B A C K G R O U N D I N F O R M AT I O N Oranjestad is the capital city of Aruba, a small island south east of the Caribbean Sea, just north of North America. It is located on the western coastline of Aruba, a hotspot for tourism and ship trading (Aruba Ports Authorities, 2011). The city has strong historic connection to Dutch Colonial which dated as early as the 17th century (Historia di Aruba, 2007). Therefore, the architectural style of Oranjestad today, highlights very similar characteristics as the original Dutch architecture back in Holland, however, displays some unique adaptations and additions which makes Oranjestad’s architectural style unique. The most visible architectural element which Oranjestad and Dutch architecture strongly emphasise on are the display of facades. This can be for both small scale buildings with a single facade, and larger scale buildings with series of repetitive facades. The facade represents the identity of each building, as each building has different its own decorations and elements displayed. Although, there are differences, some general elements can be generalised to show some similar elements between Dutch and Oranjestad’s architecture. To show the links of Oranjestad’s strong historic connection to Dutch architecture, a comparative analysis of a district of each respective city are shown by deconstructing the main elements. Oranjestad’s major VKRSSLQJ PDOO 5R\DO 3OD]D 0DOO GLVSOD\V VWURQJ 'XWFK LQÀXHQFHV ZLWK series of facades, and facades along Emma Straat highlights similar characteristics of side by side individual facades. These exemplars share very strong historic links to Dutch architecture in Amsterdam, such as the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and the buildings along the canals. From the comparisons, Oranjestad has transformed their historic 'XWFK LQÀXHQFHV LQWR WKHLU RZQ XQLTXH VW\OH 7KH PDLQ HOHPHQWV FDQ still be related to its Dutch origins; however, Oranjestad has evolved the practical function of the original Dutch facade into a purely decorative architectural style. LOCATION OF ORANJESTAD EXEMPLARS
P O P U L AT I O N 7KH SRSXODWLRQ RI $PVWHUGDP DQG 2UDQMHVWDG DUH VLJQL¿FDQWO\ GLIIHUHQW due to its geographic location and develop growths. Amsterdam has a population of approximately 780 000 (Statistics Netherlands, 2013), meanwhile Oranjestad has only approximately 30 000 (Population Of, 2013). This implies that architecture in Amsterdam will need to be more developed to accommodate a higher population demand, meanwhile Oranjestad requirements are more at ease due to lower population. Amsterdam’s higher population indicates that the design of buildings would need to be built with multiple levels and have more buildings condense into the city districts. In addition, this demand will continue to evolve as the growth in Amsterdam’s population continues to increase due to immigration rates. Oranjestad, however, indicates that the city is less developed and that the buildings can be low lying and has less multiple storeys buildings. These factors contributes to each respective city’s architectural response, which can be seen through the façades of Amsterdam and Oranjestad.
CITY GRID Each city grid was formed from different urban elements due the geographical locations. Amsterdam was more inland, however, was intentionally built as a ‘port city’ at the end of the 16th century, which resulted to a network of canals (United Nations, 2013). Oranjestad, on the other hand, is located on an island, therefore the city possesses a coastal line where Oranjestad’s ports are situated. Amsterdam’s canals are the primary bounding elements of its city grid. Road and pathways are secondary elements which divided the city into area blocks. It seems the grid compacts the city preventing the city to have opportunities to grow. This is because the whole city was considered as a ‘masterpiece’ of an ideal city, which have been used as an exemplar around the world (United Nations, 2013). With its success in hydraulic engineering, town planning and its unique architecture style, Amsterdam has been considered as a completed city, therefore the city grid has been compacted and has an obvious system to how the city operates, preventing any future developments that may disrupt this system.
