Housing policy is a hot topic in Rotterdam. The highly controversial policy document “Housing Vision Rotterdam 2030”, published in 2016 and revised in 2024, envisaged the demolition of 15,000 social rental homes and the construction of 26,000 dwellings for higher market segments. Many neighbourhoods in the port city consist mainly of social housing, which accounts for 44% of the housing stock. Prices of owner-occupied houses have risen dramatically in the past decades: In the past ten years, the price per square metre has doubled. Against this background, new dwellings are being built in Rotterdam in all market segments, some with innovative concepts — from transformations and joint building ventures to temporary and floating homes.
On this tour we’ll delve into the current housing challenges in Rotterdam, showcasing the innovative architectural solutions designed to address these issues.
Little C (INBO/CULD, 2020): High-density residential development built on a green, car-free “island” in the city