BERLAGE, HENDRIK PETRUS

(1856–1934)

Architect. After fin ishing his studies at the Polytechnic school in Zurich, Switzerland, Berlage became associated with the Amsterdam-based architec tural firm of Theodorus Sanders (1847–1927). Around 1890, he abandoned the traditional neoclassical style, turning instead to a more sober style that, in his opinion, modern society required. Later he ad vocated monumental art that included the participation and coopera tion of several kinds of artists. He built the famous Exchange or Beurs in Amsterdam, as well as bank buildings in Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Jakarta, Indonesia. In 1913, he became associ ated with Rotterdam industrialist Anthony Kroller and his wife He lene Kroller-Muller, for whom he built several houses. The museum that he planned was in the end, however, the creation of the Belgian architect Henry van de Velde (1863–1957). Berlage also designed many housing areas. His plan for an international Beethoven House (1908) was not achieved.