Gentrification in Amsterdam:: Examining the Dynamic Between Urban Renewal and the Dutch Housing Crisis

This thesis examines the interplay between gentrification, redevelopment projects, and the ongoing housing shortage in the context of Amsterdam. Currently, the Dutch capital is experiencing a growing demand for affordable housing, which the municipality has not yet been able to alleviate. Attempts by the city to increase the housing quality or liveability for its residents often unintentionally lead to property inflation and displacement, creating a challenge for urban planners. Research on the dynamic between gentrification and the housing crisis is lacking, which is why this thesis attempts to answer the guiding research question; ‘to what extent has the process of gentrification, through urban renewal projects, influenced the housing shortage in Amsterdam?’ Incorporating evidence of gentrification from appropriate literature, such as government and demographic data, as well as journal articles and neighbourhood experiences, this study creates case studies on three neighbourhoods...Show moreThis thesis examines the interplay between gentrification, redevelopment projects, and the ongoing housing shortage in the context of Amsterdam. Currently, the Dutch capital is experiencing a growing demand for affordable housing, which the municipality has not yet been able to alleviate. Attempts by the city to increase the housing quality or liveability for its residents often unintentionally lead to property inflation and displacement, creating a challenge for urban planners. Research on the dynamic between gentrification and the housing crisis is lacking, which is why this thesis attempts to answer the guiding research question; ‘to what extent has the process of gentrification, through urban renewal projects, influenced the housing shortage in Amsterdam?’ Incorporating evidence of gentrification from appropriate literature, such as government and demographic data, as well as journal articles and neighbourhood experiences, this study creates case studies on three neighbourhoods to represent the case of Amsterdam – Bos en Lommer, De Pijp, and Oud-Noord. It argues that the processes of renewal and gentrification exacerbate inequalities and inequities in the studied areas, which puts a further strain on the housing shortage. Awareness of this dynamic is vital, as it could help the municipality to create an equitable city for its residents.Show less

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Gentrification in Amsterdam: Examining the Dynamic Between Urban Renewal and the Dutch Housing Crisis