It has been written that “landscapes are formed by landscape tastes” (Lowenthal
and Prince 1965, 186). We can, therefore,
conclude that cultural landscapes are derived or are made from the attitudes,
idealized images, values, perceptions, and visual prejudices – the tastes
– of the persons belonging
to that particular culture. That is
true of the landscape created in Maastricht, Netherlands.
A varied and unique scene, the Maastricht landscape embodies many of the same characteristics
of the entire Dutch landscape while holding on to significant aspects that
set it apart from the rest of the Netherlands. The tastes that
created the Maastricht landscape can be categorized into ten distinct components
– practical, simple, reminiscent, hospitable, ordered, aesthetically pleasing,
accessible, modern antiquity, social, and tolerant. Yet, however distinguishable these components
are, there is still room left for each person who visits this landscape to
develop and create their own interpretation.
Practical
"God made the Dutch,
but the Dutch made Holland.” A common saying
among the people of the Netherlands, this statement sums up the Dutch attitude toward their
country. Their pride and modest nationalism
have been the driving force for their hard work which claimed their state
from the sea. Uncovering and securing the Lowlands has been the biggest project in the history of the Netherlands. In doing this,
the Dutch have become excellent thinkers and problem solvers. The practicality that the Dutch were able to
apply and learn is still evident today. According
to the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, the definition of practical
is “capable of being put to use or account.”
This definition applies perfectly to landscape.
A practical Dutch landscape is both useful and efficient.
Dutch
society is based on, among other characteristics, practicality.
Most of Maastricht’s grocery stores, for example, have recycling bins,
and the city encourages the public to recycle both glass and plastic bags.
Even Carnival, the largest celebration in Maastricht each year, shows elements of practicality. Due to overcrowded pubs and extremely long drink
lines, the pubs open outside windows to the streets to serve more customers.
Not
only are the Dutch practical in their ideas and problem solving, they also
display a practical landscape. The
cities of the Netherlands, like most Western European cities, follow a core-periphery
city plan with a highly populated central business district, or city center,
and a less populated area outside the center. In Maastricht, the old medieval walls mark the original city boundaries. As the population grew, another wall was built
outside the previous one. This core-periphery layout for Maastricht has proven to be efficient and practical.
Figure 1. A
thirteen story apartment block near Teikyo University Holland in west-central
Maastricht.
It is very hard to find a
single-residence home in Maastricht. Almost all of
the housing units within the city are multi-residence homes. Some single-residence
homes can be found outside of the city, however. High rise apartments and
duplexes lie outside the central business district, yet still inside the city.
Inside the city center, apartments and commercial businesses share
space. Each building connects with the next, lying
parallel with the streets. Many apartments
are also built beside and even above commercial businesses. The close proximity of neighbors, friends, businesses,
and workplaces seem to create a very practical landscape, where, for example,
people have the opportunity to be much more social since their city is based
on a city center and its compact periphery.
The road system within the
city is also very practical. The placement
and use of roundabouts, small one-way roads, and dedicated bike and bus lanes,
allow the residents to be more efficient.
Since the city is more compact, the distance that an individual has
to travel is decreased. Many of the city residents walk, while others
ride bikes, mopeds, drive small cars, or use public transit.
In order to really
picture the practical landscape of Maastricht, imagine walking down
a cobblestone road toward the city center.
On each side of the road are sidewalks and buildings that are three
or four stories tall. Each building
is connected to the next, although many adjacent buildings don’t even have
the same brick pattern or color nor do the roof lines align. The vehicles that you notice are all very small,
smaller even than sedans in the United States. Most cars are two door, and pick-up trucks or Sport Utility Vehicles
are rarely seen.
A very small
lane (sometimes not even designated with a line) on the right side of the
road is a bike/moped lane. It is heavily
traveled as cars pass. Approaching
the city center, look from one side of the road to the other. The sidewalk on the left has just as many people
as the one on your right. Pedestrians
walk with buildings on one side of them and a heavily trafficked road on the
other side. Squeezed between the two
sidewalks is the road, which is just large enough for bikes to stay on the
right side of the road and for cars and buses to pass.
The landscape
looks like this because of the practicality of the residents of Maastricht. If everyone drove, the roads would be overcrowded.
If everyone walked, the sidewalks would be overcrowded, and if everyone
road bikes or mopeds, the roads and sidewalks would be overcrowded.
However, Maastrichters have learned to adapt and be practical about
their method of travel so that all traffic runs smoothly.
