Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Construction began in 1876 and was completed in 1885.

In the picture above, what do you see that went right?

Try to get as many items as you can before viewing the answers below.

• The building is repeatedly subdivided into sections until human-scale elements are achieved.
• Specifically, the whole is broken into an odd number of sub-masses (7 in this case), which are further broken up into an odd number of bays (3 and 5 in this case).
• The whole is visually balanced (achieved through symmetry).
• The sub-masses and bays are symmetrical.
• The building is centered at the end of the street, thus terminating the vista.
• Aligned horizontal mouldings tie sub-masses together.
• Focal points creates focus in the middle sub-mass.
• Strong book-ending and framing sub-masses exist.
• Openings are vertical rectangles, and align vertically.
• All sub-masses have a top (in this case a roof).
• The roof is further visually lightened via dormer windows and banisters.
• The lower level is slightly built out and rusticated to ground the building and provide a strong visual foundation.
• Corners are emphasized (in this case with stone).