History MAY Repeat Itself…

How the Preservation and Remembrance of the Past can be a Tourism Draw

bt Carmela Lilly

In the states, a common phrase to hear is that if we don’t learn about history, it is doomed to repeat itself. From everything I have observed in our month spent in the Netherlands, this is not much of a threat. In fact, the creative and still careful ways I’ve seen Dutch history –the good and the bad–  preserved here, ensures to me that the Dutch are a mindful people who can evolve from but not ignore their past. From museums to entire towns, the Netherlands has an abundance of history that people travel from all over to experience and learn from.

Starting in Den Haag, the government seat of the Netherlands, I could fully feel the history engulfing me. I recall on our second day in the city, accidentally stumbling upon the parliament building. The chance of “accidentally” stumbling upon historic landmarks seems slim to none in the US, but here I seem to do it everyday.

Den Haag was also the first place that I became privy of the extent of  Netherlands’ darker past. Being into geography and history from a very young age, I was aware of Germany’s presence here during World War Two and the past of Dutch Colonialism. Despite what I thought was a decent amount of knowledge, at both the Historical Museum of Den Haag and the Oranjehotel, I was able to hear the Dutch perspective and see what truly went on during these two periods. 

I feel like the Dutch have the edge when it comes to World War Two related museums. WHen compared to the US, the Dutch exhibitions just feel more sincere. As astounding as the Holocaust Museum in DC is, in no way can its feeling compare to stepping into a space that was used either by or to escape the Nazi Regime.​​ The Oranjehotel and Camp Westerbork are both places that the Nazi regime used to house their “undesirables,” but I am honestly amazed at how both have been reused to serve Dutch society in their time before memorialization. I was able to learn more about Westerbork, because its multiple uses were heavily discussed at the exhibit. 

The many housing accommodations left standing at the camp after liberation served a new use until the 1970s, when the final one was demolished. Likewise to the camp’s original purpose of housing new immigrants, after the war, Westerbork was made home for many Moluccan immigrants, as they wished to escape the indolence war occurring in Indonesia at the time. At first, the Indonesian people that elected to live at the camp believed their time in the mainland of the Netherlands to only be temporary, however many chose to stay in Holland after their homeland was granted independence. My guide for the time I spent up north even said she had a childhood friend that lived in the camp as a child. Ina stated that her friend only had fond memories of the place, and wishes the rest of her life was only as simple as her time living in Westerbork. This is something that we just don’t often see in the US. As soon as a tragedy occurs back home, its location becomes instantly memorialized without second thought to if it may serve the community in more ways than memory. 

While my time up north and in Den Haag were filled with accidental and somewhat unannounced history, the time in Rotterdam felt the most like being in a US city. That is because Rotterdam isn’t an important historical city, in fact, that is the complete opposite. Rotterdam’s historical significance is why it looks so new. 

  During World War Two, Rotterdam was quickly destroyed and overtaken by the Nazi regime in order to capitalize on their port access. The port of Rotterdam was and still is one of the largest and most vital ports in Europe, which makes it a draw within itself. Within the day, Dutch architects began their plan to rebuild the city to serve the changing needs of the country. This rebuild scrapped the canals and windmills that are seen in the rest of the major Dutch cities. There was nothing left standing, everything could be new and exciting. Most of the former canals were drained and turned into roadways to prioritize transportation infrastructure like roadways and tram tracks. One quote I found on the topic of the modern Rotterdam reads: “Amsterdam has it; Rotterdam doesn’t need it.” So, if someone is wanting to experience the stereotypically “Dutch” scenery, Amsterdam is an ideal place. But in Rotterdam, you will be able to observe a very adaptive and vibrant city. The city has been able to overcome its reduction to dust, revitalize, and create its own identity that will carry it into the future.

As we wrap up our time, I am now fully able to agree to the statement: “Amsterdam has it.” Our six days spent within the city were filled to the brim with museums. In my going to the museums, I have done much much more than admire the art. In all the museums, there have been opportunities to learn about the past. In my experience, US museums don’t truly acknowledge where their art came from. However in Holland, every single museum featured the cultural and historical context needed to understand the significance of the art piece and its historical legacy.

These are not easy topics to explain in a museum setting either. For instance, the temporary installation at the Van Gogh Museum was dedicated to his final months living and working. Instead of glossing over his death to shed a brighter light on his legacy, the museum opted to dedicate the final room to mental health and suicide awareness. Another example is that while the bottom floor of the Rijksmuseum was filled with colonial era relics, a great majority of the modern art they curated was about the indigenous perspective of liberation.

This goes to show that the Dutch truly care about remembering their past, though much of it is dark. Rather than turn a blind eye and only remember the shiny glittery parts of the Dutch Golden Age, they put their mistakes on display so that any observer can learn, change, and grow, just like this nation has done.   

Without This, Would It Be That? A Look On Architecture From An Art Perspective

Jerneisha Lewis

Welcome to the final blog post of this trip!!! Boy has it been a ride! I hope you enjoy this final post from: Amsterdam, PEACE OUT MAN!

