied, as well as tourist’s choices regarding

attractions within the city. The study also recommends that more study on “Bilbao effect” and how to

implement it in Amsterdam should be made, where more iconic buildings should replace these ordinary

“International style” structures.

In addition, deeper studies are needed for the urban policies of the municipality towards shapes of the

buildings, and to what extend it is involved in controlling these shapes. Finally, further discussions should be

held around the architectural vision as a part of Amsterdam 2040 plan.

IV. REFERENCES [1] ARCAM - Amsterdam Centre for Architecture. (2015). Retrieved from amsterdam.info:

http://www.amsterdam.info/museums/arcam/

[2] ARCAM. (2010). Retrieved from arcam.nl: http://www.arcam.nl/en/het-gebouw/

[3] BRIDGES BORNEO-SPORENBURG. (2010). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from West8.com: http://www.west8.com/projects/bridges_borneo_sporenburg/

[4] Dalbéra, J.-P. (2009, April 11). Retrieved November 24, 2016, from Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dalbera/3432848128

[5] EYE - New Dutch Film Institute / Delugan Meissl Associated Architects. (2012, April 10). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from Archdaily.com: http://www.archdaily.com/223973/eye-new-dutch-film-institute-delugan-meissl-associated-architects/

[6] History of Amsterdam Central Station. (2015, July 17). Retrieved from Amsterdam.info: http://www.amsterdam.info/central-

station/building/ [7] History of Royal Palace, Amsterdam. (2015, July 17). Retrieved from Amsterdam.info:

http://www.amsterdam.info/sights/royal_palace/history/

[8] Holl, S. (2008). SARPHATISTRAAT OFFICES. Retrieved July 19, 2015, from stevenholl.com: http://www.stevenholl.com/project-detail.php?id=41

[9] ING House. (2010). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from http://www.amsterdam.nl/zuidas/gebouwenpagina'/16-ing-house/

[10] Lynch, K. (1960). The Image of the City. Harvard University Press. [11] Muge Riza, N. D. (2011). City Branding and Identity. Social and Behavioral Sciences , 294.

[12] Sklair, l. (2010). Iconic Architecture and the Culture-ideology of Consumerism. Theory, Culture & Society, 27, 136.

doi:10.1177/0263276410374634 [13] Sveiven, M. (2011, Febuary 28). AD Classics: WoZoCo / MVRDV. Retrieved from archdaily.com:

http://www.archdaily.com/115776/ad-classics-wozoco-mvrdv/

[14] Tefer, P. (2012, April 12). Once Unfashionable, Noord District of Amsterdam Gains Cachet. Retrieved from nytimes.com: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/13/greathomesanddestinations/once-unfashionable-noord-district-of-amsterdam-gains-

cachet.html?_r=0

[15] The “Bilbao Effect”: from poor port to must-see city. (2007, October). The Art Newspaper, p. 32. [16] The Bilbao Effect: is 'starchitecture' all it’s cracked up to be? A history of cities in 50 buildings, day 27. (2015, May 4). The

Guardian, pp. 13-34.

[17] THE ROCK. (2013). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from mimoa.eu: http://www.mimoa.eu/projects/Netherlands/Amsterdam/The%20Rock

[18] Vassen, F. (2010, January 19). Retrieved November 24, 2016, from Flickr:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/42244964@N03/4315977718 [19] Wong, Y. H. (2012). MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. MasterCard Worldwide.

1 Bibliography

Documents

Contemporary Iconic Architecture in Amsterdam: Bilbao ...indusedu.org/pdfs/IJRESS/IJRESS_1007_21645.pdf · Guggenheim Bilbao, the city is still developing its contemporary Iconic