In the field of architecture and urban development, the Netherlands has a tradition to keep up. Its seventeenth and eighteenth century canal houses are world famous, while its twentieth century urban development schemes such as architect and urban developer Berlage's Amsterdam South project and the new buildings in the centre of Rotterdam, also attract attention.
Modern architecture in the Netherlands manifests itself in a great variety of ways, the controversial nature of many of which may be interpreted as a sign of vitality. Besides functional architecture involving houses and office buildings, there is sufficient scope for experimentation. New towns such as Almere and Zeewolde, and growth centres such as Zoetermeer and Amersfoort, provide young architects with the opportunity to experiment.
Herman Hetzberger, Wim Quist, Pi de Bruyn, Rem Koolhaas and Jo Coenen are well known contemporary architects. Coenen designed the building in which the Dutch institute for Architecture and Town planning in Rotterdam is housed. This institute supplies information on architecture and urban development. The Berlage Institute in Amsterdam runs workshops for talented architects from the Netherlands and abroad.

•  Archis (Magazine on Architecture)
•  Berlage Institute
•  Bond van Nederlandse Architecten (BNA)
•  Netherlands Architecture Institute
•  Art & Architecture