The history of Almere is unique for Europe: this city has no medieval roots or ancient ruins. It is a city literally raised from the water in the 20th century. Its territory is located on the Southern Flevoland polder, which was finally drained in 1968. Before that moment, the waves of the Zuiderzee bay splashed here. The official birth date of the city is considered to be 1976, when the first residential houses were completed in the Almere Haven district and the first settlers moved in. The city was named after the early medieval Lake Almere, mentioned in historical chronicles, to symbolically link the "new land" with the region's ancient past.
Key Factors of Formation
The emergence of Almere was the result of large-scale government planning, rather than spontaneous development. Its formation was determined by three main factors:
Geography and Hydraulic Engineering: The city's foundation was the engineers' victory over the elements. Located 2–5 meters below sea level, Almere exists thanks to a complex system of dikes and drainage. This made it possible to create a city "from scratch" on an absolutely flat surface.
The Capital's Demographic Crisis: In the post-war years, the Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, faced an acute housing shortage. Almere was conceived as a "growth center" to relieve the overcrowded capital, providing spacious housing for a growing population.
Transport Strategy: Proximity to Amsterdam (only about 25 km away) and the construction of the Hollandse Brug bridge made the city attractive to those who worked in the metropolis but dreamed of a house with a garden.
Early Cultural and Economic Features
In the first decades of its existence, Almere formed its own unique character, distinct from old Dutch cities.
Psychological Comfort of Architecture: The first neighborhoods (particularly in Almere Haven) were intentionally built in a traditional style with canals, "crooked" streets, and brickwork. Architects wanted to avoid the feeling of lifeless concrete and create a sense of coziness ("gezelligheid") for settlers who found themselves on the wind-swept plains.
Polycentric Structure: The city was initially designed not as a single monolith, but as a constellation of separate nuclei districts separated by wide parks and forests. This laid the foundation for its reputation as one of the greenest cities in the country.
Commuter Economy: In its early period, the city's economic life depended almost entirely on commuting to Amsterdam. Its own business environment and large office centers began to form later, as the city matured.
Timeline
Chronology of Key Events
1968: Drainage of the Southern Flevoland polder is completed, creating new land on the bottom of the former Zuiderzee bay.
1976: The first house is built in the Almere Haven district, which is considered the official founding date of the city.
1980: Development begins on the second major district, Almere Stad, which will eventually become the main city center.
1984: Almere receives official status as a separate municipality, and the Almere Buiten district is founded.
1987: The Flevolijn railway line opens, directly connecting the young city with Amsterdam and the rest of the country.
1991: The Almere Hout district is founded, designed as a green zone for living close to nature.
2000: Construction begins on the Almere Poort district, the westernmost and closest to Amsterdam.
2001: The local professional football club "Omniworld" is founded, later renamed "Almere City."
2007: A large-scale reconstruction of the city center (Almere Stad) is completed based on a project by world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas.
2022: Almere hosts the prestigious world horticultural exhibition Floriade Expo, demonstrating its achievements in "green" urban planning.
Milestones
Key Milestones of Transformation
The story of turning the seabed into a thriving city is a series of bold decisions and large-scale projects. The development of Almere can be divided into several critical stages, each of which radically changed the city's appearance and status on a national scale.
1968: Triumph Over Water and Land Creation. The completion of the drainage of the Southern Flevoland polder was the starting point for the entire project. This event is of colossal importance, as it provided the physical space for future construction, turning a former sea into a territory for living and agriculture.
1976: From Idea to Reality (Almere Haven). The completion of the first houses marked the transition from blueprints to actual settlement. For the Netherlands, this was the beginning of solving the capital's housing crisis, and for the city itself, it was the formation of its first "cell," designed in a cozy "garden city" style.
1987: Transport Integration (Flevolijn). The opening of the railway line connecting the new city with Amsterdam became a powerful economic driver. This event turned an isolated enclave into a full-fledged part of the metropolitan area, ensuring an influx of population and investment.
1994–2007: Architectural Revolution of the Center. The implementation of the OMA master plan under the leadership of Rem Koolhaas fundamentally changed the city's image. The construction of a new multi-level center with outstanding modern architecture allowed the city to move away from its reputation as a "bedroom community" and gain its own unique identity.