The Netherlands faces issues that few other countries in the world don’t even have to
think about. Dutch problem-solving
skills and practicality have helped them manage their problems with hard drugs,
for example. By allowing the consumption
of soft drugs at designated “coffee shops,” the people who want to indulge
in them can do so in a safe and legal environment.
If coffee shops were not legal, soft drug users would have to buy their
drugs on the black market from people who probably deal with hard drugs and
weapons as well. Coffee shops prove
to be a valid, practical part of the Maastricht’s landscape.
Practical is a word
that can be used to describe many facets of Dutch life, especially the landscape
they have created. It is evident that the Maastricht landscape is practical through its compact core-periphery
city plan, efficient transportation system, and the residents’ impressive
problem-solving skills.
Simple
When looking at a cityscape of a population of nearly
125,000, it is easy to grasp some trends and characteristics that define that
landscape. Maastricht has more than a few to its name. One such characteristic is the tendency to opt
for a simple landscape.
While
not being base or undeveloped, the Maastricht landscape has a very simple feel to it; a planned straightforwardness
to make simple a potentially complicated life in this complicated city.
The "simple" is that of a developed idea in which the simplest
shapes, routes, and structures should be used to make things do what they
need to do, and only that.
Much
of this idea seems to come from a dislike of wasted energy and the belief
that less is more. “Simple” is characterized by uncomplicated shapes
and themes being the basis for everything. Aside from ancient churches, the buildings illustrate
“simple” very well. Every window is
a basic square or rectangle. All the
houses are blocks with triangular or square topped roofs. Or, they are like
the duplexes on the hill above Teikyo University Holland - an interesting
grouping of blocks to make a structure, and maybe a cylinder added every now
and then. Even the older houses and
business places have such a simple look.
When
adding pleasing aesthetics to the buildings, that is keeping with the simple
motif. In the stained glass of houses and other buildings
there is rarely a diversion from a pattern of elongated rectangles of several
well-selected colors. The rectangles
contain only one color each, creating a scrap quilt look. Further, the doors that accompany or house these
windows are always of a distinct form and are a single color with the frequent
addition of tasteful ironwork.
When
adding new artwork to buildings or public spaces, the pieces are always minimalist
and lacking in complexity while being very beautiful.
Almost never finely detailed or intricate, the works seem very much
in harmony with the simplified surroundings.
One example is in the addition of the blue tower to the courthouse,
a simple cylinder with a slightly more complex cone at the top.
Figure
2. Organized street for cars, bicycles, and
buses.
While
apparent in the decoration of buildings, the theme of minimalism also appears
elsewhere. The modes of transportation in Maastricht follow very distinct paths. These paths have been laid out in a rather painstakingly
thought-out manner - even though the city is old, it is organized. The simplicity of the traffic flow, delineated
by lanes on the road, has led to a much less stressful life for the population
of Maastricht. The clearly
designated lanes for bikes, pedestrians, buses and cars, lead to a more harmonious
existence for all who share the road.
The
general road itself is an interesting example of the “simple” ways of Maastricht. While the cobbles of the road are there for cars to
be able to grip the ground, with the constant grip of a crack or four, their
way of being laid out is also for the beauty of the city. The soft curves of the pattern also, incidentally,
lock the basic square cobbles together in simple curves.
Another
example of the “simple” is the use of simple signage, which is of the easiest
to decipher. It would be hard to misinterpret the symbol
for “bike,” “car,” “one-way,” “do not enter,” or “pedestrian area.” All of these combine to make a possibly very
complex life in Maastricht as easy as possible.
Reminiscent
Ancient
cobblestone streets, city walls, and fortifications preserve a rich history
of struggle and independence. History
comes alive, and one must wonder what is suggested by the landscape from ages
ago. The landscape is reminiscent in
that it reminds us of
something in the past.
Because memories and history are valued
and treasured in Maastricht, the landscape provides
expressive and meaningful glimpses into the past. Here, beloved relics of years gone by lie immortalized,
reminiscent of a bygone era.
Beautifully landscaped parks
have been established around ancient city walls to create symbolic sanctuaries. These walls were built to keep out invaders.
But, what once provided protection and assurance now harbors families
with picnic baskets and playful pets. Each visitor is surely mindful of the various
artifacts from previous centuries. One
particular gate or port in the old city wall holds much history. It is referred to as Hell Gate and serves to remind passersby of former religious beliefs and philosophies.
