Rotterdam as a Flexible City

A qualitative research method is performed to research if the creative industry is a resource for creative adaptive reuse of vacant buildings in the inner city of Rotterdam. For this research, two sample groups are formed: the professionals in the field of urban planning and policy - both from the public (Municipality) and the private sector (N=4) and the young, creative entrepreneurs (N=4). Based upon the theoretical framework four topics are discussed: A New Identity, Creative City, Creative Adaptive Reuse and Gentrification. Using semi-structured interviews, the motivations of the two sample groups in relation to the four main interview topics are discussed. The findings confirm a relation between the entrepreneurial climate and the characteristics and mentality of the city. Second, the findings discuss the relation between innovation, dynamics and the intertwinement with creativity in the city of Rotterdam. Also, it will challenge the presumption of city gentrification as negative. At last, the ideal of Rotterdam as a flexible city will be expressed. Furthermore, the findings of the research criticize the power of creativity for a city and evoke the discussion if creativity is self-sustaining or controlled by the Municipality