1:100 000 CITY PATTERN OF AMSTERDAM WESTERN DISTRICT
Oranjestad’s has less bounding elements as Amsterdam has it only has the coastline as its restriction. The main cultural district is around the main ports of Oranjestad. Rather expanding further inland, the city grid expanded along the coast. Therefore, with the geometries of the coast, the city grid has been distorted and has been broken up into sections. By looking at the city grid, the distorted planned grid turns more organic highlighting some different grid shapes in contrast with Amsterdam. Oranjestad also has opportunities for future developments with more land resources available rather a fully developed Amsterdam.
1:100 000 CITY PATTERN OF ORANJESTAD PORTS
AREA BLOCK It terms of area, Amsterdam and Oranjestad share similar area blocks within the grid. Although, Amsterdam has a much more higher population, it was expected to have bigger area blocks to compensate the high population demands; however, the city pattern indicates that the city did not design for the higher population by area expansion but rather by condensation into a allocated area. The small area blocks by these two cities furthermore highlights the transportation preferences to travel around the city. In Amsterdam with the canal network, area blocks have been broken down, so that walking is the most preferred mode to travel. This is also the case in Oranjestad, that walking is the preferred mode of transportation. Although Oranjestad possess much more land than Amsterdam, the city grid seems to imitate the grid sizes of Amsterdam which highlights the historic connection with its Dutch origins.
1:100 000 AREA BLOCKS OF AMSTERDAM (left) AND ORANJESTAD (right)
Although both cities have similar area blocks, the allotments on each block in each cities are different due to the population density. Amsterdam’s buildings are more condense to compensate its population density issue. This is why all buildings are narrow ZLGWK DQG GHHS WR ¿W PRUH EXLOGLQJV VLGH E\ VLGH DORQJ HDFK VWUHHW Surprisingly the buildings in Oranjestad has similar allocations, with buildings grouped together which still lined up right next to each other with no spacing. This element of lining buildings directly side by side is another element which Oranjestad has imitated Dutch planning although Oranjestad does not need to. However, there are spacing within the groups of buildings in Oranjestad which highlights the land availability, having more spaces to separate buildings, create pathways and open public spaces. With Oranjestad land spaces opportunities, the city has widened the road widths rather having it narrow similar to Amsterdam. A general URDG FDQ FRPIRUWDEO\ ¿W WZR ODQHV WKHUHIRUH DSSUR[LPDWHO\ VL[ PHWUHV wide. Oranjestad’s road also has two lanes maximum; however, cars are given more spaces apart, approximately ten metre in width.
1:2000 TYPICAL ALLOTMENT ALLOCATIONS OF AMSTERDAM (left) AND ORANJESTAD (right)
DIMENSIONS: HEIGHT AND WIDTH With the high population density, buildings in Amsterdam has to be more condense therefore the width of each building are much narrower. But to compensate this loss of space, the buildings are constructed with multiple storeys. Therefore, Dutch buildings are often approximately ÂżYH OHYHOV DQG YHU\ ORQJ UDWKHU WKDQ ZLGH (DFK EXLOGLQJ ZLOO KDYH D unique facade which represents the identity of each building. Since the buildings are right next to each other, the line-up of these facades creates a unique characteristic of Dutch architecture. Oranjestad used the Dutch series of facade differently as a decorative facade for its buildings. Apart from this, the facade has the same purpose to identifying each individual building. The dimensions of the facades in Oranjestad, however is very different to Amsterdam due WR WKH IDFW SRSXODWLRQ LV VLJQLÂżFDQWO\ ORZHU 7KLV PHDQW 2UDQMHVWDG architecture has no demands to build multiple storey buildings, which highlights the reason why most building in Oranjestad are low lying. The majority of the buildings only consist of two storeys, and the individual facade are much narrower. Since the facade is a decorative element, a single building may have multiple facades highlighting different sections and use of the buildings, such as different stores, RIÂżFHV DQG HQWUDQFHV
STREET ELEVATION OF AMSTERDAM (left) AND ORANJESTAD (right)
