A Changing Mathenesserweg
Research on the effects of gentrification in Rotterdam and specifically on the Mathenesserweg.
J.J.M. Rodenburg (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Rachel Lee (TU Delft - History, Form & Aesthetics)
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Abstract
This thesis investigates both the status of gentrification on the Mathenesserweg in Rotterdam, as well as the lived experience of gentrification within the street’s inhabitants. Over the last few years, the street has been changing, both in the demographic makeup of the street and in the structuring of the houses. To get an idea about how the inhabitants of the Mathenesserweg feel about these changes, and to know more about the effects and facets of gentrification, this thesis incorporates literature on the processes of gentrification, municipal plans for the city of Rotterdam and a survey done with the inhabitants. Generally, gentrification displaces lower-class inhabitants by making the area more suitable for middle-class residents. Through time the government's involvement in the gentrification processes has increased. Gentrification is recognisable in three phases, with the first one being the increase of young and artistic people moving into the area. The second wave shows an increase in middle-class inhabitants moving in, changing the businesses and environment to fit their needs. In the third wave, exclusive establishments open up to facilitate the new upper-class inhabitants. The Rotterdam municipality uses gentrification as a tool to decrease the number of lower-class inhabitants in its neighbourhoods and to heighten its competitive position internationally. Mathenesserweg and the surrounding neighbourhoods are part of municipal-led gentrification areas in Rotterdam. Following the results from the survey, the inhabitants of the Mathenesserweg seem to be quite positive about the changes happening on their street. The inhabitants consider the large number of student inhabitants that have been moving into their street as the biggest disturbance. Not in line with the statistics of the Mathenesserweg, Turkish and Moroccan migrants, who make up a large percentage of the inhabitants and are the most vulnerable to gentrification effects and policies, did not participate in the survey. A reason for this might be because of the chosen method of study or method of gathering participants. In further studies, other means of gathering the experiences of inhabitants can be applied. When looking at the research it can be said that the Mathenesserweg is showing signs that it is moving from the first phase of gentrification into the second phase.