My topic today I have been thinking about for the last few days and how I would tie everything I wanted together- and it still make sense! Sooooo, after everything I’ve done this week I have decided to blog on… 🥁🥁🥁: ART and ARCHITECTURE!!! I think there will be plenty to discuss and plenty questions to ask, do I am going to try to put in what I can with the time I have! I think this will be the best blog post yet! So… let’s get into it!

A picture of Jerneisha Lewis (me!) in front of the Rijksmuseum! (By the way, the Rijksmuseum is not about civil rights!!! It’s about old art that ranges from the 16th century all the way to the the 20th century)

Side view picture of the Stedelijk museum in Amsterdam at Mussumplein!

These two museums are really what have inspired my interest in doing this topic this week! I enjoyed the museums and wanted to make a deeper connection with architecture and art, especiallly from the medieval times, all the way to more modern art. In these museums, I can correlate and make my own inference on how art has influenced architecture and how it has an impact on what we see and know today.

To start, I will discuss the Stedelijk museum. Here I found that a lot of shapes and colors here can be seen in a lot of Amsterdam’s structures.. For example, the square to a lot of artists is a huge thing and a necessary aspect of decoration and expression. There was even a sign in the museum stating that what Jesus means to the Christians, this is the square to the artists. Now I thought this was definitely extreme but maybe not as coincidental! All of these big sky scrapping towers and ground level houses has the foundation of a square. The way art has been implemented into architecture is not only innovative for the time period, but also the future of how we can be more efficient in structure building and even could spark new ideas and opportunities!

Art in architecture can be difficult as well. The way urban planners have to map out the different aspects of the building and the framework takes a lot of attention to detail and vigorous hours of planning. With urban planning, it is important to know what the target audience is of the building and how accessible will it be for the general population, because the way the design of a building or buildings are, make entice certain eye wanders to come on in and over. Many artists like Piet Boom & Piet Mondrian I see across the city may have had a bigger impact on the society. I see a lot more color patterns the way they used it in their work at their time. 

Going into my time at the Rijksmuseum, there was so many pieces of work that had deep and considerate detail. For example, the architecture of the model ships and statues in the museum most likely have the influence of art. The details aligned on these small and big structures just amazes me! Especially for the time period! Architecture always has some event of art to it, whether that be in color, shape, form or fashion, it is always present. In addition, architecture could have also inspired art!

Now there aren’t many that I have seen but there are plenty of paintings that involve houses, canals, and waterways. The depiction of these things in particular paintings may have been to show distinction between the upper and rich classes that were involved. This could also be why the detail has been so precise and particular, because the paintings were for the rich and wealthy and not so much the lower class. 

Take a look at this cow horn that can be found in the special collection at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam 

Despite the usage of this horn during the wars and battles, if the primary use was for sound, then why make it look all pretty? The way art has been implemented into architecture can be seen now as one complete compose in unison. Without architecture you can’t have art and vice versa. Architecture plays a major roll in all societies today, and it’s worth the wonder to think about what society could look like without the influence of art. Would we still know all of these people and care about their work? Would we recognize buildings a different way because we don’t see any familiar sightings like patterns or designs? Would it still be worth it to go to any museum anymore if there was no art influences? These are the questions I wonder about as I look back on all the museums I’ve seen and their humongous yet aweing buildings. These buildings also have their own brands- but that’s another blog post for another day.

Let me know what you think in the comments! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my final blog post!!!! Byeee!

The Inside Scoop

Observations made and Insights Learned From my Time Spent with a Native Hollander

By Carmela Lilly

On this trip we have been staying in the largest Dutch cities. We were in bustling areas full of multiculturalism and heavy tourism alike, and it has been everything that I imagined the Netherlands to be before leaving on this trip. Except where we were, we didn’t have nearly as many thatch roofs, of course. Forever a country girl at heart, the previous weekend I took a trip up to the farming area of Drenthe in the town of Hoogeveen to visit family friends of 45 years, Ina and Herman Doorten.

During her senior year of high school, Ina made the decision to study abroad. In making that decision she met my dad because her host family was his cousins. Ever since then, Ina and my dad’s family have been trading trips, culture, and time between the US for over 40 years now. That being said, I did have a good deal of background knowledge of the best places to see before arrival. However, nothing compares to having a real life local to be my tour guide.

For our meeting, we stayed within an hour’s drive of Hoogeveen, so I did not receive a retrospective missed attractions tour of Den Haag or Rotterdam, Ina did take me around to many countryside must sees and give me some very interesting little known facts about my upcoming time in Amsterdam.

Spending a great deal of time together in the car driving from sight to sight, I had the perfect opportunity to learn about the past and current Dutch political and social climates. I asked her about many things I have heard briefly about in class, but wanted to know more about. 

One of which was the current tension between the farmers and the government, since Ina has lived her entire life in a farming area. She stated that the main gripe that the farmers share is about the constantly changing rules that come from the government. The main act they do in order to show their dissatisfaction is turning their flag upside down, one neighbor of hers had around 20 upside down flags on his property. I knew that in the US that is considered highly offensive, so I asked her how others in the area thought of this. She stated that she hasn’t met one person living in a rural area who disagrees. As for the people living in cities, Ina said, “City people don’t even know where the milk comes from, so it doesn’t affect them.”

