Moments
Amsterdam, a city without prejudice
![](http://news.fm.ul.pt/Backoffice/UserFiles/Image/News21/amesterdao1.jpg)
It seems that the presence of water gave this city a fluid character that is reflected in individuals. The canals determine the layout of streets and buildings, but also influence life, bringing the centre closer to the periphery and bringing together the ancient and the modern, the affluent and the most humble citizens.
There are few cars and almost everyone moves about on bicycles. There is no noise coming from traffic, for which reason we have a sense of tranquillity while witnessing the constant buzzing caused by the rush of thousand of bicycles moving about all over the city. Bicycles always have priority and pedestrians stop to give way to riders.
![](http://news.fm.ul.pt/Backoffice/UserFiles/Image/News21/amesterdao2.jpg)
In a city where buildings lean towards the canal, creating a surreal image and making us believe that an architectural error has occurred, there is much we can learn. This people would hardly make building mistakes, and this feature is explained in historical terms. The buildings are “tilted” because the equipments brought by boat across the canal were more easily lifted using a pulley system. This way, they would not clash against the façade of buildings. This ingenious, practical and intelligent people knew how to take advantage of the features of their country in a brilliant way, and reach a win-win situation thanks to the open-mindedness they have developed through time.
Tânia Simões
tsimoes@fm.ul.pt
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