Not only do the citizens of
Maastricht protect and beautify the city walls, but they also preserve
the integrity of the buildings inside the city. Construction workers are essentially preservationists
who maintain the reminiscent feeling of the past. A stroll through the town center reveals modern
bulldozers and cranes making new conveniences, all the while maintaining the
theme of the past. Currently huge machines
cover the largest square, constructing a parking garage hidden under its future
grassy surface.
Elaborate street and building
cleaners have also perfected the art of clearing off grime, grit and pollution
to reveal the historic storefronts and cobblestone streets in a fresh and
clean light. This is a way to keep the old look and still
impress the tourists.
Just as nostalgic feelings are maintained with the
relics, so is the construction of new buildings. One pub in particular, John Mullins, was built
within the last ten years but appears to have been a part of the city for
centuries. Its outward appearance blends
into the row of shops just as if it has always belonged.
Although
additional bridges have been built across the Maas River, the original thirteenth-century
bridge remains. In fact, it is the
oldest bridge in the southern, narrow extension of the Netherlands. It creates images of the numerous shoes that
have crossed the same path for hundreds of years. The cobblestones that line the bridge reflect
the
age, and its modern lift that enables river barges to pass, reflects
the values of preservation and adaptation.
Figure
3. Part of the city wall constructed in 1229.
By preserving the ancient images of olden days, the
people of Maastricht have demonstrated their interest in remembering their
history. These relics are important
to the people and to their industry. Countless
tourists come to Maastricht to see the evidence of an
old medieval city and its protective walls.
Reminiscent of a time gone by, Maastricht serves to bring back symbolic
images for the people who live there and who see the city everyday, as well
as the numerous tourists. It is remindful of and a vision of history, both
for the tourist who visits just once, or for the numerous residents of this
beautiful city.
Hospitable
The
remnants of Maastricht’s historical city walls, which once served as a defensive
barrier against attack, now draw the city’s many visitors into their warm
and welcoming embrace. The hospitable
character of the city is continuously both reflected and informed by its visible
cultural landscape. Strangers are received
and accommodated with unbounded generosity, acceptance, and friendliness,
making it easy to call Maastricht home, even if one has only recently arrived.
Maastricht’s walkable and bikeable urban streets lend themselves
to effortless navigation, and the city cordially unfolds itself to be explored.
The clean cobblestone sidewalks are usually filled with residents, so any
newcomer who chooses to see the city on foot will be in good company. Poster-sized city maps are situated at many
of the most frequently visited sites, such as the train station and city park,
and they allow for instant orientation and on-the-spot route planning. Clearly posted and often multilingual street
signs also point visitors in the direction of the city’s principal squares,
churches, museums, and other attractions. It is difficult, therefore, to get
lost in the heart of Maastricht, and even harder to stay lost if you do. For travelers who are in a hurry, the bus system
is easily manageable, providing clear, self-explanatory route maps and prompt
access to inexpensive tickets. By eliminating
the stressful element of navigating an unfamiliar city, Maastricht quickly feels intimate and accessible.
Maastricht is also a city with a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
When the weather is good, the many stores that line the historical
streets stand, with doors propped wide open, welcoming everyone to come in
and browse. The sidewalks in front of restaurants are packed with tables and
chairs, providing an opportunity for shoppers to pause and enjoy the sunshine
and a snack. This creates a social environment of nonchalance
and openness and gives the separate and distinct shops a sense of community
and continuity. The city’s hospitality
is still evident even when it is cold, windy, and rainy. Cafés and restaurants offer outdoor seating
even in the winter months, providing
heating lamps and awnings to protect customers from the bitter cold. These social establishments also make themselves
cozy havens from the harsh northern climate. Stepping off of an icy street and into a dim,
warm, and friendly bar is pleasant and soothing, whether you are a guest or
a long-time resident of the city.
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Figure
4. The Square of Our Lady filled with chairs and tables for eating and visiting.
Maastricht can accommodate people with a wide range of interests,
from “coffee shops” (which also sell marijuana) to orchestra concerts and
everything in-between. It is a very
socially active city, and advertisements for many of the upcoming cultural
events are clearly posted throughout the city, encouraging everyone to attend.
There are beautiful parks to please the nature-lover, museums and galleries
to satisfy the art connoisseur, bars and restaurants to fill the belly and
blur the mind, and countless shops to delight consumers with budgets large
and small. With this buffet of choices, any guest cannot
help but feel welcomed by the fun and friendly atmosphere.
