Architecture

Perhaps because the rest of Amsterdam looked down on North for centuries, it developed its own specific style of architecture. After all there was plenty of space. To outsiders it may look like the urban landscape was built at random, but anyone curious enough to check the historic time line of construction will notice a pattern that links 19th century houses on the dike, picturesque garden villages, functional industrial buildings on former shipyards and modern edifices. In many ways architecture and Amsterdam North are inextricably linked. No other district has such a wide variety of urban beauty and more than any other district, North emphasizes the fact that Amsterdam is a city that owes its livelihood and existence to water. Dikes and ditches are an integral part of this fascinating district. Before the end of this decade North will be given a more mature status with a direct metro line linking it to the centre of town. But until that time ferries and bikes will remain the best ways to discover its rich architecture.