In
a city known for its cramped living conditions and
reverence for the architecture of the past, the Rembrandttower
is a modern marvel in diminutive company. A thoroughly
modern skyscraper, it rises at the edge of the city
close enough to be convenient, yet far enough away
not to offend any cultural sensibilities. Amsterdam
has not embraced modern buildings the way Rotterdam
has. This is due, in part, to the fact that Rotterdam,
with its seaport, harbors a much more cosmopolitan
atmosphere. It should also be noted that after the
second World War Rotterdam had a lot of rebuilding
to do and seized the opportunity. The Rembrandttower
is actually one in a planned three-tower project.
The Rembrandttower is the tallest of them at 150 meters,
including its spire. The second and third buildings
will be called the Breitnertower and the Mondraantower
and will have heights of 115 meters and 95 meters
respectively. Architecturally, it is not that different
from hundreds of other office buildings that have
come before it. But its presence in an area renowned
for the historic character of its buildings makes
this tower stand out.
11
March, 2002 - A man armed with a pistol, a machine
gun, and a bomb takes 18 people hostage inside the
tower. He is upset about the way movies look on widescreen
televisions made by Philips. He forces his hostages
to make signs calling the head of Philips a liar,
and hold them to the window. He is apparently unaware
that Philips moved out of Rembrandttower a long time
ago. He goes into a bathroom and kills himself.