The
inviting, receptive, and accommodating landscape of Maastricht
reveals much about its inhabitants. It
reflects their generally held attitude of tolerance and acceptance toward
strangers and guests, and it suggests the pride that so many Maastrichters
take in their city. Never wishing to
exclude anyone or make an unfavorable impression, they go out of their way
to deliberately develop and preserve the hospitality of the landscape. The fundamental Dutch value of delight in one’s
home, or gezellig, extends itself, on a large scale, to the entire
city. Maastricht welcomes you.
Ordered
The
compactness of the city of Maastricht
combined with the tolerant nature of it residents has produced a necessity for
order. The fundamental premise of Maastricht tolerance is that if one believes
that he or she has the right to do as he or she sees fit, then one must also
respect the rights of others to do the same (even if one does not agree with
the choices of others). The indulgences
of others are tolerated as long as they are done in designated areas. In this orderly way one is not likely to come
into contact with anything he or she does not wish to come into contact
with. It is order that allows the many
members of society to live in such close proximity to one another.
The Maastricht landscape frequently reflects the people’s desire for
things to be orderly. Order can be
defined in many ways, but in reference to the Maastricht landscape, three
definitions best apply: (1) the way
in which people or things are arranged, either in relation to one another
or according to a particular characteristic; (2) a state or condition, especially
with regard to functioning or repair; (3) the state of being appropriate to
or required by the circumstances.
The first definition can be
illustrated by the highly structured, often symmetrical patterns of trees. When traveling through the rural margins of
Maastricht, one often notices trees serving as windbreaks. More often than not, these trees are planted
in very deliberate patterns in order to increase their functionality and aesthetic
value. Two parallel lines of trees
staggered approximately five yards apart block the most wind with the fewest
number of trees, and also appear to be more controlled and visually pleasing.
It is also common to see a grove of trees planted in a pattern similar
to that of a grid with the trees being planted on the intersections of the
gridlines. This pattern serves no functional purpose; therefore,
the motivation for planting in this orderly pattern should be the desire to
create an aesthetically pleasing scene.
Figure 5. A
row of trees along Vrijthof
Square with
a construction crane in the background.
The
second definition of order can be seen in the form of construction work throughout
Maastricht. While the construction
zones do seem to create disorder in the everyday flow of the city, it is done
out of necessity to keep everything in proper working order. The Vrijthof Square is currently under construction because the city’s engineers
were unsure about the structural integrity of the parking garage below it.
Likewise, work had to be done on water lines running below a street
perpendicular to the Vrijthof. Work is very well organized and efficient in
these areas and causes as little inconvenience as possible to the public. Work areas are fenced off and trenches are covered
to allow people to safely maneuver around the zones with no problems.
Another
example of Maastricht’s desire for things to be in order is Saint Lambertus
Church. The church has become derelict
over the years. Depending on whom you
ask, it is either not the responsibility of the city to maintain it, or no
funds can be appropriated for it. The
church is now for sale for one Euro with the stipulation that the new owner
fix it up. This makes the church open
for commercial ventures, of course, but ensures that it will eventually be
improved from its current “disorder.”
The last definition of order
refers to the elements in the landscape that direct human behavior.
It is appropriate to give the person in front of you in line at the
ATM, post office, or cash register a reasonable amount of space to ensure
privacy during their transaction. Residents
of Maastricht commonly reinforce this cultural norm with lines that
designate the appropriate place to wait in queue.
Order is a prevalent characteristic
in any civilized community, but the residents of Maastricht display an apparent affinity for it. The carefully arranged and controlled landscape
allows for maximum efficiency and visual pleasure. Order is vital to the proliferation of a society,
and the highly sophisticated society of Maastricht is testament to that.
Aesthetically Appealing
The
words “aesthetic appeal” hold a very obvious denotative meaning that embodies
an attraction to beauty and affinity for that which is visually pleasing. The connotation of aesthetic appeal, however,
can far outreach any textbook definition by delving into the era and
cultural preferences of a particular
locale. Thus, when truly defining aesthetic
appeal, it is necessary to
look at every aspect of the present landscape: reflective or futuristic, complex
or simple, color choice and texture, and neatness and cleanliness.
In
Maastricht, the characteristics of aesthetic appeal are largely
shaped by the rich history of the city. The
skyline is spiked with historically significant cathedrals and the cobblestone
streets remind us of footsteps of centuries past. This same history has decided
that front lawns will be small, streets will be
winding and the city wall will be preserved
as a frame for the aesthetics
of Maastricht.
