![](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/460efe9abc-1656417065/img-6424-2-1800x-q90.webp)
Charlotte van Alfen
Keywords: Vernacular design, Gentrification, Rotterdam
Internship: 75B
Read Thesis
charlottevanalfen.com, instagram.com/mukvanalfen, charlottevanalfen@hotmail.com
Vernacular can be defined as any visual, spoken or other kind of language that belongs to a specific group of people inhabiting a specific place. It is often viewed as ’lesser than’ institutionalised systems of language. However, the use of vernacular language is vital to the experience of a group in which a culture is lived and experienced. Visual vernacular in particular is a rich source of inspiration, and creates a strong sense of community.
In Beyond Spectacular, Made Vernacular, Charlotte van Alfen explores the vibrant character of Rotterdam, the city she grew up in. The project reflects on the city from her specific design perspective as a young white woman, who is part of the local creative class. The project is a series of posters that draw upon conversations with local residents, and the visual vernacular of their neighbourhoods. The posters are a testament to the shared resistance against gentrification, at a time characterised by a growing support of the conservative political party Liveable Rotterdam (Leefbaar Rotterdam), and its exclusionary policies.
![Denk aan de meest kwetsbare persoon & stem daarvoor](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/00a9ef5cb9-1656414779/final-a0-01-1600x2262.9722921914-q90.webp)
![Nu zou ik er niet dood gevonden willen worden](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/ac70dc9f9c-1656414791/final-a0-02-1600x2262.9722921914-q90.webp)
Now I would not want to be found dead there
![Veel verschillende mensen om me heen, daar voel ik me comfortabel bij](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/7e199cb96a-1656414809/final-a0-11-1600x2262.9722921914-q90.webp)
![Niet iedereen kan in deze stad wonen](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/912fa67644-1656414824/final-a0-05-1600x2262.3005877414-q90.webp)
![Tégén het rechtse gezeik](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/08349198d2-1656414839/final-a0-04-1600x2262.9722921914-q90.webp)
![Oud, wit, chagrijnig, superbinair en klassiek](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/6c2c9949c8-1656414851/schermafbeelding-2022-06-22-om-22-47-49-1600x2271.7557251908-q90.webp)
![Ik kwam terug in mijn eigen stadje, met mijn eigen mensen, toen bloeide ik weer](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/e52ca6dbcc-1656414866/final-a0-23-1600x2262.3005877414-q90.webp)
![Een groot dorp](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/8a1d5a35a1-1656414889/final-a0-20-1600x2262.9722921914-q90.webp)
![Was deze woning maar van jou](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/e15009d934-1656414911/final-a0-21-kopie-1600x2262.9722921914-q90.webp)
![De architectuur is oud en nieuw, heel lelijk nieuw](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/fadb38ef30-1656415044/final-a0-19-1600x2262.3005877414-q90.webp)
![Het zijn de middelvinger jongens die lak hebben aan de samenleving](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/a477d4c590-1656414985/final-a0-18-1600x2262.3005877414-q90.webp)
![Alle verschillende mensen verbreden je wereldbeeld](https://graduation.kabk.nl/media/pages/2022/charlotte-van-alfen/ebae257a75-1656415055/final-a0-22-1600x2262.3005877414-q90.webp)