Bomvrij militair object, Fort Giessen Giessen (Altena 30)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 79.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMBPROOF BUILDING / REMISE (C) as an example of a structure covered with earth on three sides and on top, of which only the facade on the throat side is visible. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of the impact of projectiles and the explosive power of (brisance) grenades it became increasingly difficult to offer resistance to bombardment. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (amongst other means through the use of arches), shallow angles of inclination and curved or conversely pointed forms, use of concrete - and later of reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy execution, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications able to withstand increasing attack force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings proved to be a good means to absorb or dampen the energy. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete works were provided with a layer of earth or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - one spoke of 'bombproof buildings', when they were considered to be capable of withstanding a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre. At Fort Giessen several bombproof structures were constructed, including this small remise on the northeast side of the central axis of the work and to the northeast of the barracks.

Description

BOMBPROOF BUILDING / REMISE (C), on the northeast side of the central, running from northwest to southeast axis of Fort Giessen, and characterised by a brick facade on the northwest side. The building, realised around 1880, is covered by a layer of earth, which obscures all sides from view except for the brick facade. The earth layer was applied as protection against impacts of projectiles. The facade has a sober and functional architecture. At the ends the facade is partly obscured behind the sloping earth covering. The facade openings are arched with mainly wooden closures. The building served a function as remise and shelter. The interior was not visited.

Valuation

The BOMBPROOF BUILDING / REMISE (C) of Fort Giessen is of general interest because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially from 1815 realised by him, Jan Blanken and major-engineer Willem Offerhaus and thereafter by others over approximately 125 years reinforced and improved.

* Architectural-historical values, in particular as an expression of military-strategic building arts, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th century), b. the race with the increasing offensive means (19th century).

This concerns a component from around 1880, namely an example of a bombproof building / remise.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline. Also because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex.

* The component is representative (characteristic) because in its appearance it displays the features that underline the defensive purpose of the time.

* The component is well preserved because over the course of time it has undergone little essential modifications and it has retained the original structure.