Cities have come into existence as capitals, economic or religious centers, university or infrastructure hubs, at bridge crossings, … or as port cities, like the city of Amsterdam. Over the centuries, public and private actors in port cities created urban forms and structures that facilitated later adaptations.

In the next video Carola Hein explains how port cities have adapted to changing political and economic situations, implemented technical innovations, adapted their governance structures, and established cultures. She focuses first on the period before containerization ( the 1960s).  Next week, she will continue her exploration of port cities by tracking how ports, waterfronts and port cities changed after the 1960s.