Sustainable Densification and Greenification in the Inner City of Rotterdam

Many cities are developing and implementing plans for urban restructuring and densification. The Municipality of Rotterdam has explored a number of strategies with the aim of creating a more attractive, lively city centre through densification and greenification. This study has researched what the actual potential for densification is and which impact on urban environmental quality and sustainability can be expected. With geodata and urban modelling, an evidence base was created that charted the effects of the proposed plans. This paper discussed how this was done and how it supported that particular stage of the process. It is expected that such evidence bases can significantly contribute to co-creation. By clarifying the societal and business value cases for different stakeholders inherent to plans, investments, and by exploring alternatives, a common operational picture is created that reduces complexity, speeds up the process, and enhances quality of outcomes.