Place-making of Rotterdam, a post-war metropolis: Construction after Destruction?: A qualitative study on historic city identity and a sense of place

Built heritage plays an important role in the urban planning context, interestingly enough to shift social and environmental concepts within a community. With the objective of providing alternative perspectives on prior assessments of the value of historical city identity for a sense of place in cities, this thesis provides a discussion and analysis of a contrasting modern-day city like Rotterdam. The research is useful for cities that have undergone mass destruction and are in need of general reconstruction in answering questions on how to (re)build a sense of place for their population. Additionally, the findings are written upon existing literature, interviews conducted with local architects and urban designers, as well as a survey of Rotterdammers living and working within the city center. Reflecting on the urban planning practices, it becomes evident that Rotterdammers’ grew their appreciation and awareness towards historical value. Findings show, historical city identity has...Show moreBuilt heritage plays an important role in the urban planning context, interestingly enough to shift social and environmental concepts within a community. With the objective of providing alternative perspectives on prior assessments of the value of historical city identity for a sense of place in cities, this thesis provides a discussion and analysis of a contrasting modern-day city like Rotterdam. The research is useful for cities that have undergone mass destruction and are in need of general reconstruction in answering questions on how to (re)build a sense of place for their population. Additionally, the findings are written upon existing literature, interviews conducted with local architects and urban designers, as well as a survey of Rotterdammers living and working within the city center. Reflecting on the urban planning practices, it becomes evident that Rotterdammers’ grew their appreciation and awareness towards historical value. Findings show, historical city identity has the potential to foster a sense of belonging, connectedness, familiarity, continuity and through that alter Rotterdammers’ sense of place. However, it fails to provide distinctiveness and support the community’s multicultural identity.Show less

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Place-making of Rotterdam, a post-war metropolis: Construction after Destruction? A qualitative study on historic city identity and a sense of place