Middellandplein, Rotterdam

Middellandplein is a place where the community of the west comes together. A lot of the residents come from a diaspora background. I can see myself reflected in the people who walk up and down the streets, from the end of Kruiskade to Mathernesserlaan bridge. It’s a place where people go to relax, take a break from their day in the city, or meet up with friends and have a chat.However, the area has been undergoing a lot of changes in the last few years. One can already see the tell tale signs of gentrification: trendy cafe's, increased rent, and changes in the storefronts. But there is also a beautiful park now, a range of shopping options, and the safety of the area has dramatically improved. It is amazing to want to improve an area, to make it more safe and more appealing to the eye but it should remain inclusive to those that use and need the space the most.

•Is there a balance between the positive and the negative effects of gentrification?
•How does this affect the appearance of the space?

In this queer mapping I will analyse how Middellandplein has changed in the last 12 years through the layout of the park and the colours of the storefronts.

Online Research from news articles:

Article from 2020 - Complaints that the terraces take up too much space, leaving none for people

You can see here where people are publicly complaining about the lack of public space ^

Articles from 2018 - Big Changes to the Street

Here we can see that with the added strain of corona measurements, its been hard for the municipality to find the right balance of outdoor space. But at what cost do we encroach on public space? Just because a space doesn't give economic value that doesn't mean it has no value and shouldn't be taken seriously.

I agree that if a place looks appealing, if it has nice colours, interesting sites then it has a more cosy, welcoming feeling. But it is sad to know that improving the aesthetics increases the price for the normal residents. Aren't people allowed to live in nice places without the prices constantly increasing?

One cafe leaves, and another pops up. It seems like the culture also changes; from a small community centered cafe to a french inspired bistro with wine for 7.50

Does Rob Overkamp represent the rights and needs of all the residents?

Research about the developments on Middellandstraat

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