Rotterdam is a vibrant city with a unique contemporary architecture, a showcase for modern design. This extensive harbor area is one of the busiest in Europe. The city is dotted with bridges, buildings and even staircases designed by well-known architects, many of whom have relocated their offices to this Netherlands hub.
I was compelled to visit Rotterdam when I saw a picture in a travel magazine of the MRDV designed Market Hall. The design and interior mural were so fascinating that I had to see this structure in real life. As it turns out, the Market Hall was more stunning in real life than I could have imagined.
Amsterdam
At first glance, Amsterdam has an unchanging old world charm that seems even more quaint in 2016. But don’t let the exterior fool you. This city is home to the most extraordinary and advanced interior design workshops.
Designer and entrepreneur Joris’ Laarman created a “lab” which utilizes the most advance technology in creating chairs, tables, other interior accessories and even bridges. He collaborates with scientists, engineers and craftsmen using 3-D printing to create these works. His gigantic machinery that produces these objects is something straight out of Star Wars.
We also visited the design studio of the great Marcel Wanders. He is a prominent interior and product designer. His works can be seen at the Andaz Hotel. Wanders also has a design store where one can purchase his works in Amsterdam and New York called Moooi.
Studio Drift was founded in 2006 by Ralph Nauta and Lonneke Gordijn. The aim of this studio is to merge nature and technology. We saw that concept in full force on our visit. Real dandelions were dissected and glued to LED lights on a bronze structure. We were all mesmerized by the process. I was able to purchase one of their lights at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and am thrilled to have it in my collection.
We saw amazing private collections and visited artists’ studios. Many of the studios had government support. Entire buildings were were devoted to artists’ studios in some of the nicest part of Amsterdam with moderate rents.
The food was delicious and we especially enjoyed eating at the restaurant in the Rijksmuseum.
I intend to return to the Netherlands soon. Museum Voorlinden, a private museum located in Wassenaar, is opening in the fall of 2016.
Must See in Amsterdam:
Stedelijk Museum
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh Museum
Anne Frank House
Portuguese Synagogue, 1675
Must See in the Hague (very close to Amsterdam):
The Mauritshuis: On view “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” and the “Goldfinch”
The Gemeentemuseum Den Haag: This museum holds the largest collection of Piet Mondrian and many other world class artists.
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