C. van Traa (1899-1970) Cornelis van Traa (Rotterdam, November 16, 1899 - Rotterdam, January 24, 1970) was a Dutch urban planner. He became known as the designer of the 1946 Basic Plan for the Reconstruction of Rotterdam. Van Traa studied architecture at the Technische Hogeschool Delft until 1927. After his studies, he worked for Rotterdam and The Hague architectural firms for several years. In 1930 he became secretary of the Institute City and Landscape of South Holland. The board of this institute included W.G. Witteveen, C.H. van der Leeuw and K.P. van der Mandele. In early 1940, Van Traa became an employee of the Municipal Technical Department as assistant to Witteveen, the designer of the first reconstruction plan of 1941. In 1946, Van Traa's Basic Plan was adopted by the Rotterdam City Council. The Basic Plan was decisive for the urban design of today's Rotterdam city center. In 1964 Ir. C. van Traa was awarded the Van Oldenbarnevelt medal; this is the highest municipal award of the city of Rotterdam. Cornelis van Traa died at the age of 70. Education: TH Delft, architecture/?-1927 Secondary activities: Municipal Technical Service Rotterdam/assistant W.G. Witteveen/1940-?;Dienst Stadsontwikkeling en Wederopbouw Rotterdam/director/? Honors: Penning van de Rotte (award granted by Rotterdamse Kunstkring)/1959;Van Oldebarneveltpenning (highest award Municipality of Rotterdam)/1964