CITIES UN/PLANNED THE LONDON EDITION INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE: “THE TRANSFORMATION OF EAST LONDON – EXPLORING LIFE IN A CHANGING DISTRICT” INSPIRING CITIES, STIPO AND WONDERFUL WOR LD, 3 -6 NOVEMBER 2011 We visited examples of the civic economy and exchanged ideas about their remaining influence on our society as a whole. The essence of the Civic Economy approach is: mutual energy + low barriers to enter process + socially based + equal partnerships + asset based (as opposed to problem oriented).
INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH Our group consisted of over 50 practitioners, strategists and decision-makers in urban and social development, economy, Inspiring
Cities,
Stipo
and
Wonderful
design
and
art;
Housing
Associations,
World
national government, theatres, agencies and cities.
organized an international exchange in London with
Participants from London, all parts of The Netherlands
involved urban thinkers from various backgrounds,
as well as from Beirut, Leuven, Dublin, Barcelona and
disciplines and cultures, to search for ways to bring
Madrid.
new energy into cities and finding new mechanisms for urban development after the crisis.
URBAN ANTHROPOLOGY
LONDON NETWORK For this exchange, we collaborated with a variety of organizations including Inspiring Cities London / Line
The East London exchange was part of a series of
Algoed; Research 00:/ / Joost Beunderman; The
exchanges in different European cities. Each exchange
Academy of Urbanism / DEGW / John Worthington;
provides a view of the city from an urban anthropological
Knack / Elke Lahousse; Meanwhile Space / Emily
perspective, looking for new connections between the
Berwyn,
lived or unplanned and the planned city. In March 2011,
Bridgeman; St. Paul‘s Church in Bow / Philippa
the network organised its first exchange in Dublin.
Boardman; Hackney Development Trust / Adam Hart;
Inspired by the outcome, we chose to visit London as
Arcola Theatre / Ben Todd; School of Life; 5 Studio /
our next destination. In East London we looked at the
Tom Holbrook; the HUB Westminster / Tim Ahrensbach;
potential of increased community engagement in
the HUB Islington / Anna Levy; and The Electric
changing the social, economic and built environment.
Matchbox / Joe Stillion and many others.
1
Jessica
Courtney
Bennett,
and
Eddie
th
THE EXCHANGE IN 10 PHOTOS #1 ARCOLA
doers, activists, changemakers, venturists, investors & entrepreneurs.‖ This Hub creates a 12,000 sq. ft home for 1000 impact organisations in central London. www.hubwestminster.net
#3 MEANWHILE SPACE
The Arcola Theatre opened in 2000 in a repurposed textile factory. Now located ½ mile from original site in a larger old factory, the organisation houses professional studio theatres, workshop/rehearsal space, café/bar and green technology incubator and focused performances and activities for multicultural residents. What a fascinating project! Arcola has always focused on serving its neighbours with a multicultural emphasis. Not only is this a theatre, but it also hosts a music school, music and dance workshops, professional recording spaces, and it runs itself by producing its own energy. The theatre hires local youth to run the shows and coordinate events, gaining skills in technical and event planning. An enlightening example of what a cultural institution can be; it‘s considered one of the greatest success stories of theatre history. www.arcolatheatre.com
#2 HUB WESTMINSTER
Meanwhile Space is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that began in 2009. They are experts on temporary uses for empty spaces. Meanwhile Space is ―generating a zeitgeist to re-imagine commercial use of property and the untapped opportunities that vacant spaces present.‖ This project is a creative and innovative way to deal with a pressing (and increasingly so) urban issue: vacant commercial space. Empty buildings can have numerous effects on a local neighbourhood
including
social,
economic,
and
aesthetic challenges. This project aims to create solutions to this problem by linking empty spaces with those who need them. www.meanwhilespace.com
#4 ST. PAUL OLD F ORD CHURCH St. Paul Old Ford Church in Bow was renovated in 2005 and now goes beyond its function as a religious institution; it holds youth programs, physical activity classes, café, and meeting room spaces, a complete community centre in a diverse neighbourhood. This borough has been in need of economic regeneration for The Hub Westminster just opened in August 2011 and
some time. The residents are mostly low-income and
was created for ―social enterprise‖ companies. As the
problems in this borough include safety, health, social
newest Hub, it‘s a totally different feel from the world‘s
isolation, and community development. This church was
first Hub Islington, as it is ―for all inventors, makers, 2
#6 THE SCHOOL OF LIFE
saved from demolition, renovated, and transformed into an important cultural and community centre. It is located in a typical part of the East End, with its East End spirit: perseverance in the face of all life‘s problems, humour, Cockney rhyming slang, and everyone pulling together.
