The legacy of modernism in the Netherlands

Abstract

Contemporary Dutch Architecture seems to be specifically located in an historical context of Early Dutch Modernism. This context includes movements such as De Stijl and Nieuwe Bouwen. Although Dutch architects can freely state their independence from modernism it is impossible for them to remove themselves from its presence. Within the last fifteen years of Dutch architecture, several have attempted to import the ideas of post-modernism, critical regionalism and deconstructivism, yet all still owe much of their architecture to the modern tradition. In the Netherlands, modernism remains as a living tradition. This is most clearly expressed by the frequency which the modernist aesthetic has served as a source of inspiration for Dutch architecture. In addition, the range of ideas presented by modern architects of years gone by has since become deeply embedded in daily practice. This solidarity with modernism is typical of Dutch architecture, according to the former editor of Archis, Hans van Dijk: