Piet Kramer

Pieter Lodewijk ( Piet ) Kramer ( born July 1, 1881 in Amsterdam, † February 4, 1961 in Santpoort ) was a Dutch architect and designer. He is regarded as one of the main representatives of the expressionist Amsterdam School.

Life and work

Kramer was self-taught as an architect. He received a first education at the Amsterdam Industrial School as a draftsman and then worked as a carpenter at a boatyard. In 1902 he obtained a position in the architectural firm of Eduard Cuypers, where he worked until 1011. Cuypers ' office is considered as the nucleus of the Amsterdam School. Except Kramer warden also Michel de Klerk and Johan van der Mey working there.

From 1917 to 1952 he worked as an architect in the public works department. In 1923 he took over the office of the aesthetic consultant, which was created in 1905 as part of the building code adopted by the city of Amsterdam and was first performed by Johan van der Mey. He was there among others responsible for bridge construction in the city. The office he held until the end of his Brufslebens 1952.

During this period in addition to living and buying houses many bridges over the canals and canals that shape the city's image to this day. His use of natural stone, brick and wrought iron as building materials in bridge influenced the bridge of his time. Many of its bridges were opulently decorated with ornaments, ornate railings, reliefs and sculptures and equipped with bridge houses. Many sculptors work on the bridges were carried out by Hildo Krop ( 1884-1970 ). With the economic crisis of the 30s to the City Council so opulently decorated bridges were too costly, and Kramer was forced to frugality and simplicity in the new designs. Kramer designed over 500 drawings for bridge, about 200 were executed.

In addition to his construction, he designed furniture, equipment of interiors and utensils.

Buildings (selection)

• Kramerbrug, Amsterdam
• Lyceumbrug, Amsterdam