Post War Social Housing in Rotterdam and Vienna
Governance and spatial lessons from two cities
R.J. Bange (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Lei Qu – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Marja Elsinga – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
This thesis examines the development and governance of post-Second World War social housing neighbourhoods in Rotterdam and Vienna to derive insights for improving the resilience and quantity of affordable housing in Rotterdam. Through a comparative analysis of governance structures, spatial qualities, and policy outcomes, the study investigates how different approaches influence long-term housing stability.
The research identifies a fundamental contrast: Vienna's centralized governance and strict no-sell policies have preserved a uniform urban fabric and facilitated efficient densification. Conversely, Rotterdam's decentralized model has fostered diverse neighbourhoods but obstructed coordinated densification efforts. Key lessons reveal that policies aimed at social equity can yield unintended consequences: Dutch reforms have reduced density, while Vienna's system risks under-serving vulnerable households.
Finally, the thesis proposes a renovation plan for a Rotterdam neighbourhood. Small-scale interventions, such as activating public spaces can enhance connectivity without major reconstruction. However, addressing the lack of return on investment for social housing association requires substantial reforms to the Dutch governance system. Combining Vienna's governance resilience with Rotterdam's spatial diversity could offers a viable pathway for sustainable affordable housing renewal.