The School of Life opened in Sept 2008 by Alain de Botton. It is a ―shop‖ for better living and a ―social
www.stpauloldford.com
enterprise‖ which offers courses about love, politics,
#5 HACKNEY CO-OPERATI VE DEVELOPMENTS
is to provide a variety of programs and services
work, play, and family. ―The School of Life‘s philosophy concerned with how to live wisely and well for the locals of Central London.‖ Looks like a bookshop, but it‘s more than that. For all the Alain de Botton fans, it‘s a definite must-see. www.theschooloflife.com
#7 HUB ISLINGTON Hackney Co‐operative Developments was established in 1982 as a non-profit specialising in business support and customised training: a community centre in a diverse
neighbourhood.
Hackney
Co-operative
Developments CIC (HCD) is a local community economic development organisation with a membership
The Hub Islington is a membership-based flexible work
open for all those who subscribe to its co-operative
space, est. in 2004. It has a community mentality. Social
goals and values.
Its members elect a board of
events and ―light business support services‖. Global
directors each year who employ a small professional
business model. Described as a social entrepreneur
staff. Its priority target groups are black and ethnic
enterprise, this converted warehouse is a flexible time-
minority
female
based gathering place for people and businesses to
entrepreneurs, youth, co-operatives, and green and
work and meet. The warehouse has facilities for
ethical
is
conferences, small meetings, individual use, plus
community-based and their staff work with local people
kitchen equipment, Wi-Fi, printers, scanners, and
and their communities exploring ideas and opportunities,
anything else members need. The Hub is a great project
establishing viable ways to fulfil their aspirations.
and a brilliant use of empty space.
www.hced.co.uk
http://islington.the-hub.net/public/
3
individuals businesses.
and HCD's
organisations, basic
approach
#8 LEA VALLEY , OLYMPI C PARK & TRINITY BUOY WHARF
Elke Lahousse and Line Algoed lead a walk through Brick
Lane,
Columbia
Road
and
Broadway
Market/London Fields. This walk uncovered one of the most diverse places in the world, in terms of culture, nationality, religion, income, etc. The area is changing rapidly, with a boom of property investment linked to the Olympic
regeneration
and
other
large-scale
development schemes. Increasingly, wealthy, fashionconscious young people are moving into the area. Outsiders often call this urban subculture 'hipsters'. Who are
these
hipsters?
Do
they
identify
with
this
classification? How do subcultures take shape and how do they change the perception of places? And, most importantly, how is this 'group' perceived by others, the 'original residents' of the area? We walked in the lower Lea Valley, Olympic Park,
#10 THE ELECTRIC MATCHBOX
Bromley�by�Bow to Trinity Buoy Wharf along the Fat Walk with John Worthington and Tom Holbrook. The Fat Walk is a walking and cycling riverside parkland leading from the Olympic Park to the Thames River, following the Lea River. It is 13.6 km (8.5 miles) of new linear green space traverses through urban and natural environments. A Biodiversity Action Plan allows new habitats for river species. The originating neighbourhood lacks recreation space and this linear park may become an asset to the community. A large part of the project is restoring the river area with a heavy focus on improving the biodiversity and allowing species specific in the area to flourish. www.ecologyconsultancy.co.uk/downloads/newsletters/ ECL_Briefing4_OnLine.pdf
#9 NON CONFORMISTS OF THE EAST END
Our final stop was The Electric Matchbox in Hackney Wick, with an introduction by Joe Stillion. The Electric Matchbox is an open source IT service for hardware, software,
technology
services
and
space
hire.
