Rebuilding Zeeland with gifted houses

Abstract

The Watersnoodramp (North Sea flood) of 1953 forever altered the landscape and lives of people in the Netherlands. The destruction of architecture in affected regions needed to be quickly rebuild in order to get lives back to normal as soon as possible. Internationally, countries came to help by donating houses to the Netherlands. Seventy years later, these houses are still dispersed in the three affected provinces in the Netherlands. The houses are proof of international aid and generosity and play an important part in Dutch history, however the awareness of these houses is fading.
This research is dedicated to reveal the impact the gifted houses made on the reconstruction in Schouwen-Duiveland. By revising history and observing now, this research puts the long-term development (1953-2023) of these houses into perspective and highlights the strengths and weaknesses that can be recognised in order to learn from them in contemporary practices.
Through an analysis of historical archives, news articles, books and fieldwork, this study investigates the multifaceted effects of international donations of prefabricated houses on the region's recovery process. Not a lot of academic research has been done on this topic, as only recently (2020-2023), the topic of protecting this piece of history has arised in the public, leaving a large gap of research of around 60 years.
Schouwen-Duiveland has been affected most in terms of architectural damages by the Watersnoodramp. For this reason, most gifted houses were distributed over this island. The gifted houses made it possible for people to return to Schouwen-Duiveland relatively quick. The houses weren't entirely to Dutch customs, but alterations that were made created larger acceptance within communities.
The gifted houses boosted the economy and have still proven their worth within the communities on Schouwen-Duiveland and other affected areas because of their qualities and location.
Another Watersnoodramp is not unthinkable. In the future, the practice of gifting houses remains a valuable contribution for future reconstruction efforts in other disaster-hit areas. An ideal gifted house for everyone can never be designed, but cultural differences and unique character can contribute to the story-telling within cityscapes. To ensure suitability and acceptance, cultural differences, variety and flexibility are important aspects to be included in the design of a gifted house.