Ina said the government has only really reacted once, as far as the upside down flags are concerned. For the Remembrance of the Dead (Dodenherdenking), the Dutch holiday commemorating those who have died fighting for peace since World War Two every May 4th, The government requested that the farmers return their flags to the original position to show national unity on such a solemn day. The events held by the government and monarchy this day are highly broadcasted, so the government wanted to portray full Dutch unity. 

Another interesting fact about rural living in comparison to urban life in the Netherlands is the use of dialectal languages. This is not necessarily a current point of contention, but it has affected Gen X and older Dutch residents. Ina informed me that historically, each province had its own language (all similar to Dutch), and different dialects existed from village to village. In the major cities and the areas surrounding them, these dialectal speakers assimilated to the main language many generations ago. However, in the more rural areas, dialectal speakers still exist in great numbers. Ina herself grew up speaking dialectal Dutch at home and with friends, while using proper Dutch at school and when she traveled. She stated, “We have our word for woman, go five kilometers away and that village has a different word, go another five and it’s the same thing again.” Her husband, Herman, grew up in Dordrecht, so he didn’t speak the language.Ina told me that she did not teach her children dialectal Dutch simply because it wasn’t worth it. Because the professional and educational world only uses the main language and the spread and influence of the urban areas is only growing larger in the Netherlands, Ina’s generation will likely be the last to be fully fluent in their regional Dialects. Ina did tell me that there is a community of people who still speak their dialects because they feel a strong cultural connection to it. 

We got on the subject of tourism during our boat tour of Geithoorn, the town dubbed Dutch Venice. Ina told me that the Dutch are very heavily cut down on the amount of people visiting the nation each year. In Geithoorn, they actually limit the amount of people who visit the area and admire the canals each day. We also talked about the effects of the housing crisis here and how AirBnB is very heavily cutting into housing opportunities for Dutch residents. She specifically commended Tony and Shannon’s lesson plans that involved volunteering with hopes that more people would be willing to create a positive impact on her beloved country while still enjoying all of the culture it has to offer.

Despite our many cultural conversations, Ina did tell me some great insider details to look for once I returned to Amsterdam. I would not have experienced such a great time looking around this amazing city without them. Sure, I would have still enjoyed all the art and history this place has to offer, but knowing the history of the Victoria Hotel and being able to easily spot the Queen’s Breast on the sidewalk of the Red Light district just added a little something special to my experience. 

Observations on Dutch and Duck Culture

By Mollie Share

Back home you don’t ask questions. Things are just because they are. And they’ve always been that way. I’ve gotten used to this because I’ve gotten kicked out of multiple classes between the ages of 7 and 16 for asking too many questions. There is just so much I want to know but I keep it under wraps, trying to not think further than my peers. 

Being in the Netherlands changed all of this for me. I stepped out of the box I kept myself in and began to learn in a different way. I was allowed to ask questions and was even encouraged to do so. This country was my textbook and there was so much to experience.

The three largest cities, Den Haag, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam are where I spent the majority of my time but they are different in many ways. Den Haag is cool, coastal, and the governmental capital of the country. Rotterdam is very tech-savvy and home to the country’s largest ports. Amsterdam is the biggest city with the largest amounts of tourists with canals and museums on every street. One consistent thing I participated in within every city was learning driven by my curiosity. 

It’s often that I get overwhelmed in social settings and prefer to just hang back and watch it all happen. In the United States, this would typically look like me just staying at home and watching TV, not adding any new experience or value to my life. But in the Netherlands, I found myself sitting and admiring the beautiful country’s nature, while also observing everything I see in sight. I learned from these experiences that I am still as observant and question-oriented as I used to be. And I let myself indulge. 

Den Haag was exciting because it was my first introduction to the country. Everything I saw excited me and sparked questions within me. While sitting and observing I learned how the traffic system worked with different lights controlling many types of mobilities, like trains, trams, buses, cars, bikes, and pedestrians. This was helpful so I could avoid getting hit by a bike when trying to navigate the many lanes of traffic. I even learned boating norms and customs from watching so many of them interact with one another – and even myself sometimes. I was quickly able to figure out if people were tourists or locals, not by the kind of boat they were on or by a flag hanging off the boat, but by their mannerisms and how they held themselves which became helpful when on the street and seeking help with directions or clarifications. 

I watched a family of birds every night and grew emotionally attached to them. Two parents and two babies which were more like little balls of fluff sitting perched on the nest. Every day the babies grew stronger and more curious and eventually they were swimming, diving, and looking for their own food. They learned how to be from watching and doing as their parents did. So I watched and learned too. 

I got to experience the most bird watching in Rotterdam. On this particular canal, various bird species were regularly seen. I personally was awed by the fact that I was able to witness another family of coots raising their baby birds. This time with five babies! These babies I am presuming were a little older as they were larger and able to accomplish more complex tasks than the birds in Den Haag. Along with the coots, there were seagulls, mallards, herons, Canada Geese, and pigeons to constantly watch. The Canada Geese were the most aggressive and territorial and the baby coots quickly learned, as did I, to leave them alone. 