ElectricMatchbox.com is a unique endeavour to fill the social gap in the IT service industry with an entirely different type of operation. They approach things differently by providing an array of services that offer bespoke solutions to a variety of technology problems. We had the opportunity to use their space, enjoy some fantastic coffee, and spend several hours recapping the past three days of the exchange with ideas, plans, and answers to tough questions. www.electricmatchbox.com
4
DIVERSITY, DRIVING LONDON‟S GROWTH
A map of the lived city. The most dominant surnames in each district. London is a very diverse city, and generally accepted as one of the drivers for change and growth. http://names.mappinglondon.co.uk/
- MINISTERIAL ANNOUNCEMENT -
SPARK THE CITY: TEN LAWS TO BE REFRAMED In order to create a true civic economy, the ministry has decided to reframe ten laws and cordially
5.
for temporary to kick-start and long term for
invites you to comment within the next six weeks.
sustainable investment
You can collaborate on Twitter, Facebook, and Skype with minister and park and town hall
Land use regulations – mix use by default, allow
6.
Horeca (restaurants, pubs) – no closing hours
7.
Employment – be your own boss, don't let money
meetings. 1.
and contracts get in the way
Safety and security regulations – rely on commons sense, don't make the exception the rule,
8.
sometimes shit happens, deal with it. 2.
Procurement – don't hide behind (EU) regulations, choose your friends wisely.
3.
Environment – you are the environment, take care of yourself
4.
license, the street is yours: use it, but wisely 9.
Shopping hours – when ever and where ever, but mind the neighbours
10. Building permits – no permits for building behind the front door.
Hygiene and food safety – don‘t serve it if you won't eat it yourself; if you are a dirty bastard get out of the kitchen
5
Event legislation – 365 days of events of one
In conclusion, policy makers just say yes!!
- OPINION -
- TR ENDS -
MIND THE GAP
SAYING YES
Nowadays we see flocks of planners visiting exotic
New trend in The Netherlands: after 'het nieuwe
places in the city of London. They admire the so-
werken'
called “civic economy” of hubs that spring up in
learning), „het nieuwe wonen' (new living) the latest
deserted places. They remind us of tourists in
thing is 'het nieuwe ja-zeggen' (new „saying yes‟).
(co-working),
„het nieuwe
leren'
(new
Africa, admiring exotic tribes. The question is how wonderful the dances of hubs and trailblazers are.
Policy makers throughout the country make it their habit of just saying yes to all initiatives and innovative ideas.
In Africa there is hardly any other economy than the
We are very interested to see where this is going!
civic economy. Characteristic is a community-based barter of all sorts of goods. It is born out of necessity,
@Trendwachters
because there is nothing else. Africa is called the lost continent. It missed the connection with the global economy. Is it the same with the civic economy in London? Born out of necessity, on the poor fringes of the neo-liberal economy? In a society where private wealth is combined with public poverty, there is perhaps no other choice than ‗civic entrepreneurship‘. To call it ‗big society‘, that replaces ‗big government‘, is near deceit. It is the neoliberal market that is big, bigger than anything. The question is, which relation the hubs and trailblazers have with the economy at large. Is there any possibility that they indeed become ‗big‘? Very positive is the energy and creativity that is unleashed, the sense of community and hands-on mentality. Precisely at this moment of deep economic crisis, this vigour can be an indispensable inspiration for change. So, yes, civic economy can serve as a source of inspiration. But mind the gap! It will be a long, long way for civic economy to become a real alternative for ‗big markets‘. What will happen on that way, will no doubt be exciting enough to observe closely. So, to be continued: flocks of
DID YOU KNOW...
planners visiting exotic places.
“Private wealth is combined with public poverty.”
6
Heidi from Beirut gets inspired by London ...
Why was room ... empty last night?
Inspiring Cities leader defects to London.
WEATHER FORECAST
TODAY
Cartoon by Alex Hughes
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Code red. Stay
http://alexhughescartoons.co.uk/
inside.
TOMORROW A fresh civic economy urban spring wind is blowing in
STAMINA
from the west. Go outside and feel the refreshing wind blow away your troubles and worries.
