{"id":32850,"date":"2022-12-02T13:45:42","date_gmt":"2022-12-02T13:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk\/quench\/?p=32850"},"modified":"2022-12-02T13:45:43","modified_gmt":"2022-12-02T13:45:43","slug":"europes-rich-history-of-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk\/quench\/travel\/europes-rich-history-of-architecture\/","title":{"rendered":"Europe’s Rich History of Architecture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

words and images by Jess Margetson<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Architecture changes with society’s artistic tastes, available materials, modern technologies, and spiritual beliefs. With a deep and varied cultural heritage, Europe is a goldmine for architecture enthusiasts. From modern inventions to historical memorials, Europe has something for all tastes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Netherlands: Rotterdam vs Amsterdam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Described as the \u00d4\u00c7\u00ffGateway to Europe’, Rotterdam has rivalled its capitol, Amsterdam, for many years. The differences in architecture between the two cities is stark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year, I had the opportunity to visit a friend in Rotterdam. I found the city to be a spectacular representation of modern architecture with landmarks, such as the Cube Houses and the Erasmus bridge, piquing my interest and opening my eyes to the city’s rich history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the beginning of WWII, virtually the entire city was devastated by German bombs, which targeted its all-important port, resulting in a lack of historical, pre-war buildings. Once the war ended, reconstruction was the municipality’s top priority. This complete rebuild included new, cutting-edge architecture, a redesign of the city districts, and modern high-rise buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, almost seventy years later, a new, modern city centre has risen from the ashes. The avant-garde architecture is increasingly gaining fame and popularity amongst travelers, once again becoming a dynamic city bustling with activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amsterdam, however, enjoys a more traditional style of building including luxurious canal houses and charming gabled facades spreading across the 100km canals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although Amsterdam is a gorgeously picturesque capitol with lots to do and see, I found myself growing tired of the weed-blowing tourists filling up the streets and instead longed to return to the less chaotic, modern architecture that Rotterdam had to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking around Rotterdam, you can sense there’s so much happening culture wise and that feels exciting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what does Rotterdam offer? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erasmusburg<\/strong> \u00d4\u00c7\u00f4 unveiled in 1990s and named after the famous Rotterdam Renaissance humanist Desiderius Erasmus, the 802-metre long bascule bridge was built to connect the regenerated Kop van Zuid neighbourhood with the city centre. Interestingly, this design has been met with some controversy. Whilst observing the bridge from the side, you can’t help but notice the bent pylon resembles a leg. Less sexist viewers however might recognize an elegant swan in the pylon which explains its nickname, the Swan. For the best views of the bridge, come at night when it’s beautifully lit.

Cube Houses<\/strong> \u00d4\u00c7\u00f4 Imagine living in a bright yellow house that is merely 100-metres-squared! Now picture your house is tilted and secured on its corner. It’s difficult to imagine, isn’t it? I’m not sure if I’d be rushing to move in, however, it is definitely must-see. Built in the 1980s by Piet Blom, the Cube Houses are certainly the quirky architectural gem of Rotterdam. Bonus: you can explore inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cube Houses, Rotterdam<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Markthal<\/strong> – Right next to the Cube Houses, you’ll find the massive food market named Markthal. This sustainable building in the shape of an upside-down horseshoe is filled with an array of foods and treats. Despite its lack of seating, I’d highly recommend venturing through the stalls and trying a Stroopwaffel, one of Netherlands unique delicacies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep an eye out for the impressive ceiling art \u00d4\u00c7\u00f4 \u00d4\u00c7\u00ffHorn of Plenty’<\/em> by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. It’s undoubtedly the market’s most breathtaking feature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although this city may look incredibly modern, it is steeped in so much history, evident by the \u00d4\u00c7\u00ffDe Brandgrens’ (The Blaze Boundary). To bring Rotterdam’s history to the forefront, the municipality decided in 2006 to mark the border of areas that were destroyed during the war with specially designed glowing red lamps in the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n