Future listed buildings and ensembles from the reconstruction period (1940-1965) in the Netherlands (Willem Heijbroek)

Future listed buildings and ensembles

From the reconstruction period (1940-1965) in the Netherlands

Drs Willem Heijbroek

Heemschut

• Heemschut was founded in 1911 at Amsterdam as a general organization for the protection of historical buildings and other monuments.

• During the course of time in the provinces councils were created and it became the largest private organization in this field.

• Monuments and characteristic buildings in danger of demolishing were protected by actions at the level of town, province and country.

• In this way large numbers of valuable buildings could be saved.

Heemschut protects cultural heritage

Headquarters of the Heemschut organization

Korenmetershuis, Amsterdam

Development during the course of years

• Within the framework of Heemschut groups of specialists were formed.

• In this way o.a. Menno van Coehoorn, Cuypers society, farm foundations and the Dutch mill association originated.

• The last ten years Heemschut has widened its scope into ensembles, cultural landscapes and its historical elements, the floating heritage and the more recent architecture.

The organization of Heemschut

• Governing board consisting of chairman, secretary, treasurer and chairmen of all provinces.

• Administrative bureau with general director, technical and juridical expert, department public activities and recently projectgroups as task force.

• Editorial staff producing the periodical of Heemschut.

Project Reconstruction architecture

• In 2007 the Governmental Service for Archeology, Cultural landscape and Monuments (RACM) selected 100 intact buildings (1940-1958).

• This was an interesting start but insufficient and dangerous; sinmce what would happen with 101?

• The selection was not representative and Heemschut started a survey, based on its own selection criteria.

Buildings selected by RACM in Zeeland

Categories of heritage to be protected

• Public buildings, town halls, institutions concert halls

• Business buildings, banks, shops, hotels.

• Industrial complexes, factories, bridges.

• Homes and quarters.

• Cultural landscapes with farms, polders, water works.

Town Hall Kapelle, Berghoef and Klarenbeek 1951

Church Ouwerkerk, Klokke 1956

Flax and linen industry; Koewacht ca 1950

Farm, Overslag 1942

Town Hall, Oostburg. Wentink 1957-58.

Windows, glass in concrete Hendriks

Flushing, Crane on wharf ca 1955

Oosterschelde bridge, Rijkswaterstaat 1961-1965.

Water-tower at Oostburg, van Eck 1951. Fire-station at Goes, 1954

Criteria for protection

• Quality and unicity.

• Characteristic for the area in Zeeland: water management tools, emergency houses.

• The ensembles, quarters and re-allotments.

• The level of maintainance and housing should not play a role.

• The threat of demolition.

Emergency houses after inundation in 1953, Nordic type.

Emergency farm, after inundation in 1945, Veere .

St. Maartensdijk,

Wentink and van Dijk 1956.

Fresco of Peter Alma,

saved by Heemschut

House by Götzen, Flushing 1947

Torn down in 2008

Characteristic integration of art and architecture

Britannia, Flushing, Joost Boks and Bram Middelhoek,1954-1960

The main entrance of Britannia,1960.

The unique mosaic frieze by Louis van Roode running form outside into the interior of the restaurant, 1955.

The concert hall and café with windows placed quadrangulair for an optimal view

Parts of the mosaic frieze by Louis van Roode

The state of Britannia in 2007 was miserable, but the concrete framework and roof were still in good shape.

Three genrations of artists: Louis van Roode, Marte Röling and unknown graffiti

Presentation of the Britannia project of Heemschut;10th international DoCoMoMo congres

The quarter called ‘Griffioen’

Middle class houses in a park area at Middelburg

112 homes built by A. Rothuizen 1948-1950

During the course of time the green spaces have developed into a real park

In the outer area bungalows have been built in a similar concept.

The landscape architect C.P. Broerse designed the surrounding area. In 2003 the municipality of Middelburg planned additional houses in the green area which was prevented by the inhabitants

The inhabitants organized themselves in a foundation to prevent further demolition of the environment.

They developed initiatives for revitalization of the houses by planning similar sheds.

Four elements: nature, leisure, education and game.

This project is a unique example how a group of citizens can protect their neighbourhood from demolishing by joint effort.

They formed a organization of volunteers with a number of activities and even edited an information leaflet.

Recognition and partnership

• Heemschut Zeeland recognized the special character of this quarter and estimated it as the best ensemble from the reconstruction period.

• The municipalty of Middelburg changed their view and is now on speaking terms with the organization, helping them to provide funds for revitalizing.