This thesis researches how cultural functions contributed to the social and cultural recovery of Rotterdam during the post-war reconstruction period. For this research, concert hall de Doelen in Rotterdam is used as a case study. After the bombing in 1940, the city not only faced the challenge of rebuilding its physical structures but also had to reconstruct its social and cultural identity. De Doelen, which was originally destroyed in the bombing, became a symbol of resilience and a key player in the redefinition of Rotterdam’s cultural fabric.

De Doelen’s design was intended to be open, accessible, and inviting to the visitors. It reflects the post-war ambition of making culture available to everyone. Although the original plan included a multifunctional cultural and commercial center known as the “Rockefeller Center,” financial constraints forced the city to scale down. Still, the building became a central space for social interaction.

The support of councilor N. Zeelenberg was significant this process. Her focus on accessibility and inclusion ensured that De Doelen was not just a concert hall but a building for all citizens. The final design supported urban recovery by fostering public gathering and strengthening social bonds.

This thesis shows how De Doelen contributed to rebuilding the cultural fabric of the city. It demonstrates how cultural buildings can support recovery and the development of a new identity after destruction.