What if I told you that Bullewijk was once a lake? In the early 17th century, this area was very different. Today, we’re standing in Bullewijk. It is a neighborhood within Amsterdam-Zuidoost. But let’s dive into its past.
Back then, Amsterdam needed more farmland. Grain imports were getting too expensive. So, they decided to drain the Bullewijk lake. The goal? To boost local grain production.
Land reclamation started in the 1620s. By 1626, the lake was gone. It became a polder. A polder is a piece of land surrounded by dikes. This new land was used for farming. Bullewijk also existed as a municipality. This was in North Holland. In 1840, only 23 houses stood here. Around 180 people lived in Bullewijk. For a short time, Bullewijk was part of Weesp. But in 1848, it was officially dissolved. It then became part of Weesperkarspel.
Fast forward to the 1960s. The Bijlmer neighborhood was designed. Bullewijk is part of this area. It was a modernist urban design. Architect Siegfried Nassuth led the project. The idea was innovative. They built high-rise buildings in a hexagonal grid. This created open spaces and elevated roads. The goal was to offer residents clean air, sunlight, and great views.
The apartments were designed to attract suburban residents. They included unique features. Tubular walkways connected flats and garages. Green areas with grass and trees separated the buildings. Each flat had a designated garage space.
The Bijlmer had two traffic levels. Cars drove on the top level. Pedestrians and bicycles used the lower levels. This separation improved traffic safety. Recently, they have started to integrate the traffic. Pedestrians, cyclists, and cars now share the same plane. This change aims to lessen the “inhuman” scale of some designs. It also improves safety by providing direct sightlines.
Since the 1980s, Bijlmermeer has been a residential area. It sits on the outskirts of Amsterdam. The 1970s urban plan was innovative. It envisioned suburban housing with car-free areas and green spaces. After Suriname gained independence, many citizens moved to the Netherlands. There was a housing shortage. The plan was to build apartments to accommodate them.
However, this modernist design caused issues. There was a lack of connection to the city. Many middle-class residents moved out. This led to poverty and high crime rates in the Bijlmer.
In 1992, a tragic event occurred. El Al Flight 1862 crashed into two apartment buildings. This disaster killed 43 people. It became known as the Bijlmerramp. It is considered the worst aviation accident in Dutch history.
In recent years, many buildings in Bullewijk have been renovated or torn down. New, more expensive low-rise housing has been constructed. The goal is to attract middle and upper-income residents. This has significantly reduced crime. It has also created a more balanced socio-economic mix. The area’s ethnic diversity has been maintained. Bullewijk has also become popular with students due to its affordability.
In 2024, Bijlmermeer had nearly 50,000 residents. They represented over 150 nationalities. This rich mix of cultures makes Bullewijk a vibrant and dynamic place.
Today, Bullewijk is a thriving part of Amsterdam-Zuidoost. It has overcome many challenges. It continues to evolve. It is a testament to urban renewal and community spirit. It stands as a beacon of light for the entire area.