Hoofdkantoor Gemeentetram, Office building in Amsterdam Oud-West, Netherlands.
The Hoofdkantoor Gemeentetram is an office building in Amsterdam Oud-West built between 1921 and 1923 in the Amsterdam School style. It features a U-shaped floor plan with a central block, two corner pavilions, ornamental brickwork patterns on its upper levels, four stories with numerous windows, and original wooden doors with varied glass panels.
The building was constructed between 1921 and 1923 as the headquarters for Amsterdam's municipal tram system during a period of rapid urban growth. It exemplifies the Amsterdam School style, which merged modernist ideals with local craftsmanship traditions of that era.
The building displays sculptures by artist Hildo Krop that represent humanity's relationship with transport and electrical power. These artworks form part of the facade and reflect the importance of mobility to the city.
The building is located at Stadhouderskade 1 and is easily visible from the street with clear architectural details to observe. It is a protected monument, so the interior is not open to visitors, but the facade and sculptures are viewable at any time.
The building combines strict symmetry with rounded forms in an unusual way, creating a distinctive interpretation of Amsterdam School architecture. This rare balance between geometric order and organic curves makes it a memorable example of the period's architectural language.
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