Woningen vinden

The Netherlands faces a severe housing shortage. The government's solution: create one million new homes by 2030, approximately 100,000 of which in Rotterdam. But how do we achieve this? The emphasis is primarily on building new residential towers, new neighborhoods, or even new cities. At the same time, new construction is time-consuming, harmful to the climate, and produces few truly affordable homes. Is there another way to create more housing?

Even in times of housing shortages, it turns out there's still space—hidden in the city, behind front doors, and between facades. Approximately 50% of households live in oversized homes. In neighborhoods like Oude Westen and Middelland, many single-person households live in multi-bedroom family homes. Platform Woonopgave and Recht op de Stad (Right to the City) explored these neighborhoods, searching for vacant spaces and hidden living spaces. By sharing and dividing homes, encouraging mobility, expanding buildings, and utilizing interstitial spaces, new homes can also be found.

The exhibition "House Hunting" illustrates the diverse possibilities for more housing using a "detective board" with drawings, sketches, stories, and maps. The exhibition demonstrates what this approach brings to Oude Westen and Middelland: new amenities, communal spaces, and affordable housing. At the same time, the exhibition invites local residents to actively participate and contribute their own ideas. Join us on an expedition and discover where space is available and how it can improve the neighborhood!