What I thought was a canal I sat on to watch and learn became way cooler than I originally thought. I noticed that the canal reached an endpoint on both sides and figured for a while that it just went underground from there. Turns out I wasn’t sitting on a canal at all and a little bit of research informed me that this was actually a water reservoir made to hold drainage from the city streets so they didn’t flood. In the middle of the city, they created a park around an area of low-lying ground that acted as a pool for excess water. That’s so cool to me. 

There was also a fair amount of pedestrian traffic at this particular location. I had a fun time guessing whether or not they were Dutch, or even European, by their dress and mannerisms and it was always exciting when they walked within earshot to confirm my predictions. 

Amsterdam was unique in its own way. There were fewer green spaces open on the canals as it was a much more urban space than the other two cities. My observations here, on birds and people, dwindled, but my curiosity has only just begun. 

Being here gave me the excitement to learn again. Not tied down by the rigid structure of class courses, I was able to let myself be my own guide and found myself interested in things I never cared about in the US, like traffic patterns and bird behaviors. Learning through immersion and observations was like a breath of fresh air, finally being able to open up the box I was stowed away in. I hope when I go back to the US I don’t let myself get packed down again and allow myself to question everything, as that is really when I am learning.

Water reservoir in Rotterdam

Me and some ducks!

The Dutch Way of Water

Cale H.

The Dutch are known across the world as a clever society, having fought against the tides for centuries. So many countries across the world struggle to provide water for their citizens, yet the residents of the Netherlands have had to learn to fend off the encroaching floods and dangers from eroding society. Today, about a third of the country rests below sea level, and over half is susceptible to flooding from the sea (netherlandsinsiders.com). Impressively, the 3 largest cities in the nation; Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague; all lie in these lowland regions. So, how can so many people feel comfortable living in the danger zone? They live with faith in the Dutch government and engineering prowess, having learned to coexist with the waters that have done so much damage in the past.  

Maeslantkering Storm Surge Barrier

A prime display of Dutch engineering excellence is the Delta works, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. The Maeslantkering, the crown jewel of the works, is the single largest moveable storm surge barrier in the world. With two arms, each larger than the Washington Monument or Eiffel Tower, the Maeslant barrier is built to withstand storm surges of up to 5 meters above sea level while protecting Europe’s largest port in Rotterdam and the surrounding vulnerable areas from catastrophic flooding. However, with the Dutch being ever mindful of the need to preserve nature, the Maeslantkering also provides conservation benefits. By preventing flooding and minimizing the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater ecosystems, the barrier protects and preserves coastal habitats and encourages biodiversity. It also supports sustainable food production and agricultural activity through its safeguarding of low-lying farmland located in floodplains. The reduction in property damage risk, including buildings, infrastructure, and human-made structures, keeps man-produced pollutants out of surrounding areas and reduces pollutants given off in post-flood reconstruction efforts. The Maeslantkering doesn’t act alone, however; the Delta works is an immense system of 3 locks, 6 dams, and 4 storm surge barriers that demonstrate the commitment to the mastering of water across the Netherlands, and a shining example of Dutch engineering ability. 

The Afsluitdijk

Further inland, the Zuiderzeewerken (Zuiderzee Works) is an impressive achievement in its own right. The primary objective of this project was to reclaim land from the Zuiderzee. The first step was the construction of the Afsluitdijk, which transformed the Zuiderzee into a freshwater lake now called the IJsselmeer. This ambitious land reclamation effort created valuable new agricultural land, which contributed to the development of the Dutch farming industry and food production capacity. Another feat of engineering, the Afsluitdijk is a massive dike that stretches over 30 kilometers whilst accommodating a highway and harnessing tidal energy. Similar to the Delta works, the Afsluitdijk does not work alone; the Zuiderzee works in its entirety is a system of dams, dikes, land reclamation, and water drainage projects. After creating the Ijsselmeer, an entire new province called Flevoland rose from the sea, providing critical new land space for settlement and agricultural expansion. This led to a reduction in overpopulation in densely crowded cities and fertile land to energize agricultural production.

The Iconic Amsterdam Canals

In addition to modern projects, there are several historical forms of management that represent the Dutch brand. Canals, most famously in Amsterdam, play a significant role in water management and are a critical part of the Dutch national identity. Canals are essential for drainage and routing water, and they extend far beyond the narrow streets of Amsterdam. Canals are fully integrated into Dutch culture, present in the picturesque cities, scenic countrysides, and even residential suburban neighborhoods. With the land as low as it is, the canals are no aesthetic piece; the intricate network provides critical flood protection and helped to reclaim the land from the marshland the Netherlands used to be. Additionally, canals have historically played a crucial role in transportation and trade within the Netherlands. They have provided an efficient means of moving goods, people, and resources across different regions. The Dutch brand is closely associated with their maritime and trade history, and canals have served as vital arteries for connecting cities, facilitating commerce, and supporting economic development.