M AT E R I A L S & C O L O U R S The colours of the facades in Amsterdam and Oranjestad are VLJQL¿FDQWO\ GLIIHUHQW WR HDFK RWKHU DOWKRXJK WKH\ DUH FRQVWUXFWHG ZLWK the same materials. Amsterdam buildings are mostly constructed with local materials, such as timber, with the facade tied to it which is built by bricks and stone (Passikoff, 2011). These natural materials gives the natural brown colour of which the facades possess. Over time the colour will change to show the buildings age, which adds more details to the facades. Oranjestad’s buildings are constructed with similar materials, however, rather that leaving the façades with natural colours, they have been rendered with pastel colours. The pastel colours did not have any historical connection with Dutch architecture, therefore it seems that Oranjestad’s intention was to coat the Dutch architectural style in pastel colours to achieve its own architectural style. This colour VFKHPH DOVR JLYHV PRUH ÀH[LELOLW\ IRU HDFK IDFDGH WR KDYH WKHLU RZQ identities, in additional to the detailing on the facade. COLOUR SCHEMES OF AMSTERDAM (left) AND ORANJESTAD (right) FACACES
NATURAL COLOURS OF AMSTERDAM FACADES (Roufs, 2008)
PASTEL COLOURS OF ORANJESTAD FACADES (Stanley ,2009)
GABLE SHAPE Although Dutch architecture was primarily for functional purposes, there are still an aesthetic element to the façade. It is not heavily emphasised as decorative as much as Oranjestad, however, the detailing and shape of the facades gives each building a unique individual identity. Dutch architecture is considered as ‘well-mannered’ because these intimate detailing on the façade rather the overall façade creating a grand effect (Catling & Pascoe, 2003). These detailing on the façade are shown through the forms of gable shapes, cornices, wall plaques and other decorative elements. Firstly, Dutch facades takes form in many shapes. However, there are main forms which are used. These styles are represent a particular historical era of Dutch architecture, with particular positions for particular decorations. Although the shape may be similar, decorations and openings sizes for doors and windows varies to achieve the individuality of the facades. The diagrams represented only the top of the facade, since Dutch buildings are tall therefore the lower parts of the facade would be mainly rectangular with windows and doors until the top where there is space to change shapes. The facade LV QRUPDOO\ KLJKHU WKDQ WKH URRI WR FDPRXÀDJH WKH DSH[ RI WKH URRI behind it (Fodor’s, 2013).
SIMPLE TRIANGULAR GABLE
WAREHOUSE-STYLE SPOUT GABLE
DUTCH RENAISSANCE STYLE
SHELL MOTIF
DOLPHIN ORNAMENT
UNADORNED BELL GABLE
Oranjestad facade consist of mostly the: - Stonework with cornucopia decoration - Shell motif - Unadorned bell gable These styles were originate in the 17th Century of Dutch architecture. During this time it was also when the Dutch took over Oranjestad in 1636, when the city underwent developments therefore the architecture from the Dutch has been passed on to the city (Marriott, 2013). Likewise at Amsterdam, each facade would have the general shape as its primary base and would be decorated differently to each other facades.
STONEWORK WITH CORNUCOPIA DECORATION
MAIN FORMS OF FACADE GABLES IN DUTCH ARCHITECTURE
CORNICES 2QH RI WKH PRVW VLJQL¿FDQW HOHPHQW RQ WKH IDFDGHV LV WKH FRUQLFH at the top of the facade. This decorative top moulding which usually combined with pilasters were built from about 1660 and onwards which is also around the time Oranjestad was developing (European Architecture, 2013). The simple design of the gable facades was considered out fashioned, therefore the cornices was an addition to the gable to add details to the facade (Catling & Pascoe, 2003). As Amsterdam’s buildings are narrow and tall, the only element that can distinguish each individual building are the cornices and other decorations (Fondor’s, 2013). The cornices are the identity of the building as each time period the cornice style would evolve. Therefore, over time the buildings are distinguished by the cornice at the top which also shows the history of the building. At the end of the 17th century and beginning of the 18th century, the cornice were used as the top gable to raise the middle section of the facade. Furthermore, some cornices are then elaborated with the attic window which resembles a bell shape gable (European Architecture, 2013). In Amsterdam, the cornices also have a hook in the gable which are part of the cornice decoration. The hooks are attached to a pulley and ropes to transport furniture to other levels as it is impossible to transport via stairs inside the buildings (Fondor’s, 2013).