At the eve of the 2012 Olympics, a hard to break new world record is set in the Fat Walking category. This
LONG TERM Sunny
discipline, reserved for urban athletes with real stamina,
weather,
occasional
showers
of
cynical
comments, but overall happy times are ahead!
has developed from a new discipline at the 2000 Olympics to a regular and indispensable part of the Games. Coached by the 74-year old revered John
Enjoy the urban spring!
Worthington, a new generation of athletes is emerging. Key success factors seem to be long-term dedication to the genius loci, definitely the only way to continuously remain inspired by the area and its people. The new world record is a stunning period of 30 years, 136 days, 8:32:27, by Tom Holbrook, endorsed by the Inspiring Cities Team. Tom: "Thirty years may seem a long time, but for me I
- CORRECTION -
could easily have stayed on for years to come!"
In the previous edition Prof. S. Tipo was quoted that the
- Personals -
civic economy is the answer to all troubles we are currently experiencing in the service and financial economy. While he still sees we are in need of new economic models, the idea that the civic economy is The Answer is a new disillusion waiting to happen. While it might be appealing to a particular part of society, its limits and negative consequences were not fully recognized. Send your reactions to disillusionedmiddleclasseditorinchief@inspiringcities.org.
7
Vivacious, hopelessly romantic, attractive, stylish, independent, passionate city interested in walking, life, art, culture, food, romance, good times laughter, leading to LTR seeks adventurous, intelligent, discerning, thoughtful, and interesting people with a GSOH to recommend and share romantic experiences. Serious or grumpy need not apply. http://www.romanticribbons.net
- ADVER TORIAL -
8
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR -
FINDING OUR WAY INTO CIVIC ECONOMY NOTES FROM A D UTCH URBAN CHAOTIC // Town & Country – meaning of sustainable entrepreneurship, self-organization & innovation as a new power; what is the impact of this growing group of highly skilled creatives? AND SOME QUESTIONS THAT MIGHT HELP
How does the civic economy work, what are its
principles, conditions, success factors, outcomes?
How, and to what extent can it contribute to
neighborhood development, quality of life and social climbing in the Netherlands?
Who are our known and unknown partners?
Looking back at a very inspiring city trip to East
What are / could be their (changing) roles?
London, with a group of nearly 30 other urban
Where do we see opportunities in the Netherlands
professionals (planners en non-planners) things
(who are our trailblazers)?
are now starting to fall into place and now we see
some structure in all our questioning!
professionals and social entrepreneurs contribute?
How, and on what level and scale can urban
Over the course of three days, I saw lots of energy, heard good examples and discussion, and maybe now I am even more confused about the impact of London
civic
economy
on
neighbourhood
development in The Netherlands. We tried some structuring, and now, after one week, we came to three dimensions for our questions. Maybe this (Rubik Cube) approach can be of help to you too, when trying to find your way into the civic economy!
Our approach along 3 dimensions: 3 DIFFERENT LEVELS // To do – operational – the lived city
The London exchange did not yet give all the
// To organize – tactical – active planned city
answers, but we have been definitely inspired to look
// To think, control, facilitate – strategic – planned city
for them. For me, as an entrepreneur and "social connector" I now see two actions: connecting to
3 DIFFERENT SCALES
enthusiastic
// Individual – entrepreneurship and self-organization
neighborhood to work together to create value for the
at this scale might exchange the usual supply-driven
hood, and bringing together and inspire relevant old &
care for a care-demand&supply approach
new partners in the Netherlands to join this new
// Neighbourhood – meaning of entrepreneurship and
neighborhood approach / wijkaanpak 2.0.
entrepreneurs
self-organization on this scale is about sustainable neighbourhood development and social climbing at
What about your thoughts?
district level
Ramon Schleijpen
9
from
our
own
BERTSY
10
- GEMEINSCHAFT AND THE CHURCH -
HAVE A TALK WITH GOD AND SEE WHAT SHE SAYS Imagine a vicar who turned out be a highly successful
or fundraising. She managed to get the community to
real estate developer and at the same time turn a
participate, regardless religion or ethnic backgrounds.
rundown church into a flourishing community centre. Imagine an old church hosting a 21st century Noahâ€&#x;s
This is a great example of building a new Gemeinschaft in
Ark in its heart. This is not a utopia, but it exists, less
your
than a mile from the 2012 Olympic Stadium.
communities of interest entices people to find their way to
own
geographical
area,
where
focusing
on
the church. She is now officially appointed by the Church The secret of her success? A long-term commitment to
of England to find innovative solutions for the 1600 near-
the people in the borough and in the church. A real genius
empty church edifices throughout the United Kingdom.
loci magnetises her and continues to inspire her, and without
any
knowledge
or
experience
in
urban
management, social innovation
We go back to where we began: religion as a common value.