Clearly, water management is a significant aspect of the Dutch brand. Innovative engineering combined with sustainable practices and a deep understanding of and respect for the power of water establish the role of water management in the culture of the Netherlands. Over the centuries, the Dutch have developed these extensive systems of dikes, dams, canals, and water control structures to protect their low-lying lands from flooding and manage water levels. This engineering prowess has earned them international recognition and has even been exported to other countries facing similar water challenges. Flevoland is not the only example of land reclamation either, as the Dutch have a long history of reclaiming land from the sea. The use of polders to protect valuable agricultural land symbolizes the Dutch ability to shape their environment and overcome water-related obstacles. The Netherlands has a strong focus on water innovation and sustainable water management practices. They actively promote research and development in areas such as water purification, wastewater treatment, water recycling, and sustainable drainage systems. Dutch companies specializing in water technology have gained international recognition for their innovative solutions. Water management is deeply ingrained in Dutch culture, which is represented in their worldwide reputation as masters of the sea. Their historical struggles with water are reflected in their innovative engineering solutions and commitment to sustainable practices, showcasing their ability to live in harmony with water, protect their land, and harness its potential for economic and social development.

Water in the Netherlands: A Slippery Situation

The Netherlands is a low-lying country and have a very long history with water.  They are boarded by the North Sea and Wadden Sea.  From the beginning water has always been a bug issue in trying to survive and not be flooded out of their land.  Water management is a huge part of the Netherlands history and issue still today.  With the struggle of water, the Dutch have developed innovative strategies and techniques to help protect their land from flooding.

In the beginning of settlement in the Netherlands, they would need to settle near areas with water, since water is essential to living.  However, it was quickly realized that these lands flood often and had to learn how to live with the flooding of water.  They began to implement different techniques that kept the water out and learned how to live with water.  In the beginning they would use practice like making themself and farm animals to higher lands while the high tides came in.  However, after the constant rebuilding, they begin to release how to work with water and not try to prevent it from coming in but letting it in through different techniques.

With one-third of the country being below sea level, the Dutch Water Defense Line or Delta Works have implemented extensive technologies to prevent flooding.  Some of these include dams, dikes, canals, and pumping stations.  The constant threat of water led to the Dutch Water Defense Line.  One of the most prominent components implemented by them is the Afsluitdijk.  This is a major dam in the Netherlands that was constructed between 1927 and 1932.  It is 32 kilometers long and 90 meters wide, that separates the North Sea from the IJsselmeer, which is a freshwater lake.  Over the years, the height has increased several times and updates are constantly being made.  It helps protect the lands against storm surges and high tides as well as linking the provinces or North Holland and Friesland together with a major road.  Another prominent component of the Dutch Water Defense Line is the Oosterscheldekering or the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier.  It is almost 8 kilometers long and connects the Zeeland islands of Schouwen-Duivelands and Noord-Beveland.  This barrier was built after the North Sea Flood in 1953 in order to protect the Zeeland region from flooding.  It is a movable barrier, so it can be closed in case of emergencies.

Oosterscheldekering

The Maeslantkering, also known as the Maeslant Barrier, is a storm surge barrier located in Nieuwe Waterweg, in South Holland, Netherlands.  This is a shipping canal that connects the Port of Rotterdam to the North sea.  This barrier has the largest movable parts of all the flood defenses in the whole world and is controlled completely automatically.  It is part of the Delta Works project which is the largest defense system in the Netherlands.  They look over the water management infrastructure that protects the low-lying areas of the Netherlands from flooding, including this barrier.  This is a huge barrier with two doors that are 689 feet each.  They are normally open to allow ships to come through, but when there is a big storm, these doors can be closed so a barrier is formed to protect the surrounding lands.  It can protect lands from tidal waves that are five meters high.  The closure procedure takes two hours to complete and is one of the largest movable structures in the world.  This barrier is enormous and plays a big role in protecting the Netherlands from flooding.

Maeslant Barrier

Polders are one of the technologies implemented in the Netherlands to help with water management.  They are surrounded by dikes or embankments and are designed to retain water and help to drain wetlands and make them usable for agriculture and development.  With proper management of the polder’s water levels, they help reduce the risk of flooding.  They also can provide temporary storage if there is high tides or heavy rainfall acting as a barrier or buffer against the lands around.    

Canals in the Netherlands also play a crucial role in helping prevent flooding.  They allow excess water to drain into them and help redirect water from urban areas and fields.  When there is heavy rainfall or high-water levels, canals also act as a temporary storage area for the excess water which helps prevent flooding and regulate the flow of the water.  The canals have the capacity to hold extra water which helps from overwhelming the rivers and other bodies of water.  Canals were also made to help with water transport.  They provide a network for transporting water from places with excess water to areas that are running low on water.  This helps maintain a balance of water within the country and with the water supply.  Overall, the interconnectedness of the canals allow for different parts of the city and the water management infrastructure is a great way to manage the excess water the Netherlands is left to battle.

Canal in Delft

Another way the Dutch have designed where excess water will go is with floodplains.  These floodplains are alongside streams and rivers and are intentionally left not developed in order to help with the excess water.  The water spreads out in these floodplains which helps to prevent more flooding.

Floodplain

The long history of battling water and flooding has shaped the Netherlands and the Dutch identity and culture.  You could argue the challenge of water has helped the Netherlands become a stronger country because of it.  The development of technologies and strategies have led to the specialized skills and knowledge of water technologies.

