Almere

At Kunstlinie, a glass façade stands between Esplanade and Weerwater. Rectangular volumes give the cultural building a different scale from the open space beside the water. The design by Japanese practice SANAA can therefore also be seen from outside: the building belongs to the cityscape alongside the programme taking place within it. The Kunsthal is closed, so the example day below includes only an exterior stop.

Stadslandgoed de Kemphaan shifts attention to Almeerderhout. Woodland, a city farm and different activities occupy a setting distinct from the centre. The estate itself and the separate operators each have their own role. A walk around the grounds differs from admission to an animal park or an organised activity.

These two places need room between visits. A morning on Esplanade and an afternoon at Kemphaan therefore form a selection for a day with lunch and travel in between. Landscape is part of the subject: at Weerwater, the open shore shapes the view of the building, while trees and water structure the grounds at Kemphaan. Almere becomes legible through the relationship between buildings and the space around them.