- SPOR TS -
"SCHOOL'S OUT AS CITIES INSPIRE" CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KNOCKOUT STAGES may have dominated for 3/4s of the encounter but in reality they had nothing new to show. Cities tested them with searching questions, trying to prod them into life at their much-vaunted home venue.
Then, when no
answers were forthcoming, Cities took over. As if no longer impressed by a commercial formulaic approach, they reverted to their own style. And it is the future. School looked hapless now as Cities traded exchanges magically between each other. They seem to have an approach that others may copy. This is about letting creativity speak and searching for the life-giving spaces. The
School
of
Life
looked
lifeless
with
their
Surely this will make the crowds come. This may be an
salubrious Russel Square venue against the passion
exciting moment. We may look back at this point and say
and sheer dynamism of Inspiring Cities. Expensive
this is where we learnt that it is not structure and
signings make no difference when they could not put
investment but energy and inspiration.
their big words into action. It was Cities' young
ticket items. Forget the superstar paychecks, the
creatives who came with the inspiration.
greenwash and the marketing.
What wins now is
creativity, communication and energy. Observers can be forgiven if they are expected to be
Forget the big
Inspiring Cities,
with their colourful, international outfit, win on every count.
moved by the seductive message of a new way which the School so effectively marketed. Instead the School was playing for time and it seemed like mostly dull stuff. They
11
Let‘s follow a winning team!
OPEN SPACE QUESTIONS
society, problems related to increased individualisation are occurring at the same time, at different levels. Supporting the community to become more and more
Halfway through the London visit, during an open
engaged with the built and social environment can help
space session, the Inspiring Cities group, enlarged
face some of these problems.
with a number of London-based soul mates, met at the Hub Islington. Facilitated with food and drinks, in a very pleasant space in the Hub, the people posed
4. WHAT VALUES DRIVE GROUPS TO MAKE CHANGE?
their tough questions. Self-interest, passion, recognition of being part of a group, kindred spirits, fun, perseverance, history.
5. HOW DO WE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO BECOME (MOR E) ACTI VE IN PUBLIC LIFE? Common purpose, conversation with strangers, spaces to play. Give hope to people that change is coming. Carrot and sticks.
6. WHAT DO WE DO ON MONDAY ? What about the difference between professional (a presentation Eight questions were addressed.
The photos give an
impression of the dynamics of the talks.
for
colleagues?)
and
citizen
action
(volunteers?). Also let‘s notice the growing number of independently employed who move between work and private, professional and citizen. Discussion gave many
1. HOW DO WE KEEP THE ENERGY GOING?
practical personal leads for action.
How do we help create fertile ground for initiatives in civic
7. ARE WE LIKE HOBBI TS IN THE SHIRE OR ARE WE OVERTAKEN BY BIGGER FORCES ?
economy? Although ―just do it‖ mentality is very difficult we need to step over the first refusals and find common ground, open the dialogue, try to work the roundabout
People are worried that the system has come to an
and not say ‗no‘ but ‗why not.‘
end—the end of capitalism and big government—people don't know what‘s to come. But the system is not
2. WHAT IS THE DUTCH EQUI VALENT TO „COMMUNITY ‟? Communities are groups of people with common
collapsing, it‘s evolving.
8. COULD GENERATION Y BE CR UCIAL FOR CHANGE?
interests who could be interlinked in order to initiate an action or activity - they are indirectly linked to a physical
Every generation thinks they are a changemaker.
space or ground.
Generation Y is unique because they came of age in the technological revolution – before and after mobile
3. IS SOCIETY INDI VIDUALIZING OR BECOMING MORE COMMUNITY -DRI VEN? WHO IS BEING LEFT OUT?
phones, internet and they live in a world of abundance. Although this generation has too many choices, friends, and a cognitive surplus, they might bridge the gap between
Both are happening at the same time. While we can discern an increasing community spirit in all areas of
12
older
and
younger
generations.
