(cc) Ricardo Mateins

The OBA or Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (Public Library Amsterdam) is a collective name for all public libraries in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The first library opened in 1919 at the Keizersgracht.

The largest of these libraries, the Centrale Bibliotheek, moved to the Prinsengracht in 1977 and 30 years later, on 7 July 2007 (07/07/07), to the Oosterdokseiland, just east of Central Station. It is now the largest public library in Europe. It has a floor surface of 28,500 m2, spread over 10 floors, 1200 seats, of which 600 with Internet-connected computers and a staff of 200.

This to me is a real modern treasure in Amsterdam, The building was designed by Jo Coenen, the former state architect of the Netherlands, and it welcomes up to 2 million visitors every year. Open seven days a week 12 hours a day, this powerhouse of information is so much more than any library you’ve seen before.

Its one of the places that’s always on my
“Must See” list for friends that visit, and for many reasons!

(cc) driek

Firstly: its an amazing space, really and truly I could post a million shots of all the unique and peaceful areas of this building, and never give you even 60% of its spirit. Here is a great photo slideshow to have a look.

Secondly: it is a beauty inside, but go to the top, or even any of the vast picture windows on each floor, and you will be treated to panoramic views of the city around you.

Thirdly: On a wet day its a great place to check your email (with 600 dedicated MAC & PC terminals) , read a paper, watch a DVD, listen to a CD or LP, check out their 360° projector viewing room, or play the piano.

(cc) gkluit

Fourthly: The cafe on the top floor, not only benefits from the amazing view but has great food, wine and beer, and free wifi.

Fifthly: for any design fan it is a treasure trove of modern gems, there is the most unique selection of seating in each area, from oversized bed seats in the kiddies area, to large armchairs in the news section, bubble rocking chairs in the AV section, to individual study pods scattered throughout. The light fittings are a beauty to behold and the structure and design of the floor signage is incomparable.

(cc) Wischenbart

A quick tour: Starting from open lightfilled basement you’ll find the Children’s area, Ground floor is the Entrance with Reception and Toilets (which are pretty cool themselves) Newspapers/ magazines and a reading cafe are on the entresol just above. On the first floor you’ll find all the Multimedia viewing area, CDs and DVDs. All of which can be rented by the week for a mere €1. For novels go to the second floor. Third floor is reserved for Travel and History fourth floor for Art and Music, while the fifth floor is where the Health and study rooms are. Sixth floor has Philosophy and Social work and the Seventh for Theater which seats 300. Also the La Place restaurant is to be found on the uppermost floor.

(cc) Monique Kooijmans

There is a Music Department where world music and jazz form this unique collection that includes exceptional sets from Brazil and Indonesia. The LP collection is easy to find in the catalogue, you can search either under band, artist, composer name or title. The department also houses the scientific section of the Stichting Toonkunstbibliotheek (Music Library Foundation) along with its large collection of antiquarian sheet music and songbooks.

(cc) irdrager

There is so much information about Europe and the EU available, that sometimes it is very difficult to know where to start looking for the information you need. Because of that, the European Commission has created an information network in all EU member countries known as the Europe Direct information network. The Amsterdam Public Library is a part of it.

The OBA made a quick video tour  – have a look as it really gives a good sense of some of the spaces. And make sure the OBA is on your “Must See” list when you come to Amsterdam.

Outdoor design is also really promoted, and in the suburbs there is the space to try out new things, from cool bike shelters to crazy parks and walls. Recently unveiled the Mood wall is just that, a 24-meter long mood wall consists of 2,500 led lamps and a video system.

The standard urban wallpaper video program on the wall is alternated with an interactive program that responds to passing pedestrians. the project was initiated to increase the sense of security in obscure passageways in Amsterdam’s bijlmermeer area. Its located on the okkermanviaduct, adjacent to bijlmerplein 395 [bijlmermeer].

Talk about concrete enhancement of ones living environment, the mood wall, a concept concocted by Urban Alliance, a network of industries specialized in lighting solutions for public spaces. Urban Alliance is a collaboration of designers and developers – Studio Klink which does architecture and design; Illuminate, specializing in interactive lighting and video content; and Cube Architects that specializes in building design and development.

The tunnel’s screen is stretched out horizontally so that the images are better viewed from the side, and outside the tunnel, which makes people want to view it from the outside, and also prevents the tunnel from becoming a loitering spot (at least in theory).

The official statement from Urban Alliance

“The Moodwall is located in a pedestrian tunnel and interacts with people passing by, improving the atmosphere in the tunnel and making people feel happier and safer. The interactive urban wallpaper is made from 2500 LEDs behind a ribbed semi-transparent wall. The curves in the wall make it less vulnerable to graffiti and improve visibility.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

In an area called the nine streets, the 9 straatjes in Dutch (post to follow on that) is a shop/cafe/design agency/boutique suite hotel called Miauw. Quite a tall order from one premises, but this place is pretty cool!

It began in Antwerp and then branched to Amsterdam, once it realised a very unique winning formula. Based over two buildings on Hartenstraat 36 it offers a very cool place to stay in one of the nicest areas to wander in Amsterdam (I.M.H.O)

From the look of the suites they are well furnished in the cool eclectic Dutch fashionista sense.  Ample sized and at not too steep a price* (€195 p/n) with kitchen and living area. Wifi, high spec tv and sexy bathrooms, it has it all for that cool weekend away. The addition of the cafe, and shop will make for a great first stop on your wander. Dutch style is kooky to say the least. Its a place where more individual = more stylish, and the clothes stores of the 9 streets really brings that to you.From a quick look around the Miauw shops tell me that the 9 streets style prevails here too.

The Project is a small design and advertising studio, again in the cool Dutch style of a little of everything, they market themselves as creating everything from commercials, music video’s and films to graphic design and art installations.
Worth a look if you want somewhere cool and individual for a self catering weekend in the heart of the city.

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So let me know if this tickles your fancy and I’ll find similar.
Of course I’ll be adding more so any requests, bars, restos, galleries, shops, hangouts, areas – let me know and I’ll hunt you down the best!