Hybrid Urban Identity—The Case of Rotterdam

Abstract

This essay aims to investigate the development of Rotterdam's urban identity. It is a case study, with a theoretical reflection on the concept of urban identity. Rotterdam is a post-industrial port city in a process of physical, social and economic transformations. A narrative is developed on urban identity along the frame of a research on Rotterdam's identity 15 years ago that identified aspects of what was " typical Rotterdam " . It is clarified that Rotterdam's iden-tity is changing. The physical reconstruction period is finished, the port facili-ties have moved to the shore and a much more diverse population and cul-ture, are factors influencing Rotterdam's identity. And values, such as the fe-minization of society, start to play a role. The conclusion is that Rotterdam's identity becomes more hybrid.