This paper explains how urban renewal plans have responded to new conditions and requirements, caused by changes in the population and in social structure. It evaluates the urban renewal plans that the city of Rotterdam launched in the 1970s, and which drew international attention at the time. With this plan, Rotterdam addressed the decay of housing and facilities in urban areas. The policies combined social housing development and the modernization of building and living conditions with the participation of residents. The paper shows that human habitat and community building are important factors in urban renewal strategies, and that effective urban renewal projects should address two key issues: 1) they should take an integrated approach to the physical, environmental, social and economic programmes; and 2) they should provide sustainable solutions instead of quick fix interventions that do not stand the test of time. Copyright©2012 IAHS.
