Drie Blokken Sculpture

Nestled between the Javastraat and Balistraat, the Drie Blokken rise from the heart of Amsterdam’s Indische Buurt. These concrete giants, also known as “De arbeiderswoning” (The Workers’ Housing) and “Fort van Sjako,” tell a story of ambition, community, and resilience. The Drie Blokken, designed by the renowned architect H.P. Berlage, were built between 1911 and 1915. The Vereeniging tot verbetering der Volkshuisvesting “De Arbeiderswoning” (Association for the Improvement of Public Housing “The Workers’ Housing”) commissioned the project, aiming to provide affordable housing for large, low-income families. The three blocks, or rather two and a half, form a unique urban landscape within the neighborhood. Drie Blokken 1 connects to existing buildings, while Drie Blokken 2 and 3 enclose rectangular courtyards, reminiscent of traditional Dutch “hofjes.” The buildings feature three to four stories of brick, punctuated by recessed corners with small gardens. Berlage and his team drew inspiration from English social housing models and the work of architect Jan Ernst van der Pek. This focus on practicality and livability is evident in the Drie Blokken’s well-oriented design and functional floor plans. The Drie Blokken were not without their challenges. Initially, the lack of proper kitchens and the influx of residents from the overcrowded city center led to issues. The nickname “Fort van Sjako,” derived from a novel about slovenly housekeeping, reflects these early struggles. A major renovation in the late 1960s attempted to modernize the apartments. However, by the end of the 20th century, the Drie Blokken were again deemed inadequate. Slated for demolition, they were saved by community activism, which successfully secured their status as national monuments. The subsequent renovation, completed in the mid-2000s, blended historic preservation with modern amenities, creating a vibrant mix of social housing, starter homes, and student apartments. Today, the Drie Blokken stand as a testament to Berlage’s vision and the enduring spirit of the Indische Buurt.