2006: Cultural Self-Determination. The opening of a professional theater and arts center (now Kunstlinie) was a sign of cultural maturity. The city ceased to be just a place to sleep, creating its own environment for high-level leisure and art.
2007: Urban Planning Experiment (Homeruskwartier). The launch of a large-scale district where residents designed their own homes was a revolution in urbanism. This attracted the creative class and solidified the city's status as a laboratory for innovative housing.
2022: Green Course (Floriade Expo). Hosting the world horticultural exhibition set the direction for development for decades to come. The legacy of the exhibition was the new eco-friendly district, Hortus, positioning the city as a leader in sustainable development and biodiversity.
Architecture
Architectural Style and Urban Planning
Since Almere is a "New Town" that only appeared on the map in the last quarter of the 20th century, you won't find the Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance palazzos, or Baroque squares typical of Europe here. Instead, it is a unique open-air museum of modern architecture, where the chronicle of styles begins in the 1970s. The city's urban development is clearly divided into stages, each showcasing the cutting-edge ideas of its time.
The Evolution of Styles and Eras
1970s: Structuralism and "Garden City" Comfort. The Almere Haven district was built as a response to the faceless mass housing of the post-war years. A human scale prevails here: low-rise buildings, narrow streets, canals, and an abundance of brick. This style recreates the atmosphere of traditional towns, providing a sense of coziness and security.
1980s – 1990s: Postmodernism and Functionality. With the emergence of the Almere Stad and Almere Buiten districts, the architecture became more urban. Street layouts became more spacious and regular, catering to motorists, while buildings began experimenting with shapes and colors characteristic of Postmodernism.
2000s – Present: Supermodernism. The most impressive stage is linked to the reconstruction of the center according to the master plan by Rem Koolhaas's OMA bureau. The city center was transformed into a multi-level metropolis with daring high-rises and complex engineering solutions. This is the era of "starchitecture," which gave the city a unique and recognizable skyline.
Experimental Urbanism. The Homeruskwartier district became a manifesto for freedom of expression: there is no single stylistic dictate here, as the residents themselves acted as the architects of their own homes. The result is a vibrant, eclectic, and absolutely unique living space.
Iconic Buildings and Districts
The city's appearance is defined by structures created by leading global firms:
The Citadel. A residential and commercial complex in the center designed by Christian de Portzamparc. With its terracotta walls and green roof, the building resembles a modern fortress harmoniously integrated into the urban environment.
La Defense. An office complex by UNStudio. An outwardly restrained facade with silver panels hides an inner courtyard that "explodes" with bright, iridescent colors that change shades depending on the viewing angle.
Kunstlinie Theater (KAF). An elegant building that seems to float over the surface of Lake Weerwater. The project by the Japanese firm SANAA is characterized by minimalism, lightness, and transparent structures.
The Wave. A residential building on the waterfront with a striking curved facade. Its shape resembles scales or ripples on the water, symbolizing the city's inseparable connection with the element of water.
Notable People
Notable People Associated with Almere
As a young city, Almere has become the birthplace or home to many contemporary figures in culture, sports, and politics. Here are some of the famous personalities whose lives and careers are linked to this city:
Hedwiges Maduro — a famous Dutch footballer and coach. A native of Almere, he began his brilliant career that led him to top clubs such as Ajax and Valencia, as well as the Netherlands national team. After retiring as a player, he returned to his hometown as a coach for the local football club, Almere City.
Angerfist (Danny Masseling) — one of the most influential DJs and producers in the hardcore techno genre, known worldwide. Born in Almere, he became an icon of electronic music and earned the nickname "King of Hardcore."
Jörgen Raymann — a popular stand-up comedian, TV presenter, and actor of Surinamese descent. He lived in Almere for a long time and is closely associated with the city's cultural life, often performing at local venues.
Bente Becker — a Dutch politician and member of the House of Representatives for the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). She was born and raised in Almere, representing the country's younger generation of political leaders.
Mike van der Hoorn — a professional footballer who plays as a defender. He grew up in the Almere Buiten district and built a successful career playing for clubs such as Utrecht and Ajax.
Desiree van Lunteren — a well-known footballer and Almere native. She played for the Netherlands women's national team for many years, winning the European Championship in 2017, and is a role model in women's sports.