The redevelopment of Rotterdam since 1945

Abstract

The development of the south bank of the central waterfront area of Rotterdam may be seen as the culmination of a process of reconstruction and redevelopment in the city that has been taking place over a considerable period, in particular since the destruction of a large part of the city's central area in the Second World War. This process has involved an evolution in the approaches to spatial planning in the city, as illustrated for instance by the development of high-profile and innovative architectural projects in recent years, as well as the development of cultural projects and the consequent adoption of a new cultural identity. Such projects have served to aid a re-definition of the city's image both within the Netherlands and at the international level. These achievements may be explained with reference to the wider urban policy context in Europe since the Second World War, the approach to urban policy in the Netherlands, and the approach to land use planning and regeneration adopted by the municipality of Rotterdam.