During RA Month ’23, UrbanGuides reflects on the remarkable history of public housing in Rotterdam’s South district. This housing policy was hard-fought, championed by passionate aldermen, dedicated citizens, and committed architects. Over three episodes, we delve into three distinct periods of social housing in the 20th century.

In this initial episode, historian Frank Schipper takes us on a journey at the Maassilo, offering a concise presentation on the early expansions of the southern districts. This is followed by a guided walk (via metro) to Slinge-Pendrecht.

Reconstruction architecture in Pendrecht

“An inviting center surrounded by residential areas” read the headline of Het Vrije Volk in January 1954, describing the newly developed neighborhood of Pendrecht. The devastating bombings during World War II had left around 80,000 people homeless. More than half of the newly built homes during the reconstruction efforts were situated in a wide strip south of the existing working-class neighborhoods in Zuid. Pendrecht served as the inaugural link in a chain of suburbs, where grazing cows made way for an “urban society” devoid of architectural elements reminiscent of the rural past, as seen in the Vreewijk garden village. Instead, a meticulously planned neighborhood emerged, featuring a combination of standardized apartment blocks and rows of low-rise houses designed to alleviate the housing shortage.

Practical info

• Your own public transport (OV-chipcard) is required for this tour.
• The tour will end in Pendrecht.
• Maximum Capacity: 45 people.

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