The Oude Westen is one historic and polemic neighbourhood in the centre of Rotterdam. Despite having change a very little the street structure since it was a polder back in the days, the real transformations came from within.

The biggest change came in the 70’s big with the urban renewal and redevelopment, which the neighbours weren’t exactly positive about it.

The Oude Westen now days is characterized mostly for the multicultural heritage that transpires the streets, stores and homes. This diversity is what so far gives the place his authentic character and value.

Despite the cultural and ethnically diversity you can find, the community is quite united, and as proof, they have multiple community centres and venues where they can gather and grow together. However the representation of this space is rendered rather shy and almost inconspicuous therefore they are hard to identify and they struggle to create a common space to relate, identify and grow more resiliently.

Furthermore, the biggest space of social gatherings and community creation, the Odeon, is doomed to be demolished in order to be replaced by housing complex which creates a more urgent issue.

Another weak spot for the Oude Westen is the WjikPark Oude Westen.

Having suffered different transformations in order to improve its quality as a public space. The Wijkpark remains a space with potential for transformation, and for appropriation by the neighbours.

To what extend the Wijk park Oude Westen can be transformed and appropriated by the Oude Westen community as a third place to be, as a place maker and as a community beacon?