Amsterdam School

I live in Amsterdam, in an area (called “de Baarsjes”) that has a lot of buildings by architects that belong to the Amsterdam School. This movement (dating back to the early twentiest century) sought an alternative for the sober and pragmatic approach of the most prominent Amsterdam architect at the time, Berlage, and focussed more on vitility as well as richness in the surroundings. In my neighbourhood the most stiking element of the buildings is the corners: never just a right angle, but rather an expansion or a notch. Round corners are also quite common. Another striking element is the variety of materials used, which has a vivid effect. I can spend hours wandering around the neighbourhood, and I keep seeing lovely new details.

More about the Amsterdam School of architecture: http://www.hetschip.nl

I can also spend hours wandering around Barcelona and absorb the beauty of the products of Modernismo. The colors and shapes of the work of, for example, Gaudi, are just enchanting. http://www.gaudiallgaudi.com/