SOME TYPICAL CORNICES IN AMSTERDAM
Oranjestad possesses the same cornice characteristics, but had HYROYHG WKH GHFRUDWLRQ DQG VLPSOL¿HG WKH FRPSOH[LW\ RI WKH FRUQLFH designs. Oranjestad still maintains the different designs to establish each facade’s identity, however, it is only elaborated on the edges of the facade and the top of the gable. In addition, decorations are placed above and below windows and doors. Furthermore, the choice colour schemes of the facade in Oranjestad as provided more range of unique identities as oppose to Amsterdam natural material colours.
SOME TYPICAL CORNICES IN ORANJESTAD
P I L A S T E R S A N D O T H E R D E C O R AT I O N S What is uniquely Oranjestad in which Dutch architecture did not strongly emphasise is the decoration above and below the windows and doors, and the use of pilasters. Its decorative motif for its architectural style allows Oranjestad facades to add further details on to the facades of which the Dutch did not do since it runs on a functional system rather decorative. Oranjestad’s use of pilasters comes in different patterns and forms. It was not seen in Dutch architecture for smaller buildings but are seen in larger buildings where repetitive facades occur and pilasters are used to emphasise the repetition and add dimensions to the facades. As mentioned before, Oranjestad has imitated Dutch architecture by placing multiple facades on a building to outline different sections of the buildings. The pilasters consist of different forms and are often elaborated to match the top cornices. At times the pilasters can be plain white with no carvings just to show the break between the different facades. The decoration of windows and doors can be linked the cornice design. The decoration compliments the cornice and the pilasters showing the individuality of each facade. Furthermore, the extension extruded from the façade, such as a balcony, was also for decorative purposes since the extruded area would be too small to have a function. This unique addition moves its architectural style away from the Dutch architectural illustrating the unique architectural style of Oranjestad.
EXAMPLES OF PILASTERS IN ORANJESTAD
EXAMPLES OF STANDARD WINDOWS IN AMSTERDAM
EXAMPLES OF WINDOWS DECORATIONS IN ORANEJSTAD
LARGER BUILDINGS
M AT E R I A L S A N D D E C O R AT I O N S
For larger buildings, the architectural style between Amsterdam DQG 2UDQMHVWDG GLVSOD\V VLJQL¿FDQW FKDQJHV LQ FRQWUDVW WR VLQJXODU facade showing similar elements. To display these differences the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and Royal Plaza Mall will be used as exemplars from each city. The most notable elements on the buildings are the uniformity of facades. Each facade is the same, replicating itself around the building. Although the Royal Palace was built with white stones, due to weathering the building changed to a brownish grey (A View of Cities, 2013). Despite the change of colour, Dutch material use and its natural material expression are still present on the Royal Palace ROYAL PLAZA MALL (Pics, 2012) facades. The Royal Plaza Mall, on the other hand, displays a typical Oranjestad decorative façade style with pastel renders over brick constructions. The Royal Palace has some decorative wall plaques below and above the window, however, the use of pilasters emphasises on the repetition of the facades, as it outlines the break of each individual facade. In addition, the positions of these suggest these pilasters may indicate the structural layout of the building and grid set out of how the internal spaces may be planned. The Royal Plaza Mall, however, shows pilasters as purely for decorative purposes as it only JRHV XS IURP HDFK ÀRRU OHYHO DQG DUFKHV EHIRUH WKH QH[W ÀRRU OHYHO 7KHVH SLODVWHUV DQG DUFKHV UHSOLFDWHV LWVHOI DURXQG HDFK ÀRRU OHYHO RI the façades to create a system of decoration around the buildings to PILASTERS OF ROYAL PALACE show its uniformity and identity.
