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| 'De Helmersschool' 1e Helmersstraat, Amsterdam, Holland |
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| 'De Helmersschool' was built in 1904 in, at that time, a suburb of Amsterdam, now called 'Old South' (Oud Zuid) and actually not far from the center of the city. Later, in the Twenties, is developed, more to the east of the town, the famous area 'South' (Zuid) designed by the architect Berlage and some 12 other dutch architects. This school is a lovely brick building, quite high, like most of the houses in the neighbourhood. It used to be a middle class area, now the best parts are very much sought after by young, well-to-do families because the apartments are friendly and often bigger and higher than modern houses. The high houses in the area, and also this school, are built around a long inside garden with big trees and greenery. On walking distance you have the more quiet part of the Vondelpark, the biggest green area in de center of Amsterdam and very popular with a young hip public. At the time I made this design (1988) the school, because it was a public school, had but few 'dutch' children. Most of the kids were from countries all over the world, about 20 different nationalities. My design was meant to be, not more or less than 'the universe'. The 'stars', to be seen outside in the glass dome of real stained glass and inside the 'firmament' painted on the ceiling. On the floor, made of tiles, a map of 'the world' with some countries where the pupils come from. On the round stained glass roof above the entrance I put a text: 'Two cultures know more than one' (Twee culturen weten meer dan een'), a paraphrase on 'Two know more than one'. The text is 'cut' through the steal rim of the roof (see detail). |
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