- FEATURE STORY -
COULD GENERATION Y BE CRUCIAL FOR CHANGE? Generation Y (born in the eighties) is an in-between
in their lives came simultaneously with new media to
generation. They‟re on the line between X and Z, and
share photos, videos, ideas and birthday wishes. That
Y remembers what the world was like before mobile
had never happened before, but it all felt very natural,
phones, internet, iPads and Macbooks. They‟re no
and Y had the freedom and time to learn how to use all
digital natives. As kids they learned phone numbers
those new tools.
by heart, because that was the only way to „save‟ them. No Google, no Wikipedia. Choices were limited,
Academics call them the most plural youth generation
and therefore easy: salted or paprika chips?
ever. But also: the Peter Pan generation. They don‘t want to grow up. Compared to their parents, they were given an extra decade of playtime. Instead of getting married and buying a house after university, Y hops between careers, relationships and cities before deciding what they really want. Enter: the quarter life crisis. What to choose in a world of abundance? With so much information and options out there, how do you make the right decision? Y can‘t rely on the same certainties as their parents did. Research shows that Y grew up in a world with open borders: a world without bigger structures. Today those mid to late twenty-somethings will be
Generation Y came of age simultaneously with the
tomorrow‘s leaders. They will occupy important positions
technological revolution and expanded globalization. As
in politics, journalism, education, urban planning, science,
young adults, they easily started communicating in new
and so on. Will their digital adulthood be crucial in order
ways. They were the first generation to go to university in
to manage the climate change, economic crisis, political
a super connected high tech society. They used internet
revolutions,
and laptops to write their theses. Low-cost airline
overpopulation?
the
rise
in
the
ageing
population,
companies and couchsurfing.com made it much easier to study abroad and travel the world.
Anno 2011, it feels like the whole world is in between. The big narratives are crumbling. What will happen next?
After graduation they stayed in touch via Facebook, and new apps on their smart phones. Every important phase
CONCLUSIONS OF THE G ROUP DISCUSSION
busy consuming, we seem to have reached a critical point. Disturbing reports about our planet, economies and
#1 Every generation sees itself as a change maker: what
politics keep on hitting the news.
makes Y different?
#3 There are many symptoms that this moment in #2 The social context is different and the society in
history is a crucial one. Writers and academics are using
which we operate is different. After a few decades of
big words like ‗paradigm shift‘. That shift, of course, is not
industrial revolution, developing our welfare system and
exclusively about Gen Y. But since they‘re the next in line
13
to enter important positions, still full of passion and sturmund-drang, it could be inspiring to understand how gen Y
#10 Crisis always brings change, and Y should shape
thinks, what their values are, in order to push that shift
and lead the movement. But it is too soon to come up
optimistically.
with conclusions, we‘re only in the beginning of the change. It will only be in retrospective that we see the big
#4 Grand thinkers like Jeremy Rifkin (American
patterns.
economist), Malcolm Gladwell (Canadian writer) and Clay Shirky (American writer) are writing books about the
#11 However, sharing, creativity, a knowledge- based
mentality shift that needs to happen. Instead of top down
society, a more empathic world: these are the key words
and hierarchical thinking, we see a more creative, bottom
of the 21 century. It‘s the natural habitat of Gen Y; it‘s
up and lateral thinking emerging: co-production, co-
how they grew up. Today, power lies in thinking
creation. It‘s how Gen Y thinks (and how the creative
interdisciplinary, in changing attitudes, combining ideas.
industries think, read Steve Jobs biography for example).
We can only hope that today‘s governments and big
It‘s about collaborative thinking, about building a cognitive
companies have people on board who see that shift
surplus: together we know more.
happening, in order to make transparent, sustainable
st
decisions.
#5 Research shows that Gen Y is less money- driven. Of course making profit is part of a healthy business model, but Y is foremost concerned about a healthy work-life
Four of Elke‟s articles for Knack magazine are
balance. Fun and friends are vital in their jobs and private
available on www.stipo.nl (in Dutch only):
lives.