How Amsterdam Caters to Tourists

Anonymous:

Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands, and therefore has the greatest density of tourists during the warmer months. Visiting Amsterdam has an entirely different feel than visiting other cities in the Netherlands. Getting on the first tram after arriving in Amsterdam Centraal, it’s immediately clear how many tourists they expect; English is far more prominent (both written and spoken), there is a ticket clerk in the trams to sell tickets to non-OV-chipkaart holders, and groups of 15 or more attempt to squeeze in through the tram doors. Even though Amsterdam is the most populated city in the Netherlands, the amount of people on the street is incredibly inflated due to tourism, leaving both residents and travellers feeling crowded.

Large groups of people outside the Rijksmuseum.

Tourism is a huge money making industry in the Netherlands, which is why there is such a priority in making the country friendly to visitors. However, this has started to become an issue, and the country is now discouraging tourism from certain groups.

One of the groups specifically targeted to stay away is young British men, who only have to cross a short distance over the North Sea to party in the more liberal country. According to Dutch News, ad campaigns have been launched in an attempt to decrease the number of Brits willing to come over, citing the likelihood of being arrested and hospitalized. These ads are displayed to those whose location has been identified as being from England when they are searching for a place to stay.

One of the reasons Amsterdam is having this issue is due to its successful marketing of the city. Amsterdam is known as a city full of drugs, sex, and partying, so of course that’s one of the reasons tourists choose to visit this city.

Some places have taken to displaying legal info-graphics from ‘How to Amsterdam’ to educate those new here what type of behavior is not acceptable. These ads are displayed in prominent locations in hostels and hotels, where tourists are bound to see it.

Ads displayed in hostels and hotels informing tourists how to behave on the street.

But not everyone comes here for drugs and sex. Another thing Amsterdam is famous for is the prevalence of museums. Amsterdam has some of the most well known museums, containing some of the most well known artists’ work. Some famous museums include the Rijksmuseum, the van Gogh museum, and the Anne Frank Huis.

Amsterdam also has some other less well known and unusual museums, such as Micropia (a museum to educate visitors about microbes), the Venustempel (a sex museum), and Kattenkabinet (a museum full of pictures of cats). This wide variety of museums is very good for tourism, because it has the famous paintings that everyone knows about and wants to see, but also has many unique museums for specific niches.

A wall of displays in Micropia. Source: Leuk Met Kids.

Another place where the effect of tourism is obvious is how the local bike commuters navigate. It’s a subtle difference, but they ride in a way where they’re almost expecting someone to walk right in front of their bike, and for good reason. Tourists will often walk around oblivious to the flow of traffic, and find themselves on the bike path on a collision path.

However, there seems to be a split between the locals. Many people will bike more cautiously, or stop at a crosswalk to allow you to cross, while the other half is more blunt, and does not wish to cater to the tourists clogging the streets. In other smaller cities, the behavior towards those on the streets is much more uniform, and this split does not appear.

The I Amsterdam sign in front of the Rijksmuseum that has since been deconstructed. Source: Insider.

Tourism brings both benefits and expenses to the Netherlands, and especially to Amsterdam. Tourism is such an essential flow of money into the country, but the locals may have to pay the price for accommodating tourists. The brand of Amsterdam has been so well established that it is becoming detrimental to the country. The famous I Amsterdam sign (previously located in front of the Rijksmuseum) had to be deconstructed because it caused such a crowd of tourists that the rest of the city was lost under the brand of tourism, according to Insider. 

Now the city is attempting to partially rebrand itself to remove some of the tourism images from its brand. But this could also come with some drawbacks. If Amsterdam goes too far in the other direction of discouraging tourism, it will give itself a new and probably unwanted brand; Amsterdam does not want tourism in its city. Those in charge of maintaining the public image of Amsterdam and the Netherlands must be careful and find a balance between being tourist friendly, but show more than just a place to go for a party.

The Mystic Fairy Garden in the Middle of a futuristic city: How Rotterdam utilizes it green spaces.

By: Gage Parker

6/21/2023

Exploring Rotterdam and the Netherlands, one cannot help but notice the remarkable utilization of green spaces within urban environments. From untamed grass in the heart of The Hague to the numerous parks scattered throughout each city, the incorporation of greenery is a defining characteristic. In Rotterdam, this trend continues, with several large parks providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to escape the urban surroundings and find relaxation. One such green space that stood out during my exploration was Historische Tuin Schoonoord—a garden with a history dating back to the 17th century. This garden, spanning a modest 1.2 hectares (around 3 acres), boasts ponds, a variety of plant species, a beehive, and even an owl. What sets this garden apart is its size, nestled amidst Rotterdam’s urban skyline. The garden’s well-concealed nature, with trees providing cover from the surrounding urban landscape, creates a truly enchanting experience.

Historische Tuin Schoonoord, June 12th, 2023

My visit to Historische Tuin Schoonoord offered valuable insights into how urban planners and cities design their spaces. In this case, the challenge was preserving a garden from the 17th century within a city where buildings dominate the skyline. The garden’s seamless integration into its urban surroundings is a testament to the thoughtful planning and design efforts. By carefully utilizing the available space and employing natural elements, the garden remains a serene oasis despite its proximity to the bustling cityscape. It showcases how urban planning can successfully balance historical preservation, natural beauty, and modern urban development.