Figure 6. Beautifully
landscaped home in Maastricht.
Another
factor in the characteristics of the aesthetic appeal of Maastricht is the reflected taste of its Dutch citizens. The characteristic of beauty that they value
is simplicity in quantity coupled with greatness in quality.
The aesthetic appeal of Maastricht is such that an observer can appreciate the whole landscape
without being overwhelmed by any one outstanding feature. When strolling through the city, a towering
church on the left is offset by a towering church on the right, and the blending
of architecture with the stores and apartments in that area make aesthetic
appeal of the architectural landscape harmonious. From the St. Servaas walking bridge, it is possible
to scan the east bank of the River Maas without being drawn to any one building.
Instead, the aesthetic appeal of this complete city view is all-inclusive.
When
zooming in from this panorama to a snapshot of one small space, the aesthetic
appeal becomes apparent even in the small front- and back-yards of the citizens
of Maastricht. As soon as one
small leaf buds out in the spring, a thousand well-planned and manicured trees,
shrubs and flowers appear. The front
“lawns” in Maastricht are often not more than a few feet square, but every
inch of them is calculated and groomed. Brilliant
colors of yellow forsythia and lavender hyacinths intermingle in backdrops
of evergreen, ivy, and light green shrubs. Beautiful and unique windows and front doors
are given shade by picturesque tulip trees and weeping willows. Areas lacking flowers or shrubs are covered
in the greenest of grass or meticulously hand-laid stone. This trend in aesthetic appeal reaches from
the smallest apartments in the town center all the way to the modestly larger
homes on the outskirts of town.
Not
only private residences offer this pleasing curbside appeal; the businesses
in Maastricht pride themselves on having clean doorsteps and a front
window begging each passer-by to step through the open front door. Each morning the cobblestone sidewalks greet
business owners with brooms who brush away the dust of the previous day. Year round the store windows display quality
merchandise reflecting the season or approaching holiday. Carnival time in Maastricht offers some of the most elaborate storefronts with vibrant
golds, greens, and reds as a town-wide color scheme. Easter presents a softer front with pastels
and soft textures as a backdrop for chocolate eggs and children’s toys. The appeal here is consistent, with the whole
town seemingly coordinating tastes and themes so that each store presents
different merchandise with a common aesthetically appealing theme.
Although
ideas of beauty have changed throughout the centuries, the qualities of cleanliness
and well organized color and texture still constitute the aesthetic appeal
of a landscape. These qualities are
evident in the landscape of Maastricht with the bend of every street curve. One glance in any direction inside the city
of Maastricht will reveal the prevalence of aesthetic appeal in the
landscape. From the smallest artistic
detail on a brasserie sign to the flowery Champselyseeweg Street, the town of Maastricht boasts an appeal that even the keenest aesthete will
brag about.
Accessible
The built landscape of Maastricht enables it to be an accessible city. Accessibility refers
to the ease by which people and things are able to move into and out of, as
well as within, a place. Through accessibility, a place can be traveled and
discovered. Modes of transportation within or into and out of Maastricht include sidewalks, bicycle paths, highway and road systems,
a railway system, and an airport. No matter where one starts, Maastricht is within one’s reach.
Since Maastricht
is an old city, people may find it to be most accommodating to travel by
foot. One can discover the secrets of the city through its many narrow cobblestone
streets and alleyways. Streets and places of importance and interest in the
city are well marked throughout. The entire city takes only 45 minutes to
walk across. Sidewalks with pedestrian crossings line major roads, and pedestrians
are always given the right-of-way. Bicycle paths also accompany the larger
and busier roads of Maastricht. The city holds many treasures that may only be found
by bicycle or by foot. Numerous maps and signs assure walkers and cyclists
that they are going in the correct direction.
Figure 7. Entrance
to the VVV Tourist Information Center and signs providing directions to important places.
Maastricht also boasts an excellent public bus system. Bus stops
are strategically situated among residential areas, shopping districts, and
other places of interest in the city. These stops are usually covered for
protection in harsh weather. Some buses in Maastricht even follow routes that take them outside of the city,
and even into other countries. The public transportation system of Maastricht offers the discovery of the city for those not keen
on other means of getting around.
