Rows of houses stand before you. This is Landlust a unique Amsterdam neighborhood. Landlust’s story begins not with bricks and mortar but with a farm. A simple farmhouse stood on the Haarlemmerweg. This gave the neighborhood its name.
The official plan for Landlust dates back to 1930. It was approved in 1931. This plan was ambitious. It encompassed a large area between the Kostverlorenvaart canal and the Admiraal de Ruijterweg. It stretched from the Wiegbrug bridge north to the Haarlemmerweg. The plan included the construction of the Central Market Halls. These are located between the Eastern and Western Market Canals. Major streets like the Jan van Galenstraat and Willem de Zwijgerlaan cut through Landlust.
Landlust showcases innovative urban planning. Architect Ben Merkelbach played a key role. He pioneered the use of strip development. This contrasts with the traditional enclosed blocks of Amsterdam. Initially the plan called for closed blocks near De Rijpgracht. However this changed in 1933. New ideas led to the adoption of strip development in certain areas. This approach is visible between the Juliana van Stolbergstraat and the then Zeven Provinciënstraat. The street is now named Karel Doormanstraat. These houses were built between 1937 and 1938. Landlust is one of the first Amsterdam neighborhoods to employ this modern method of urban planning.
The southern part of Landlust near the Wiegbrug saw further changes in 1937 and 1939. These accommodated the construction of Geuzenhof II and Oranjehof. The neighborhood continued to evolve even after World War II. The Gulden Winckelbuurt built after 1940 west of the Admiraal de Ruijterweg is now considered part of Landlust. It’s striking because it too features this distinctive strip-style construction.
Today Landlust is a vibrant neighborhood. It blends history with modern life. Its street names reflect naval battles and historical figures associated with William the Silent. The Willem de Zwijgerlaan is the main thoroughfare. It’s remarkable that such a thoughtfully planned neighborhood still maintains its unique character. Landlust stands as a testament to the evolution of urban design in Amsterdam. Its story unfolds in its streets its houses and the spirit of its residents.