Netherlands study tour

It was an absolute pleasure to join the team at Origin3 on a 3-day study tour of this inspirational city, Amsterdam.

As I’m sure many do, I left the city marvelled by the ambition and achievement of Dutch architects, urban designers and the district planning authority.  The Netherlands continues to create urban environments of charm and delight, successfully delivering high-density living through innovation and exploration.  As construction professionals, we need to be proactive in finding new ways to engage with local authorities and developers to plan for and deliver innovative projects that contribute to a better urban environment.

Two contrasting, contemporary housing developments in the Steigereiland district of Amsterdam.  The photograph below is the William Barlow jetty by Attika Architekten, the first residential platform in the Netherlands.  Below that is the striking ‘Sluishuis’ by BIG & Barcode Architects, constructed on land reclaimed from the waters of the IJmeer.

William Barlow jetty by Attika Architekten

‘Sluishuis’ by BIG & Barcode Architects