Full speed ahead on architecture, backwards on reputation. How do you see Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands. Its skyline has international allure. The architecture is innovative, bold, and refuses to be confined to old patterns. Rotterdam dares to look ahead. And that is exactly what an international city needs.

But there is also another side of Rotterdam. A side that is becoming harder and harder to ignore.

Anyone walking through the city center regularly sees litter, deferred maintenance, homelessness, and people trying to find their way on the street. At traffic lights, groups of people stand ready to collect empty bottles. And meanwhile, you see traffic situations where the safety of pedestrians and cyclists is far from guaranteed.

That stands in stark contrast to the international image that Rotterdam is so eager to project.

An impressive skyline is one thing. A city that also impresses at street level is something entirely different.

Rotterdam wants to be an international metropolis. A city where entrepreneurs settle, tourists like to return, international companies invest, and visitors feel welcome.

But international appeal is not determined solely by architecture, harbors, hotels, and restaurants. It lies precisely in the details:

• A clean and well-maintained public space.
• Safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
• A visible and effective approach to homelessness.
• Well-maintained streets and squares.
• A welcoming city centre that invites visitors to stay longer.
• A city where economic progress goes hand in hand with livability.

My concern is that Rotterdam is advancing in terms of architecture, but losing ground in liveability, appearance and urban maintenance.

And that could, in the long run, have consequences for the city's international competitive position.

From the perspective of PUT-IT-ON, I may also look at this differently.

An entrepreneur may have a beautiful business premises, an impressive website and a fantastic story. But in the end, his reputation is determined by the overall experience people have with him.

The same applies to a city.

Rotterdam has a beautiful calling card, but it is time to make sure that the reality on the streets lives up to it.

I'm curious how others experience this.

Is Rotterdam actually moving forward, or is the city at risk of losing part of its international shine?

Progress lies not only in what you build. It lies above all in what you leave behind.

PUT-IT-ON. The Few who know. The Few who grow.

How do you view Rotterdam?

#Rotterdam #RotterdamCity #RotterdamCentrum #UrbanDevelopment #Livability #Safety #CityDevelopment #InternationalCity #Architecture #CityMarketing #UrbanDevelopment #UrbanLifestyle #Entrepreneurship #EconomicGrowth #Tourism #CityCentre #Image #Reputation #PUTITON #PutItOnOnline