Moon Gates

The Olympic Quarter is a new housing development bordered by Olympic Stadium on the South, the Norder Amstelkanaal on the North, Nature Island (see January 11) in the Park Schinkeleilanden on the west and Amstelveenseweg on the east. There are 969 homes in seven buildings, all of which were completed in 2008 except one, which dates to 1928, the year the summer Olympics were held in Amsterdam. Each of the new buildings has an inspiring name and these are the translations: Winner, Flag-Bearer, Leader, Will-power, Athlete and Marathon. All of the streets are named after Greek goddesses: Laan de Hesperiden, Eosstraat, Afroditekade, Hestiastraat, Rheastraat and Artemisstraat.

A great deal of planning went into the neighbourhood to make it a true community. The housing options are diverse including owned and rental properties ranging from luxury to social housing. Each building block has a centre courtyard garden and many community services and businesses are located in the buildings, such as a public library, swimming pool, fitness centre, daycares, artist’s studios, hair salons, offices for accountants, lawyers, designers and architects, restaurants and so on. Basically, everything a neighbourhood needs and a little more.

Although the district is new and uncluttered due to its clean lines, underground car garages and proper bike parking, it does not lack character. There are gardens in the interior courtyards as well as on the publicly accessible streets. Even the apartment numbers have character as they were specially designed by an artist. In fact, several artists were hired to create public art for the enjoyment of both residents and the general public.

This photo is of one entrance in a reflecting light exhibit created by Willem Hall called Moon Gates. The entrance to each building has a neon light of a round design. Each entrance shows reflections of the gates across the street and at the other end of the courtyard as well as their reflections. It is a beautiful way to provide entry way lighting!