A guide to local favorites in Spaarndammerbuurt
- By Tim Igor Snijders
- Photos by Rene Koster
When you think of Amsterdam and architecture, you think of its iconic canal houses. But the 20th-century architecture in Spaarndammerbuurt is no less impressive and has a story to tell. This is the birthplace of the first social housing project in the city, meant to lift workers from poverty and built in the iconic, expressionist style of the Amsterdam School. Wander among these blocks — “little palaces of the worker” — and you’ll see the vision of community and egalitarianism that the architects had in mind back then.
Meet Tim Igor Snijders
Tim is from Leiden, Netherlands, but moved to Amsterdam to study history in 2012 and never looked back. He’s quietly wondering how many years you have to live here to call yourself an Amsterdammer. Either way, it’s home.
Want to get in touch?
Email bytheway@washpost.comSpaarndammerbuurt