Zendingsarchitect Pieter Simon Dijkstra en zijn Nederlandse werken

Pieter Simon Dijkstra (1884-1968) is regarded as a noted Protestant church designer in South Africa, but his contribution to the built environment Netherlands much less well known. His life and career country of birth are interest because they closely aligned with religious turbulence period, which anti-revolutionary clergyman-politician Abraham Kuyper played prominent role. The building new Reformed churches schools was direct expression zealous determination spread ‘true faith’. architecture often modest restrained, influenced by Kuyper’s view that space should serve ‘gathering faithful’ be arranged such way congregants could see hear one other minister. Dijkstra, born clergyman father missionary zeal, delivered various designs this context.
 Although grew up trained northern Netherlands, Zeeland became main area operation. In 1908, after time spent working Groningen (Spijk) Germany, settled Vlissingen (Flushing) where he set own architectural practice. At an internationally oriented city undergoing radical transformation under direction liberal alderman public works, J.G. van Niftrik jr. (1889-1924). designed two hall-type churches: Geersdijk (1910) Eben Haëzer (1910). There followed remarkable inter-denominational collaboration English Presbyterian community’s place worship St Jacob’s Church destroyed fire 1911. After Dijkstra’s initial design for simple hall rejected, authoritative Catholic architect Pierre Cuypers (1827-1921) commissioned provide sketch small yet monumental building. Cuypers’ neogothic based on octagonal plan further elaborated Dijkstra. inaugurated 1914.
 This unique project Vlaswiek Bovensmilde (Drenthe, 1915) Kamperland (Noord-Beveland, 1923). robust corner tower amphitheatre arrangement line views foreshadows later Africa.
 school buildings communities around (in Koudekerke Arnemuiden) social housing estates, including three Protestant-Christian association Gemeenschappelijk Belang (Common Interest), partly P.J. Hamers (1882-1966). Among commissions retail spaces striking expressionist radio shop H.J. der Meer en Zonen (1923 1926), still extant. 1927, all out blue, decided emigrate family continued develop architect. article not only provides assessment Dutch oeuvre prefiguration African work, it also positions him interesting within context day, characterized verzuiling (lit. ‘pillarization’, form compartmentalization along socio-political or lines).