65 years of making cities work for all
On 26 October 2023, IHS will celebrate its 65th anniversary. Save the date and join us for the celebratory event! We will bring together students, staff, alumni and partners.
About IHS
The Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) is a research, advisory, and education institute that operates under the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE). Our goal for 65 years has been to inspire and empower urban professionals and citizens to make cities work for all. IHS tackles the challenges of poverty reduction and improving urban life through a three-fold approach of education, advisory services, and applied research.
We envision cities that are liveable and just as well as socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
Our history
IHS was founded during Rotterdam's post-World War II reconstruction. Its purpose was to share knowledge gained from the city's development and housing with government authorities in developing nations as the international branch of Bouwcentrum. However, as cities worldwide are rapidly expanding, IHS has adapted to the changing times. Over the last 65 years, IHS has gained considerable expertise and built an international urban management network. This allows the institute to help managers, policymakers, and government officials improve how cities function globally.