The Non-conformists of the East End
East London Metro
Sharon Zukin – New York has lost its soul
Never alone again (the end of the me-me-me era)
#6 Y could be exemplary in the way they use technology, in the way they mix and match, copy and paste different sources, ideas, and styles into their lives and beliefs. Y is less left or right and hard to put in one box.
#7 Relating climate change, for example, to the whole idea of sharing - very familiar to Gen Y – should be taken to the next level. Instead of sharing the latest Lady Gaga video, why don‘t we virally spread the YouTube video of Jeremy Rifkin telling us we‘re all asleep (and gives solutions for building a greener society)?
#8 Society is in crisis, but never before has there been a communication revolution as big as the one we see today. When looking back in history, all the important changes in society came together with new ways of communicating and spreading ideas (print, telephones, television). We need to combine today‘s great thinkers and scientists with the communication revolution. We need to visualize and share their solutions.
#9 Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are no longer in their infancy. Social media can generate events like the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street. These social tools are not purely entertainment anymore, they enter a next chapter where they can prove to be powerful and meaningful by spreading information rapidly. 14
- IN DEPTH -
FROM “MAKING A CITY” TO “BEING A CITY” – LONDON AS ONE BIG TRAILBLAZER combinations are required, such as the idea of the civic economy,
which
does
not
act
along
borders
of
professions. Urban development in ―Being a City‖ is a mix of impulses in software (urban use, economy), hardware (the urban environment, infrastructure and nodes) and orgware (coalitions, new institutions, networks).
#3 THE FLUID CITY Before, urban development was a matter of analysing the challenge ahead, making a plan, delivering the plan and taking care of area management. Now, the management is already in place, and it is not possible to make plans More important than the current crisis, we dare to
for 30 years. Long-term strategies are still needed,
say, is the deeper shift from “Making a City” to
however they are toothless if not combined with
“Being
a
City”.
In
countries,
immediate action. Urban development has become a
demography and growth of wealth – the two motors
game of 1 day and 100 years at the same time. In urban
of post war expansion and urban development – are
development,
slowing down.
coincide more and more.
After our cities exploded with decades of growth, and
#4 THE GLOBAL CITY
most
Western
area
management
and
development
their entire financing models and regulations based on growth, we now face a reset that is deeper than the crisis
Global networks are more interwoven than ever, and yet,
– but we can use the crisis as a guide. Combined with
we have not seen the end of it. This trickles down to the
ongoing globalization, this shift causes (at least) five new
neighbourhood
levels of complexity for cities and urban development.
communities who have world wide networks, local
level,
for
instance
with
immigrant
economy being dependent on worldwide networks, social
#1 THE NETWORK CITY
networks extending internationally by digital means, business and pleasure tourism becoming a more
The amount of partners explodes, from a couple of
important factor, financial streams being interconnected.
farmers we need to buy out to 10,000 residents, land
It also leads to bigger geographic differences on a small
owners and investors, each with their own ideas and
scale, depending on the connectivity of the area with the
plans. The planned city cannot deal without the lived city
global systems. Success breeds success, but failure also
anymore (and vice versa). Urban development in ―Being
breeds failure. Urban development has become a matter
a City‖ is a matter of causing movement and dynamics in
of acting on the local, urban and global scale all at once.
complex networks and streams.
#5 THE INDEPENDENT CITY
#2 THE INTERDISCIPLINARY CITY Citizens
have
become
generally
wealthier,
higher
In ―Making a City‖, perhaps spatial development came
educated and better equipped with digital networks and
first, and only then a society and economy would settle.
don‘t necessarily accept a strong government anymore.
In ―Being a City‖ all disciplines are there at once: an
Also, the strong post war needs are not felt by everyone
existing culture, society, and economy. All kinds of new
at the same time anymore for many groups have reached
15
a wealth they would like to protect (while others of course
CREATI VE COMPETITION
have not).
