Rijksmuseum

In the picture above, what do you see that went right?

Try to get as many items as you can before viewing the answers below.

• The building is repeatedly subdivided into sections until human-scale elements are achieved.
• Specifically, the whole is broken into an odd number of sub-masses (7 in this case), which are further broken up into an odd number of bays (3 and 5 in this case).
• The whole is visually balanced (achieved through symmetry).
• The sub-masses and bays are symmetrical.
• The building is centered at the end of the street, thus terminating the vista.
• Aligned horizontal mouldings tie sub-masses together.
• Focal points creates focus in the middle sub-mass.
• Strong book-ending and framing sub-masses exist.
• Openings are vertical rectangles, and align vertically.
• All sub-masses have a top (in this case a roof).
• The roof is further visually lightened via dormer windows and banisters.
• The lower level is slightly built out and rusticated to ground the building and provide a strong visual foundation.
• Corners are emphasized (in this case with stone).