Maastricht is also accessible by car, though there is limited access
in the pedestrian-friendly town center. Well-marked streets and highways cater
to drivers within the city, as well as to those wishing to enter or leave
the city. Highway signs are very easy to follow, with destinations labeled,
as well as the distance, in kilometers, to them. Once inside Maastricht, street names and signs, as well as roundabouts, help
in reaching a desired place of interest. However, much of Maastricht is restricted to only feet and, usually, bicycles. Car
parking spaces are very easy to find, though, and are near places of importance,
such as main squares with restaurants, theaters and shopping districts. Cars
allow for travel at one’s own pace within the city, as well as outside of
it.
The city of Maastricht is also accessible to places of greater distances away
by its railway and airline systems, which are indicated in the landscape by
depots, tracks, terminals and runways. The central train station of Maastricht is very easy to get to by foot, bicycle, or bus from
anywhere within the city, as it is located on every map and signed for throughout
the city. An individual is able to travel easily to other European countries
by train from Maastricht.
The system is dependable and affordable. Getting into Maastricht by train from other countries or from distant cities
within the country is also very simple, usually with only a few connections.
One
can also travel great distances from Maastricht by airplane. A bus runs daily to the airport from the
train station. A bus, car, or taxi is necessary for getting to the airport,
as it is a short distance outside of the city. An airplane out of the Maastricht
airport would most likely make a connection in a larger nearby city, such
as Amsterdam or Brussels, Belgium, but from there one can get anywhere in
the world easily.
The people of Maastricht enjoy their accessible landscape. They always have many
options for getting from one place to another; so routine trips never get
too boring. More importantly, the Dutch develop their cities to be easy to
reach and to maneuver through because they take pride in opening up their
cities to outsiders. The human development of the city of Maastricht has allowed its landscape to be highly accessible. The
ease of travel into and out of, as well as within, Maastricht allows residents and passers-through to enjoy areas
outside of the city in addition to the city itself. From a walk over an ancient
bridge to a train ride to a neighboring country to a flight over the Atlantic Ocean, it all begins in Maastricht.
Modern Antiquity
Maastricht is a city where ancient Roman history meets modern luxury
and convenience, where futuristic Smart Cars and retro Mini Coopers share
the same road, and where the most fashion-conscious Dutch buy their trendy
attire in stores that occupy centuries- old buildings. The modern antiquity of the Maastricht landscape blends the history and remnants of past times
with that of contemporary culture in order to create an appealing and functional
atmosphere. This landscape taste is
most often revealed in the renovation of old buildings and public areas and
the construction of new buildings with aged facades;
characteristics that come together to form a well-blended mix of unique history
and modern society.
Figure
8. A façade constructed to appear old (left).
Figure 9. The
modern interior of a building whose facade is shown in Figure 8.
The Dutch are customarily
economical people, with ideologies of preserving rather than rebuilding. Maastrichters are no exception. The city is respectfully kept intact after hundreds
of years of attack and turmoil, housing numerous displays of historic artifacts,
from Imperial Roman fortifications to15th century buildings. The
modern uses of these remnants of the past, however, are quite different from
their original purposes. The VVV Tourist
Office, for example, occupies the Dinghuis, which dates back to 1475, and
the early 19th century Guard’s House is now home to the Theater
at the Vrijthof. This feature of modern
interiors within old facades is common throughout the city, making the doors
of these ageless buildings gateways to modern times. Additionally, pieces of the first, second, and
third medieval city walls continue to encircle the city, but now invite tourists
rather than deflect enemies.
In order to keep these structures
intact, the people of Maastricht take on lengthy renovation projects. Currently, the Vrijthof Square is undergoing a major reconstruction to improve the
square’s deteriorating support of the parking lot underneath. This will ensure the stability of the historical
square for years to come. This task
is only a small portion of the Stads Kern project, which will renovate many
of the buildings, squares, and cobblestone streets of the old town.
Maastrichters have also striven to keep their tokens of the past from
being torn down to make way for modern conveniences. Waterpoort,
a gate from the 13th century city wall, was nearly demolished in
order to provide easy access to the riverside home of a local industrialist. Fortunately, the Commission of Historic Preservation,
who realized the importance of retaining ancient structures, saved this medieval
battlement at the last minute.
Not
every building in Maastricht dates back to medieval times. By carefully planning the location and style
of new structures, the residents have created a functional and visually pleasing
relationship of old and new through their architecture. Although most of the buildings in Maastricht’s central business district appear to be medieval, many
are recent constructions. This technique
of constructing new buildings with old facades is a common practice throughout
the city. It is generally found in
those areas just outside of the original city walls, where the architecture
is a flawless continuation of that within the walls. Above the doors of these buildings hang postal
symbols of the past, which also give the illusion of age.
