The Wild, Mild West
Revealing disparities in Rotterdam’s streetscape
I.A.S. Meijer (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
S. Tanovic – Mentor
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Abstract
This research examines the urban disparities within Rotterdam West, focusing on how policies and socio-economic factors have shaped street- level differences from around 1850 to 2025. The main question guiding this study is: ‘Which key urban, political, and socio-economic developments have contributed to the disparities found between Rotterdam West’s streetscapes? Through historical analysis, field observations and policy review, the research explores the evolution of “livability” in the area, including the impact of urban renewal projects and policies such as the Rotterdamwet and Krachtwijkenbeleid. The findings show that while some streets benefited from selective renovations, others remained neglected, leading to significant contrasts in spatial structure, safety and social cohesion. Gentrification and superdiversity also played pivotal roles in shaping the neighbourhood’s development. Initiaves like Stichting Boulevard highlight how diverse communities can collaborate to improve local spaces. The study concludes that a long-term, street-level and context-aware approach to urban planning is needed to address the inequalities in West. Further research is required to understand the true impact of these interventions and to devise more inclusive, sustainable urban strategies.