Dutch Architecture: They Didn’t Go There?!

The internet and social media are very powerful tools that can influence and shape human behavior. Social media has played a significant role in recent outbreaks of social protest and resistance. The mushrooming of Occupy protests, the Arab Spring, the mobilization of resistance against the Government of the Ukraine or in Hong Kong was heavily dependent on the resources provided by the social media. Many observers have concluded that in a networked world, social media possesses the potential to promote public participation, engagement and the process of democratizing public life.

The one area that seemed ‘untouchable’ from the digital social media experience is architecture. Now, the Dutch have broken the barrier and incorporated elements of the digital culture in architecture.

A building designed by Changiz Tehrani of Dutch firm Attika Architected is a four-story brick building, featuring 22 emojis cast in white concrete. They seem to act as decorative circles that mark the top perimeter of each floor on one side. An irreverent addition to the building, these iconic symbols are meant to represent gargoyles and other figures used in historic architecture, as well as function as a time capsule.

Traditional architecture takes into account the styles that were popular to a region or area. The characteristics of traditional architecture used by architects and builders includes a commitment to maintaining a link to past styles of building. This creates a sense of continuity and connection to the past. With the introduction of digital influence in architecture, the tradition and practice of architecture is being challenged in a new social environment.

Today’s Featured Real Estate

Another one of our projects, the estate from the late Andrew Getty, is currently on the market for $6.1 million.

by ADG Lighting, Gerald Olesker