Beehive inside the garden of the Historische Tuin Schoonoord, June 12th, 2023

This experience highlighted the stark contrast between green spaces in the Netherlands and the United States, where I am from. In major American cities, parks are typically designated areas with manicured lawns and precisely arranged flower beds. Streets and sidewalks are meticulously maintained, with regularly cut grass and orderly plantings. However, upon my arrival in The Hague, I immediately noticed a different approach. Sidewalks were populated with overgrown grass, and even the tram routes featured tall grasses. This deliberate choice of allowing natural grass and plants to grow freely serves multiple purposes. It not only aligns with environmentally sound practices but also creates an immersive natural experience in the heart of a bustling city.

Utilization of green space on a street in The Hague, May 30th, 2023

The significance of green spaces in urban planning and branding cannot be overstated. In the context of urban planning, incorporating green spaces allows for the creation of balanced and sustainable cityscapes. These spaces provide numerous benefits to both residents and visitors. First and foremost, they contribute to the well-being and quality of life of urban dwellers. Green spaces offer opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and physical activity, providing an escape from the fast-paced urban lifestyle. The availability of natural surroundings within a city improves mental health, reduces stress levels, and promotes overall wellness.

Furthermore, green spaces in urban areas play a pivotal role in mitigating environmental challenges. They act as natural filters, purifying the air and reducing pollution levels. By absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, they help combat climate change and improve air quality. Green spaces also mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling through evaporation. These environmental benefits contribute to the overall sustainability and resilience of cities.

Street in Delft with flowers growing on the sidewalks, June 1st, 2023

In addition to the environmental and well-being aspects, green spaces are instrumental in creating a distinct identity and branding for cities. They offer a unique selling point and contribute to a city’s character and charm. Green spaces showcase a city’s commitment to sustainability, livability, and harmony between urban development and nature. They attract tourists, potential residents, and businesses, ultimately driving economic growth and development.

Street in Katendrecht, Rotterdam, June 9th 2023

The Netherlands, known for its emphasis on sustainable urban planning, has recognized the importance of green spaces as a fundamental component of city branding. The incorporation of greenery into the urban fabric of cities like The Hague and Rotterdam and Amsterdam reinforces their reputation as livable, environmentally conscious, and forward-thinking metropolises.

Does Amsterdam Keep Up with Their Brand?

How well does Amsterdam’s branding compare to how the city is perceived?

By Jenna Fryer

From the start of Amsterdam to this day, the city’s brand evolved exceptionally well. It was good enough that the city had to cut down on tourists coming and disrupting those who live here. They also had to move the iconic ‘I amsterdam’ sign because so many people were coming to visit it.

This can mean that Amsterdam is doing such a great job branding their city for people to visit that they’re nearly doing too well.

ViaTravelers explains that Amsterdam is known for their preserved history and culture, famous museums, nightlife, and Red Light District. There aren’t many other countries that can have this same prominent lineup, but an article written doesn’t necessarily prove that Amsterdam is proving these areas true.

Skeleton Statue from NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam

From the perspective of a traveler, their categories can vary from the reputation that precedes them. In these next few sections, I will categorize each brand, sharing what each is known for and what to actually expect. Of course, this is from a study abroad perspective, so my experience may vary from others.

History and Culture

Reputation:

The city of Amsterdam has an extremely rich history that dates back as early as the 1200s. Since then Amsterdam has been through extremely high and low periods. The expectation of Amsterdam is that all of its history can be found throughout the city. They don’t shy away from what they have done, nor do they make themselves seem like the hero of their own stories if they weren’t. Amsterdamsights explains that they are still the cultural capital because, “The world renowned Concertgebouw orchestra, the ballet theatre…, dozens of museums and many more art galleries draw visitors from across the world.”

Lion lamp near the Royal Palace Amsterdam

Reality:

Amsterdam has done a great job keeping their history at the forefront of most of its museums. They still respect certain spaces as well, making sure to remember their past instead of burying it behind them. You can wander through their easily walkable streets and find multiple houses with dates on them. In their museums, a rich plethora of history comes with places such as the Van Gogh. You can find history anywhere here. However, unless you know what to look for or what it means, you can easily skip past Amsterdam’s rich history.

Famous Museums

Reputation:

In my latest blog, I wrote about the museums across the Netherlands. With hundreds of museums to go to, explore, and see just within Amsterdam’s city, it is easy to see anything you want to know more about. From a Cat Museum, Red Light Museum, and Modern Art museums, there is plenty to do.

Van Gogh’s artwork, part of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

Reality:

This proves to be true, and again you can read more in my last blog post highlighting the museums. Although some may cost a pretty penny, you could easily do museums for six days straight. Even then, I feel as if I’m missing some important ones. It is necessary to do research before coming if you want to experience all museums. They book up fairly quickly and make sure to read reviews before going. Just because a place calls itself a museum, that does not mean it is one (for example, the Cow Museum).

Nightlife

Reputation:

Amsterdam has an experience for everyone. From jazz to clubs, you can find your scene in this city. No one is turned away from what they want to experience, and there is no shame in what you want to do. There are rules to make sure those going out aren’t inappropriate or rude.

