De Bazel, Office building in Amsterdam-Centrum, Netherlands
De Bazel is an office building in Amsterdam-Centrum with ten floors and a facade of alternating brick and granite patterns stretching some 100 meters along Vijzelstraat. The building now houses the Amsterdam City Archives, serving as a center for public records and research.
Architect Karel de Bazel designed the building for the Netherlands Trading Company between 1919 and 1926. Its construction reflected Amsterdam's role as a major economic hub during the interwar period.
Sculptures by Joseph Mendes da Costa depicting Asia and Europe adorn the interior, complemented by stained glass windows designed by Antoon Derkinderen. These artworks shape the character of the spaces and reflect how craftsmanship was woven into the building's design.
The building is easily reached by public transportation in central Amsterdam and the archive spaces are open to visitors. It helps to check opening hours ahead of time, as the facility primarily serves research purposes.
Inside the building are two central light wells divided by glass structures and topped with dome-shaped skylights. This clever design brings daylight deep into all levels and creates an unusual sense of openness.
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