FAR Illustrated

Mid-Rise, Amsterdam Southeast

FAR	Floors	Built	Paved	Green	Water
0.93	3.75	25	28	46	1

When the 1960s high-rise projects failed, planners turned to more practical and effective arrangements, such as these mid-rise units, which were built on much of the remaining land in the Southeast district. Unlike the original high-rise neighborhoods, this area was never carfree (despite excellent metro service), and large areas are devoted to car parking.

The area is entirely residential, although shops and services are available just to the south. The interior courtyards are not fully enclosed and so are open to anyone. The cubes at ground level, visible in the top photograph, provide storage, particularly of bicycles. The entire area is very well furnished with bike paths, and cycling is an important mode of transport, as it is almost everywhere in the Netherlands.

Maarsenhof

Interior courtyard

Maarsenhof parking

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