Authorised Heritage Discours en Rotterdam-Zuid Een casusstudie naar de gevolgen van het dominante architectuurdiscours van de gemeente Rotterdam op het arbeiderserfgoed- en identiteit in de vooroorlogse wijken van Rotterdam-Zuid
Summary
This essay searches for an answer to the question on how a dominant culture, in this case modern architecture, can rise, how this has been accomplished and the major consequences of this culture. For over a century harbor workers have been living in the old neighborhoods of South Rotterdam close by the harbors where they were employed. They were mostly labor migrants coming from everywhere, first from the poor agricultural surroundings of Rotterdam, later, from the 50’s onward, from abroad. Growth also meant the harbors slowly left the city, moving towards the sea. What was left in Rotterdam South was poor old housing with inhabitants from multitude backgrounds and origin.
After the second world war, the design and architecture of Rotterdam changed dramatically. The city council planned, after the demolition of the center during the war, a modern city which should give it international allure. Up until today, architecture has been an active part of city promotion, this, however, does not include the old boroughs of Rotterdam South. From the late 70’s till today city led restructuring has been applied to rid the bad reputation this part of the city has.
This essay tries to give a voice to the inhabitants and shed a light on the good parts of Rotterdam South. What makes it worthwhile living there as so many do and would like to keep doing?