The appropriated city

Abstract

In the light of climate change and growing urban populations, our cities are under immense pressure. This graduation thesis aims to improve the liveability of pre-war neighbourhoods through the implementation and/or adaption of greenery. Greenery in the urban environment has a whole list of (possible) positive benefits like water drainage, increased biodiversity and air purification. There is one benefit that can also be a disadvantage for people with a lower socio-economic status: the rising property value. Due to a rising property value people that can not afford higher rents might be forced out of the neighbourhood. This form of gentrification is called green gentrification because it is gentrification caused through greenery developments. The aim of this project is to implement greenery into the neighrbouhood to improve liveability without the negative effects of gentrification. The main question addressed in this thesis is thus: How to green pre-war neighbourhoods to increase liveability for current residents, with minimising the risks of gentrification? Liveability is a broad and subjective concept which involves many different perspectives from both humans and nonhuman species. First a strategy was developed with the use of three main existing theories: Patchcorridor- matrix, 3-30-300 and Just Green Enough. Additional to these theories appropriation of public space is also important in the approach, to facilitate the different perspectives on liveability in a flexible way. The proposed approach is focused on small scale developments which are connected for ecological benefits and facilitate appropriation. To explore the implementation of this approach, this thesis is looking at the neighbourhood Oude Noorden in Rotterdam. The approach resulted in an neighbourhood strategy and a design for the Moerkapellestraat. In this design parking is seen as a way of appropriation which allows multiple uses for ‘parking’ spots. Parking spots now become a space for appropriation and improving liveability by residents themselves, allowing a variety of uses. To improve the liveability of current residents, with a human and nonhuman perspective, and limited risk of gentrification this thesis proposes a strategy focused on small scale greenery developments scattered through the neighbourhood. These small scale developments need to be ecologically responsible and connected to facilitate biodiversity. Appropriation provides the opportunities to let residents fulfill their individual needs in a flexible and low cost manner.