Architecture at Almere
Most remarkable architecture
Within merely 35 (!) years the city of Almere grew to almost 200.000 inhabitants. During that time the 'new town' has been constructed swiftly. Inside The Netherlands you won't find a more complete 'collection' of recent building styles. The most remarkable - and internationally known - example of these might be the new city centre whose conspicuous skyline can be seen already from a distance, when approaching the city via the highway A6.
Fascinating city centre
That city centre attracts architecture aficionados from all over the world. Rem Koolhaas and other world-renowned architects are the reason for this. At 'the bent mowing field’ the street level rises. Fascinating! Koolhaas likes to name this ‘The Dutch Mountain’. There is an 'upper- and an underworld' featuring most peculiar designs. Shopping here is inspiring as well!
Address
Almere City Centre
Hospitaalpromenade
1315 XN Almere
More information
Highlights at the centre of Almere
Visual spectacles
The centrally situated Citadel building has several functions and had indeed won a prize for its architecture in 2006. The entrance hall at Schouwburg (theatre) Almere shows a richly coloured mural painting of 500 m2 created by artist Michael Lin. The centrepiece of Dutch libraries, De Nieuwe Bibliotheek, was designed by the architects Meyer and Van Schooten who distinguish themselves in their field since many years.
A new dynamic
If you look closely here you might discover the city's new rhythm: a new dynamic with its own patterns, textures and form movements, a multifaceted scenery of people dwelling, working, shopping, living... On your way you will find architectural plaques on the most important buildings, with more information about them. For more information about the architecture at Almere you could also visit the architectural centre Casla.
More information
Architectural routes at Almere
Architectural cycling route
The architectural cycling route leads you with your bicycle along several architectural masterpieces which Almere has to offer. You will pass by most beautiful buildings of the city centre and cycle through the most richly coloured residential areas of Almere. This tour of 33,4 km (20 mi) length is highly recommended if you want to see a lot in Almere but would like to combine this with a cycling tour.
Hike along remarkable buildings
Would you rather explore the city's architecture by walking? There are beautiful walking guides available at the Tourist Information desk in Almere. The architectural routes lead you along the most remarkable buildings of the city and also contain a short description of each building.
More information
Urban planning at Lelystad
Reference to Amsterdam's canals
At Lelystad centre, the so called Zilverparkkade is a good example of a conspicuous structure: It features a series of buildings connected to each other, each of which designed by a different architect. It is a reference to Amsterdam and the 'Grachten' (canals) buildings there. With their small size, street facing gables and differing roof heights these structures offer a remarkable access to the city centre.
Address
Lelystad City Centre
Stationsplein
8232 DL Lelystad
More information
The diamond-shaped Agora
A unique world full of colours
And what do you think of the diamond-shaped Agora theatre designed by architect Ben van Berkel. At the backside of this gaudily coloured building is the shopping mall. Upon entering the theatre you'll step into a unique world full of colours.
Address
Agora theatre
Agorabaan 12
8224 JS Lelystad
T: +31 (0)320 239 239
More information
The village with flat roofs
Carte blanche for famous architects like Gerrit Rietveld
Nagele, the ‘village with flat roofs’ is a typical example of the new construction style of the fifties. The architects Gerrit Rietveld and Mien Ruys, among others, had been given carte blanche at the time to realise their plans here. Nowhere else inside The Netherlands you'll see a better model representing their ideas. A visit to the permanent exhibition at the Nagele museum will give you an idea about the unique place this village has within the Dutch architectural history. Actually, the entire province of Flevoland has a special place in that history.
Address
Nagele museum
Ring 23
8308 AL Nagele
T: +31 (0)527 653 077
@: info@museumnagele.nl
W: www.museumnagele.nl/en
The typical barns
Predecessors of prefab constructions
For the building works of the North-Eastern polder during the fifties, the company Schokbeton from Kampen also developed barns of jolted concrete. Today you can still see them all across the North-Eastern polder: buildings of several metres height, on farmland, realised in three subsequent types. They are the actual predecessors of today's prefab construction. You can find one of them also near New Land museum in Lelystad.
Address
New Land Heritage Centre
Oostvaardersdijk 113
8200 AB Lelystad
T: +31 (0)320 225 900
@: info@nieuwlanderfgoed.nl
W: www.nieuwlanderfgoed.nl/english