After the Royal interval yesterday, I continue with the Open Monuments Day. This flying-saucer-like building was built in 1926 as a theosophical temple. Theosophy is a worldview that seeks to combine religion philosophy and science. The fan-shaped building with a green copper roof was constructed with reinforced concrete and steel.
Daylight comes in through the narrow tail steel-framed windows encased in concrete posts in the semi-circular temple hall.
The building was used as a cinema named Cinetol. Since 1985, the temple hall has housed a branch of the Public Library of Amsterdam.
The study areas.
The architect L.C. van der Vlugt was an adept of functionalist architecture, in Holland known as "Nieuwe Bouwen".
Yes.. it does look like a flying saucer. I always though religion and science were in conflict with each other.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAnother very impressive architectural structure!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI particularly like the interior shots.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThis is the first I've heard of this notion. A very modern design!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenVery unusual, and I had never heard of this temple/sect. Kind of reminds me of Scientology, although I am not an authority on either.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenIt is very impressive. Very modern for 1926 I would think. I'm not sure I would get any studying done at those windows!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI'm going to have to check out theosophy. I don't think I've heard of it or if I did hear about it it's one of those things I didn't understand so I forgot it.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI think the architecture absolutely epitomises the theme of Philosophy and Science Marianne. It certainly has had many otherwise uses since it was built in 1926 :)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI think the architecture absolutely epitomises the theme of Philosophy and Science Marianne. It certainly has had many otherwise uses since it was built in 1926 :)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAmazing that it was built so long ago. Very nice.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWonderful architecture, amazing that is has had so many uses.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAmazing building.
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