The Poldertoren was built as a water tower, and also acts as a landmark of the Noordoostpolder. The tower is in the shape of an octagon and is 65.30m high. Who has not seen it?
The multifunctional “Poldertoren” is a striking beacon in a large square, recognisable from a great distance, and can be considered the heart of Emmeloord and the Noordoostpolder. It symbolises the unity of the polder and the triumph over the water; it was the winning design of a competition held in 1950 by the Waterleiding Mij. Overijssel N.V. in Zwolle.
The original design for the tower dating from 19…
The Poldertoren was built as a water tower, and also acts as a landmark of the Noordoostpolder. The tower is in the shape of an octagon and is 65.30m high. Who has not seen it?
The multifunctional “Poldertoren” is a striking beacon in a large square, recognisable from a great distance, and can be considered the heart of Emmeloord and the Noordoostpolder. It symbolises the unity of the polder and the triumph over the water; it was the winning design of a competition held in 1950 by the Waterleiding Mij. Overijssel N.V. in Zwolle.
The original design for the tower dating from 1951 was the creation of the Amsterdam architect H. van Gent. It was designed in line with the motto ‘Utilis’ and was chosen over the designs of the remaining competitors, the architect and urban designer M.F. Duintjer (motto ‘Red Tower’) and the architect partners H. Mieras and B. van Kasteel (motto ‘Uilenspiegel’). Van Gent’s idea served as the basis for the definitive design, dating from 1954 and built in 1958-1959 by H. Fokkens, which he created together with J.W.H.C. Pot.
The tower has the stylistic features of a sober, brick architecture related to the Delft School. The 65.3m-high Poldertoren was given the functions of a WATER TOWER and a CARILLON TOWER and a WATCH TOWER. The tower possess a viewing platform and a carillon consisting of 48 bells, one of which serves as a warning bell. The bells were cast by Klokkengieterij B. Eijs-bouts N.V. in Asten. The crown of the tower consists of a gold-plated copper windvane in the form of a cog ship.
