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member Bart van der Leck’s experiments with abstraction that inspired Mondrian to focus on harmony and rhythm using blocks of primary colours in 1920. It became his signature style and is still strikingly modern-looking, even today.Looking out at our urban landscape it is easy to assume De Stijl’s infl uence on the ubiquitous cubist tower blocks that have sprung up since the 60s. But in fact all too often the architects of these buildings have missed the point. De Stijl was not about simplicity for its own sake, but was instead a highly considered approach to living in order to create harmony and improve life. For them, the exterior was secondary to the needs of the inhabitants. The model housing project Daal en Berg in The Hague is an excellent example. Designed with the English garden city principles of light, air and space, its architecture emphasised social and domestic needs rather than just using historical references in a fancy facade. Built in 1920, the homes are still covetable and are recognised as a Dutch national treasure. De Stijl member Jan Wils was one of the architects and the infl uences are obvious – there are primary colours and straight lines, but also many thoughtful touches to help make life more pleasant: windows that swivel so they can be cleaned on both sides, serving hatches between dining rooms and kitchens, upstairs bathrooms and lavatories, rubbish chutes, bike storage sheds and even an early intercom. Another example of De Stijl architecture can be found in Utrecht, home to one of its most famous later members, Gerrit Rietveld (1888–1964). Rietveld had followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a carpenter, but he became fascinated by the planes of three-dimensional space and experimented with ways to reduce furniture to its barest form. His 1918 slat chair, which he described as “that chair with two boards and some sticks” brought him wider attention and for a time Rietveld joined the De Stijl group, prompting ➤ Above:Bart van der Leck, Composition No. 8,1917Left: Gerrit Rietveld, Red Blue Chair, c1923 Below left: Papaverhof, part of the housing complex Daal en Berg in The Hague, was built using English garden city principlesImages: Chair and Bart van der Leck artwork courtesy of Gemeentemuseum, The Hague; Papaverhof © Jos Praat.IN THE STEPS OF DE STIJLSeveral cities in the Netherlands are celebrating 100 years of De Stijl and Dutch Design in 2017, with a host of special exhibitions and events (see www.holland.com). The Hague is the perfect place to start. At the Gemeentemuseum fi nd works by many De Stijl artists and 300 by Mondrian, including his famous fi nal piece Victory Boogie Woogie (www.gemeentemuseum.nl). For tours of Daal en Berg, see www.daalenberg.nl, or try the menu based on Mondrian’s life at grand seaside hotel Kurhaus (see www.amrathkurhaus.com).Find out more about Mondrian's life in Amersfoort. This pretty medieval town was his birthplace; his early home is now a museum (www.mondriaanhuis.nl). It has a recreation of his Paris studio, a sparse yet cosy space that was a favourite haunt of many artists. In the summer, Kunsthal KAdE will explore the use of primary colours (www.kunsthalkade.nl).In nearby Utrecht, there is the Rietveld-Schröder House (www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl, advance booking required), while walking/cycling tours highlight other examples of his architecture. The Centraal Museum has a collection of Rietveld designs and objects, (www.centraalmuseum.nl). Eindhoven's Van Abbe Museum (www.vanabbemuseum.nl) will explore the legacy of these artists.34 NADFAS REVIEW / WINTER 2016 www.nadfas.org.ukDE STIJL