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Verhalenhuis Belvédère demonstrates how community-led, culturally rooted public spaces bolster neighbourhood resilience during urban renewal by combining participatory co-creation, flexible programming, recognition, and memory work. More broadly, examples like this show how a socio-spatial triad—spatial agency, networked solidarity, and identity grounding—can help protect neighbourhood identity and strengthen lasting social infrastructure in diverse communities.
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Target audience
Municipal urban planners and designers, Policymakers, Community development organisations
The problem
We see gentrification driven by urban renewal as a complex challenge: while it can upgrade buildings and services, it often frays social ties, displaces long-term residents, and weakens everyday community life. That’s why understanding how resilience can be built through places for gathering and co-creating is important. In Rotterdam’s Katendrecht — a former industrial harbour now a diverse, regenerating neighbourhood — Verhalenhuis Belvédère shows how such places nurture connection, memory, and lasting local strength.
What we did and why
We wanted to explore the role that the place and its social dynamics play in supporting communities, so we combined different ways of learning. We observed everyday activities and spoke with people to hear their stories and experiences. We also examined the physical features and programs to see how design, layout, and activities shaped interactions. Bringing these insights together gave us a fuller picture of how Verhalenhuis Belvédère strengthens community resilience and connection in Katendrecht amid gentrification and urban renewal.
Our study’s contribution
Our research at Verdalershuis Belvédère reveals how public spaces can actively support community resilience. We found that:
• Through co-creation, residents help transform the space and its surroundings from just a place into a living part of community life, giving them a sense of ownership and agency.
• The space fosters networked solidarity by connecting diverse social groups and building supportive social ties.
• Storytelling, cultural recognition, and memory work strengthen people–place connections, rooting identity and helping communities navigate change.
Impacts for city policy and practice
For cities to build resilient communities, our research suggests:
• Supporting resident participation in design and programming strengthens ownership and community engagement.
• Encouraging flexible, adaptable spaces helps bring together diverse social groups and build networks.
• Recognizing local cultures and embedding stories into public spaces can maintain neighbourhood identity during urban renewal.
To learn more about the programs and activities of Verhalenhuis Belvédère: https://verhalenhuisrotterdam.nl
Further information
Full research article:
[OPEN ACCESS] Places for community and community resilience: case of Verhalenhuis Belvédère by Sahar Asadollahi Asl Zarkhah, Machiel van Dorst & Deepti Adlakha
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