Contrasting
with the traditional architecture of the city, the Bonnefanten, Maastricht’s most notable art museum, is designed to look like
a space shuttle. It stands as a surprising
break in the traditional skyline but blends beautifully with the surrounding
structures.
The
way in which a city preserves its past reveals much about the people who dwell
within it. In Maastricht, the coexistence of contemporary culture and traditional
style reflects a society that is respectful of its past but functional and
adaptive enough to incorporate modern advances. The residents successfully protect the uniqueness
of their city’s history but have added modern aspects for both convenience
and practicality. The result is a beautiful
collaboration of modernism and antiquity that is characteristically Maastricht.
Social
When Maastricht was first built, the cityscape was created to fit the
needs of the people at that time. In
order to accommodate more people, the city grew; its buildings and streets
adapted to fit new needs. Large squares
were built to allow for open markets, in which people from the city and the
surrounding rural areas brought their wares and set up booths. Social interaction began to play a larger role
in city life as more people placed the city into their everyday lives.
Though the bulk of the
cityscape has not changed,
the needs from the social landscape have shifted with the times; they have
evolved around the streets and buildings that were built eight hundred years
ago.
The number of bars alone in
Maastricht today shows that interacting with other people is a
highly valued past time. However, the
word “social” does not necessarily just mean the act of “going out” with friends
or family. It describes relating to
human society and its members. By leaving
the house to interact with the world, one is attempting to be social; the
chances of human interaction are heightened. This exchange may be something as simple as
bumping into someone on the street, or as complex as taking a stroll through
a park with a close friend while engaged in conversation.
The landscape of Maastricht has shaped the social aspect of the city. Social activity occurs everywhere, depending
on one’s personal taste. The only specific
characteristic for a social landscape is its being accessible. Maastricht is full of numerous places that allow for human contact.
The narrow streets and sidewalks
force people (especially on a crowded day) to interact with one another.
These narrow streets are lined with bars and shops offering an excellent
opportunity for people to spend time together.
In addition to narrow streets, there are also several large squares
in the city. Two of these main squares,
Vrijthof and the Square of Our Lady, offer an excellent meeting point for dining, shopping, or continuing
one’s journey. These squares are also
a popular spot for dancing and parties during the week of Carnival. Their
location and size allow for a large number of people to gather together and
celebrate.
A
more frequent congregating spot is Market Square, which holds a market twice a week. Here people come to buy fabric, pastries, flowers,
or to just wander and mingle with others. The squares of Maastricht also contain countless restaurants and bars that place
tables and chairs on the sidewalks in the spring. This makes the avoidance of people quite unattainable.
The reduced sidewalk space forces people to bump into one another while
walking past those who are sitting in chairs.
At the same time the tables and chairs also provide an opportunity
to sit and talk with someone or to watch people pass by.
Figure 10. One of Maastricht’s city parks – a great place to socialize.
Other
popular places are Maastricht’s city parks.
These parks give people a chance to walk their dogs, take a walk, sit on
benches or in the grass, ride bikes, play sports, and other activities. The parks are an effort to bring the rural
landscape into the city and otherwise do not differ much from the squares. The open space allows for individual groups
to spend time alone or to interact with other groups.
The people of Maastricht have made many attempts to make their city more sociable.
Instead of altering the landscape, such as demolishing current structures
and building larger buildings or creating mini-malls, they have used what
has been available to them. The squares stand as only one of many reminiscent
views into the past where generations have gathered to be with their fellow
Maastricht residents. This
is why all landscapes in the city can be seen as social. The social landscape gives seemingly endless
options for an individual to choose where and how they best exercise human
relations.
Tolerant
To describe a
landscape as one of tolerance implies that radically different cultures exist
in tandem. Originating from the Latin
word meaning “to endure,” tolerance is related to the Old English and
Greek terms “to bear” as well as the Latin expression “to lift up.” Awareness
of the role tolerance plays within communities has persisted since the
beginning of Western civilization, influencing the way Western societies
conduct national and international political matters. Tolerance is the act of distinguishing the
differences between positions while allowing the expression or existence of
both. Today it means “to be done without
prohibition, hindrance, or contradiction; to put up with.” However, as an
indication of the difficulties sometimes associated with its demands, tolerance
can also be used in reference to suffering.
The Dutch are known for
conducting themselves in a manner that maintains both permissive sentiments
as well as the advancement of expression itself. From their unique policies regarding drug use,
health care, and legal issues, the Dutch extend their tolerance as a rule-of-thumb
to more localized actions affecting the appearance of their cities.