Reality:

I can’t speak too much about this subject. Although I’ve seen some of the nightlife of Amsterdam and heard about it from colleagues, it seems to vary by the experience you want. From clubs to breweries, there appears to be an option for everyone. However, if you want to dance, unlike America it costs money to get into the club. So, make sure to do your research before going out.

Red Light District

Reputation:

GoCity goes on to state that the Red Light district is, “Everything from prostitution to legalized drugs, as well as sex shows and shops”. The scandalous part of the city is notorious for the women in the windows, sex shops, and sex shows. It’s something that isn’t a part of any other European city.

Reality:

The Red Light District in Amsterdam does live up to its reputation, and more. There is plenty to do there, even if you don’t want to partake in any of the Red Light District activities. Food and Coffee shops fill the spaces that aren’t already taken, and before night fell the shops were filled up with people. However, if you have any ethical questions about going, you should look more into the Red Light District and its history which can be done at various museums.

Amsterdams Brand Overall

Amsterdam overall does a great job of fulfilling its brand. However, there are some faults that have to be addressed. My biggest fault with its brand is the history of the streets, and retail shops surrounding the important history of Amsterdam. It takes away from the culture in this area. The famous museums are hard to get into, and extremely crowded when there. The nightlife can be hard to find. The tourists of the Red Light District dehumanize the experience, making it seem unreal. While the reputations are fulfilled, nothing is perfect, and it’s unfair to think it ever will be that. Amsterdam is always evolving and adjusting, trying to help its people in the process.

The One About The Architectures

Jerneisha Lewis

Hello and welcome back to the another blog post by me: the Dam with a Plan blog! This week my post will be about Rotterdam!!! The (2nd) big city! You may also note that it has the biggest port in the Europe and one of the biggest in the world 🌎 – but we’ll get into that another time. Without further ado, let’s get into some architecture!

Picture in one of the city centers of Rotterdam – which is located by the Rotterdam Blaak train platform.

This is a building that not only showcases its amazing and unique design style, but also showcases PRIDE! To relate to my sexuality class and this class together, one of my tasks from our Sexuality Scavenger hunt was to see if we could find gender influences in architecture and different structures! I thought to myself what better time to bring in new knowledge from my Urban Planning class, and relate it to what I am learning currently in Human Sexuality class!

I believe the influence of gender on infrastructure and architecture can be seen through two lenses: colors and shape. Choosing specific colors in architecture can depend on who the audicence is. For example, if a playground or elementary school is being built for children, then there may be a lot of bright colors shown in the modern and lively design, vs if there was an office building built, there may be more neutral tones like black, gray and some beige. Another example might be a social place for teenagers may include flashing lights to give off that ‘excited’ and ‘lively’ vibe.

Moving into shapes, depending on how much space and time there is to complete a project has an influence on how the structure is built. Again, the target audience plays a role.

Let’s look at another cool building that has a unique infrastructure.

A picture from inside a ‘Cube House’ in Rotterdam.

This building is the work of Piet Blom. He combines art and instracture in a way I’ve never thought could be carried out in real life, or that I’d see in person. While I was there I also learned the location significance of these houses- a sign reads as follows: The way these houses are constructed are on the pedestrian via-duct. Meaning, this was the crossover point for coming over the Blaak, from the Old Harbor to the inner city.

The way these buildings are made and constructed really help gave Rotterdam it’s sense of style! However, let’s see if we can compare buildings in Rotterdam to buildings from Amsterdam, and the type of population around these buildings can also be compared.

This a picture of me down by the waterside in Amsterdam by the NEMO Museum.

In the back of me (you may catch a glimpse of it), on this part of town, there is actually construction for a few water houses! Now there aren’t many being built because of how expensive it is too live on the water and also contributing regulations to the limitations placed on how many houses can be on the water. Yet, this is still a progressive moment instracture!!! Years and centuries ago, there was no infracture to prove that living in the water was feasible- due to flooding, having a sturdy house, an escape route for the house if things went wrong, etc. As we make moves through the 20th and 21st century, we get more and more innovative ideas. Here it looks like if you have money and a plan, you could do anything you want to- whether that be from a residential POV or from a job POV. The prices however it takes to live here may be for an older population. There aren’t many young people who are out and about unless it’s in the city center. I’ve noticed a lot of older white people do live in this downtown/Uptown part of Amsterdam. Compared to Rotterdam, there are a bunch of young people living around the city because of the ‘night life’ and it is less expensive than living in the outskirts of town.

To provide more insight on infrastructure on how money may be involved, we can look at our text of City Branding Theory and Cases by Keith Dinnie. He says “City branding is a topic of significant interest to both academics and policy makers. As cities compete globally to attract tourism, investment and talent, as well as to achieve many other objectives, the concepts of brand strategy are increasingly adopted from the commercial world and applied in pursuit of urban development, regeneration and quality of life.” This is right on the dot! Many cities have not only tried to become resilient but also keep that sense of branding going. Amsterdam has the highest tourist population in the Netherlands and you can see why after reading Donnie’s book.

Thanks for joining in on my blog post today and I hope you have learned some more insightful information! (I try to keep it interesting since I’m a computer science major and am still learning about architecture and branding myself)!

I’ll see yah next time for my last post!!! Chow chow!

P.S. leave a comment if you know the TV show I’m referencing!😁