3 months ago when I first arrived in Almere, Netherlands; the first place I visited was Rainbow Neighborhood. My mind was shattered and my mental health was completely broken at that time. That was at the beginning of spring, cherry blossoms were just started blooming. I also needed to be close to nature so my first choice was to go nearest places in Almere. So, I went to the Terracottastraat without any second thoughts.
Rainbow Neighborhood (Regenboogbuurt) is located near Terracottastraat, Almere Buiten. It's not very far away from the railway station but if you take a bus, you will reach the location easily. More than 2000 buildings are located there which were constructed between 1994 and 1998. Paletlaan, Rougestraat, and Karmijnstraat, mostly these three streets are known as Rainbow Neighborhood but later the neighborhood expanded. Other streets are also included now in Rainbow Neighborhood. Rainbow neighborhood is popular because of its Japanese Cherry blossom trees and colorful architecture. This is a very planned and well-organized neighborhood.
Rainbow Neighborhood is one of the biggest residential projects in Almere, Flevoland. Architects from different countries were involved in this project and it was basically a collaborative project. Right now there are more than 15 streets are included in this neighborhood. The buildings of each street were designed conceptually with a specific color following the rainbow rules.
The elevation of each building is unique and symmetric. So the buildings create a nice panoramic scenario and street perspective for the tourists always. Springtime is the bonus time, you will also see the beautiful cherry blossom in the neighborhood.
My main focus was to experience thousands of cherry blossoms, so I had no idea that I was exploring the famous Rainbow Neighborhood at that moment. If I knew, I would have focused more on architecture as well. Unfortunately, I have lost a few photos as well of the neighborhood.
Anyway, it was a bright sunny spring day, chilly weather but pleasant. I took a bus to reach my destiny. The bus dropped me directly in front of cherry blossom street. It was a 20-25 minutes trip.
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Most of the houses are public houses, 2-3 storied buildings. Some are 4 storied and more but depends on the street. Only a few of them are private property. There is also a start for the Indian community, they call it "Little India Street".
To be honest, the colors of the building really will catch your eyes. I was so amazed to see a lot of colors together, I have never seen such a colorful neighborhood before.
Terracottastraat was surrounded by orange and red buildings and cherry blossom trees. It felt like someone freshly painted the buildings to create a red-orange line. To create contrast and to break the monotony, some buildings were blue. Cherry Blossom street and Regenboogbuurt are connected and close to each other. If you go to Cherry Blossom Street, you will definitely visit Rainbow Neighborhood as well.
I walked further along and found blue-yellow blocks of buildings. Some building blocks have garden space and some are located near the canal. If you see my video, you will find it.
Obviously, the parking area and the bike lane are different.
As I have said, I had no idea where I was so I didn't know what to see. I was just walking there, enjoying the beauty of mesmerizing cherry blossoms. My mental condition was different at that time and I was just there to feel separated and safe.
I have tried to take some photos of cherry blossoms. I was trying to hold the birch of the blossom but it was too high to reach.
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I can visit the rainbow neighborhood anytime as I live in Almere but the cherry blossom only blooms once a year. So, to experience the blossom was the best idea I felt at that moment rather than focusing on the colorful buildings.
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Because of the uniqueness and characteristics of the neighborhood, people around the world come here to visit this beautiful neighborhood. Some come to feel lost within the cherry blossoms, some come here to color their life.
People live in this neighborhood with their families. I often wonder what is their lifestyle.
Terracottastraat and Sepiastraat are known as Cherry Blossom Streets.
Definitely, I am going to revisit this rainbow neighborhood...
Thank you so much for reading my post...
Love
Priyan...
I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thought easily...
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All images used are captured by the author...