PILASTERS OF ROYAL PLAZA MALL
ROYAL PALACE (Ballegeer, 2006)
LARGER BUILDINGS
G A B L E R O O F S A N D FA C A D E S
Although both buildings were constructed in the 17th century, the general shape of the façades are different. The Royal Palace did not only have a singular high gable roof, however, it uses multiple gable roofs, especially the large gable at the front entrance to create a larger façade to have a more elaborate cornice decoration. This show how in Dutch architecture in larger buildings alters the way how façade architecture change in order to emphasise the power and unique of its architecture. The Royal Plaza Mall façade layout shows that Oranjestad did not alter the façade layout for larger buildings like the Royal Palace. The building has a single gable roof and similar to smaller scale buildings with singular facades. As the gable roof creates two axis there are two different system of facades that covers the building. The high gable roof end has facades with high cornices to hide the roof, meanwhile the sides have smaller facades with high cornices. A common element that the Royal Palace and the Royal Plaza Mall was the windows extruded from the gable roof. The Royal palace position these windows to have lighting to the attics and at the same time linning these windows with the façade grids. These windows, however, are small and have a small cornice decoration on top. Oranjestad windowsfrom the gable roof was integrated with the façade like the attiac with the cornice for individual facades. The windows are large and replicate itself with the facades alogn the building. The two exemplars from each city shows contrast between Dutch architecture and Oranjestad’s evolution of the Dutch architecture. The Royal Palace of Amsterdam use of the façade to show its power over other buildings through its pilasters and a large cornice decoration at the front entrance. Oranjestad’s Royal Plaza Mall displays pastel colours and elaborate decorations on the window and the rest of WKH IDoDGH 7KLV VKRZV 2UDQMHVWDG PRGL¿HG WKH WUDGLWLRQDO 'XWFK architecture to its own style emphasising on its strong decorative purposes whilst Amsterdam was for functional purposes.
GABLE ROOF WINDOWS OF ROYAL PALACE
GABLE ROOF WINDOWS OF ROYAL PLAZA MALL
CONCLUSION By pulling the key elements on Amsterdam and Oranjestad facades, it comes to show that each respective city has their own interpretations of the façades and at the same time share some key elements. Dutch architecture is more functional to meet the high population density, therefore its buildings required multiple storey sand even to the extent of buildings lining directly side by side each other. This condensed issue only DOORZV EXLOGLQJV WR EH LGHQWL¿HG WKURXJK WKH IURQW RI WKH EXLOGLQJ ZKHUH WKH façade is located. Made from stones and bricks, the natural element of the materials gives the buildings its colours, which are added with cornices and pilasters to form unique facades. These variations of façade decorations gives the buildings its own identity in the district.
$OWKRXJK 2UDQMHVWDG KDV VWURQJ 'XWFK DUFKLWHFWXUDO LQÀXHQFH LWV DUFKLWHFWXUDO style has been evolved to establish their own style. Oranjestad did not have any population issue as Amsterdam but the city just translate Dutch architecture into their buildings as decorative purposes and to show its historical connection to Dutch Colonial. With many elements that displays strong historical connection, such as gable shape, cornices and pilasters, these elements did not directly can translated into Oranjestad buildings. Oranjestad has transformed the façade purely to be a decorative element in its building, therefore the gables, cornices DQG SLODVWHUV ZHUH VLPSOL¿HG \HW DUUDQJHG WR VKRZ WKH LQGLYLGXDOLW\ RI HDFK IDoDGH ,Q DGGLWLRQ WKH SDVWHO FRORXU LV RQH RI WKH PRVW VLJQL¿FDQW HOHPHQWV uniquely to Oranjestad. The origin of these colours were from any Dutch history and the colours completely transform the façade into a architectural style of Oranjestad. These elements displays the decorative motif that underlines Oranjestad architecture of the facades, in contrast to its Dutch origins where it was only for functional purposes.
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