2018 Reports

Rotterdam’s Infrastructure Experiments for Achieving Urban Resilience

Frantzeskaki, Niki; Tilie, Nico

Rotterdam has pursued innovative infrastructure experiments to enhance urban resilience to climate change, particularly flooding. The city combines ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) with disaster risk reduction through multifunctional projects such as water squares, submerged parking for stormwater storage, green roofs, and floating urban developments. These interventions integrate flood management with public amenities, biodiversity, and urban livability, while engaging citizens and enterprises through awareness programs and incentives. Key lessons emphasize forward-looking planning, flexible management to address climate uncertainties, and strong leadership to mainstream climate adaptation into urban development, contributing to Rotterdam’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.