Amsterdam is a city whose layout is determined by a web of canals radiating out from an historical core to loop right round the centre. These planned, seventeenth-century extensions to the medieval town make for a uniquely elegant urban environment, with tall gabled houses reflected in their black-green waters. This is the city at its most enticing, a world away from the traffic and noise of many other European city centers, and it has made Amsterdam one of the continent’s most popular short-time destinations.
The city has not stopped developing. As with the usual cities it develops in form of building and architecture. Amsterdam has developed new canals also. Four new canals of Amsterdam on Java Island were developed. Four narrow canals, Brantasgracht, Lamonggracht, Majanggracht and Seranggracht have been built in 1995 and interweave this island. Extraordinary houses have been built along these canals are worth seeing. Some seem to be built higgledy-piggledy.
The houses and building built by these modern architects are a sight worth seeing. Nineteen young and promising architects, including René van Zuuk and Bjarne Mastenbroek, designed the houses. These architects were asked to design Amsterdam Canal Houses with a unique concept. The only thing their designs have in common is that each building is 4.5 meters wide and four to five stories high. The houses are not only unique but also interesting. In addition to the houses the nine bridges built across the canals for cyclists and pedestrians are also unique and interesting. Artist duo Guy Rombours and Monika Droste designed them. They have created authentic works of art.
The island’s four brand-new canals, Brantasgracht, Lamonggracht, Majanggracht and Seranggracht, are situated 1.5 meters below the quays. Just as intriguing and interesting are the nine bridges across the canals for cyclists and pedestrians. The houses along these canals are not exactly run-of-the-mill. Some seem to be built higgledy-piggledy. A unique concept for contemporary Amsterdam canal houses was created by nineteen young and promising architects. Because of the different designs, each street has an ambiance all of its own.
Java Island is an architectural gem, right in the middle of the IJ harbor. The island is connected to the mainland with a bridge only. On narrow Java Island many houses have been built in the past few years, designed by architect Sjoerd Soeters. A road for local traffic is situated on the northern side of the island. The southern side boasts a shopping promenade with expensive owner-occupied houses. A cycle path with gardens on both sides dissects the island. Every inch of the island is being used and the housing density is high.
When first proposed the new canals that divide the narrow island were controversial as they are very shallow by Amsterdam standards. They were considered more cosmetic than functional. A footbridge which forms a distinctive style has been built to allow pedestrian connection to the entire island. Despite the limited width of the island, the development retains an urban feel with a spinal alley running through the developments. Dockside parking and mixed uses foster the traditional canal side ambience. New bridges connect Java Island to other sections of the eastern docks. A city on water has been developed for the people to enjoy.
