amsterdam : part II

Amsterdam's charmingly old buildings are often tall and narrow. They're nearly always intentionally wonky. At first I thought they would soon topple forward however I learned the lean is for a reason. With steep and narrow staircases it's impossible to get large and heavy goods inside. By sloping the buildings forward and building a giant hook and pulley facing outwards at the top, big items can be hoisted up and inside via a window. The lean minimises facade damage.

4 comments:

thimble said...

thats so strange and clever! beautiful photos by the way!

Michelle Walker said...

Well I never! Intentionally wonky - fact learned for today.

Anonymous said...

Loving your photos of Amsterdam Evie. I was born in Holland, but haven't been back for 10 years. The Jordaan is so, so beautiful. This may sound very strange, but I actually cried walking around there. The house hooks are incredible aren't they! I still remember watching my auntie hoist a piano to the third floor, and passerby not batting an eyelid.

Paravent said...

I love Amsterdam - so beautiful :) Kx