A deliberate effort to both include and incorporate all present perspectives
has produced the just-left-of-center balance evident in the panorama.
Maastricht, one of the Netherlands’ most historic and important cities, is no exception.
There is a certain tune that harmonizes the instruments of landscape
here, one that is initially elusive but becomes clear after further examination.
Unity is not achieved via uniformity.
Rather, practicing tolerance seems to be the only tolerable thing in
a place of such great diversity. The
Maastrichtian landscape is, among many things, a landscape of tolerance. Walking Maastricht’s streets provides a first-hand view of
applied tolerance. Although districts
exist, there remains a potpourri of varying sites that line every street. Bakeries, butcheries, chocolateers, and shoe
stores often occupy spaces along the same walks that smart shops, cafes, offices,
museums, cathedrals, theaters, and even residences front. Each space is highly individualized and separate
while at the same time serving as a piece of a fluid whole. Such a layout does not seem schizophrenic as
one might think, but rather as a delightful arrangement of a bit of everything.
All parts of life line the city streets.
 |
Figure
11. A former church in Maastricht now used as a nightclub.
Like many European cities, Maastricht is studded with aged monuments and buildings. Maastrichters have focused on maintaining the
integrity of these structures by continuing their use, either as originally
intended or by incorporating them into the development of the city. City walls are made more accessible with
walkways extending from either side.
Churches hundreds of years old continue to be locations of worship for
the congregations of the twenty-first century.
Other churches that have suffered crippling loss in attendance, however,
have been converted to other uses, such as a nightclub, an event hall, a
bicycle rental agency, and even a (potential) bathhouse.
The resulting environment is one of particularity and
peculiarity where stuffs formerly out of place in such settings have not only
been introduced but have also set their own unprecedented standard. This more individualistic approach demonstrates
the tolerant attitude of Maastricht itself. The anomalies
centered here are possible because of the allocations to actions that are
on a worldwide scale socially forbidden.
The
incorporation of modern art pieces into settings that lend otherwise to a
historic feel also promotes an atmosphere of toleration as old and new cooperate
to successfully coexist. Museums constructed in modern architectural
style make their own structural statements while housing artwork from other
artistic periods. In the square where
the Roman baths once existed is a prominent modern abstract sculpture in bronze
of a man riding a horse. The cityscape
along the River Maas is one of seventeenth and eighteenth century conservative
architecture that meets twentieth century experimental innovations in architectural
styles and methods. These varying artistic
theories each remain independent of the others and this multiplicity of ideas
serves to represent another worldview, one of toleration, where several different
ideas can exist in the same place at the same time.
Throughout Maastricht, additional instances of drastic variations of artistic
styles are featured. The classical
depiction of the four patron saints of Maastricht with the Virgin Mary differs fundamentally from the
more “folksy” representation of the Moosweif and the Meestreecher Geist and
both styles differ greatly from the abstract symbolism of the Bear-Pit monument.
The multiple evidences of separate artistic schools throughout the
city also generate an awareness of the variations of personal perspectives,
culminating to suggest the diversity of life itself.
Tolerance is a Maastrichtian custom that reaches beyond
the legislation in the courtroom to the practices of everyday. It is more than merely an appearance; it is
an essence throughout the city, making its appearance in a real and lasting
manner. All are welcome here and all
are invited to express themselves and their love for life. In Maastricht, personal pride allows room for others’ pride as well,
even if it develops in radically different forms. To be sure, these instances of tolerance were
carefully reviewed and regulated so that all parties received equal representation.
Such diligent efforts in the interest of equality mark one of the staying
hallmarks of these people. It seems
that Maastrichters are not only interested in living the “good life” for themselves. They are also interested in everyone having
the opportunity to live the good life that they choose.
Conclusion
These
ten tastes distinguish Maastricht from the rest of the Netherlands. Though many
of its qualities are inherently Dutch qualities, the city of Maastricht has added to its culture the ability for everyone to
obtain the feeling that the city residents experience everyday. Each individual may see Maastricht through different eyes, but the city allows for
everyone to find a niche in the Dutch landscape of Maastricht.
Reference Cited
David Lowenthal and Hugh C.
Prince. “English Landscape Tastes.” Geographical Review Vol. 55 (1965):
186 – 222.
Note: The authors are students who attended the University of Central Arkansas-Netherlands during the 2003 spring semester. Photos were taken by
the authors.
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