Today was a less busy and relaxing day. I began my morning with breakfast at the hostel and then headed out to Kijk-Kubus, the famous cube houses located in Rotterdam. These houses are known for their unique and futuristic architecture. Designed by architect Piet Blom in the late 1970s, the houses were completed in 1984 and are built to resemble an abstract forest, with each cube representing a tree. Blom believed these houses were a creative solution for high-density housing that still offered a sense of community (1). At first glance, I didn’t think these cubes would have much room inside, but after getting the chance to look inside I was very mistaken. The cube I toured had three stories! These houses reflect the Dutch’s creative use of limited space and unique architecture. When walking around the city you see many unique buildings, these houses are just one example of the Netherlands challenging traditional concepts.
After our adventure to the cubed houses, we raced back to the hostel to get on a bus and head to the Watersnoodmuseum. The Watersnoodmuseum allows visitors to view the events during and after the flood of February 1, 1953. The museum is actually inside four caissons that were used to close the remaining breaches after the flood, with each telling its own story.
The first caisson informed visitors about the facts of the flood. With the combination of wind, high tide, and low pressure, the dikes were unable to resist the waters, leading to the devastating flood of 1953 (2). The second caisson touched the heart strings of visitors. This section provided the names of the victims, monuments, and photos of the flood. The third caisson showed the reconstruction and efforts made to rebuild what was lost. Finally, the fourth caisson showed current and future water related threats, with a focus on new coastal defense. After the flood of 1953, the Netherlands made sustainability and water management a main priority. This section also included interactive exhibition that allowed visitors to take control in different situation simulations. Overall, the final section of the Watersnoodmuseum educates visitors about climate change, sea level rise, and the innovative ways the Dutch are preparing for future environmental challenges.
While at the museum, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in a community project. Zoe and I wove one meter of yarn into an upcoming memorial for the flood! This was a small, but meaningful way to contribute to a piece of living history that honors such a tragic event.
Sources
[1] “Cube House.” Iconic Houses. Accessed May 18, 2024. [Online.] Available: https://www.kubuswoning.nl/en/
[2] “North Sea flood of 1953.” Wikipedia. Accessed May 18, 2024. [Online.] Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Sea_flood_of_1953#:~:text=A%20combination%20of%20a%20high,in)%20above%20mean%20sea%20level.