THE RESULTS UNTAMEABLE
A first new principle for getting impulses out of complex systems is variation and selection. As an institution in the planned world, still know what you want – but only take action (and there lies the big difference) once you see something happening in the lived world that is similar, something to connect yourself with. Steering by active
All of these consequences lead to a far more complex
waiting. Or stimulate initiative by organising creative
situation, which cannot be steered by a master plan
competition – not by the planned world leaping into the
anymore (that‘s like telling swarming birds to fly in a
ever present pitfall of trying to think what the innovation
straight line - by hanging a sign up in the air - and then
should be, but try to generate ideas from the lived world
believing it will actually happen). The challenges ahead
by organising the network and awarding the ten best
are ‗untameable‘: they are not linear, not controllable,
examples. Or inflict pain where creativity can be expected
cannot be known, not mechanically organised and are in
most – like the Empty Property Rates. The carrot and the
systems without a goal.
stick.
All these consequences lead to necessary change in the
A second new principle is to organize synchronicity:
planned city. However, it has to reinvent a system deep
development by co-evolution, by creating different
in its system, tradition, culture, finance models, phantasy,
separate subsystems that interact and influence each
rules and regulations; it‘s a paradigm so to say; it is like
other. To know, feel and see where action in the lived
trying to turn a huge oil tanker.
and/or the planned world can be synchronised, so that
“ALREADY DOING NOTHI NG”
they function as mutual catalysts. It is a type of development
based
on
extensive
networks
and
coincidence. New ideas can be found in the world of sciences dealing with complex systems. The conclusion does not have to
A third principle is self-organisation. A seed that may
be ―we will facilitate‖, often meaning ―we are already
have been underground for years but comes to growth by
doing nothing‖, the kind of digital thought where for
a shower. Almost always very surprising and never
instance a local authority believes it is either responsible
planned ahead from behind somebody‘s desk. If there is
or not. Could it be responsible in a different way? Or does
no self-organisation to strengthen, there will be no
civic action need to compensate for the suboptimal
ownership, and investment is pointless. Don‘t over plan:
results of a flawed system?
Social Learning Communities are the new important thing: there's something to learn, always and by everyone.
Businesses,
governments,
civilians,
organisations. Design a project as a learning community for everyone involved and the knowledge will be their for the future. A fourth principle is identity. It is a resource that connects, that roots back in tradition, that may cause representatives from the lived city to ‗permit‘ the planned city to intervene. The identity of communities is defined more by interest than by geography. A fifth principle is start doing. If you want a company on board don't ask them, start doing, show what you are achieving without money and they'll like to be part of it.
16
LONDON‟S UNPLANNED HISTORY
London of course is successful because of its financial power. Most of the UK‘s wealth, or the international
London has been in the situation of ―Being a City‖ for
wealth for that matter, is concentrated in London. Wealth
decades, making it a great city to study. London already
creates this city, best described by poet Samuel Jackson:
had a million residents in 1801. Joost Beunderman:
―When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.‖ Yet
―London has a history of the planned vs unplanned city.
inequality is deeply rooted in the city, causing the riots
The city is marked by creative destruction several times.
earlier this year. As Joost Beunderman asks: ―Will the
After the Great Fire of London in 1666, a plan was made
London model be sustainable in the long term if the city
to transform London into Paris.‖ Of this plan, only St.
does not open up new pathways for the middle class?‖
Paul‘s Cathedral was ever built. The same happened with the plan that Abercrombie made during the War. After the
East London is now in transformation. It is fuelled by the
War, only the new cultural centre on the South Bank was
growth of London and large changes that come with the
ever built. These attempts to reconstruct London from
Olympics and the East London Tech City. East London
behind the desks of the planned city never worked.
hovers between large scale ambitions and small scale initiatives, creating an excellent case study for an urban
Another reason to study London is that it seems one of
anthropology exchange.
the two places only dynamic places in Europe. Together with Istanbul, fuelled by an influx from within Turkey, London appears to be a piece of the world in England. Joost: ―The cost of the reset is high again, also in London, but it also creates new energy. The question is how the city will rise from the ashes this time. One of the keys is its cultural diversity, shown by the Map of Surnames, and accepted by 80% of the population as the reason for its success‖.
SOMALIS PREFER LONDON OVER HOLLAND Why do Somalis choose London over The Netherlands after having lived there for years? In London, they have places to go. They can live where they want. They have
CHANGEMAKERS
full access to education. And it is possible to start a business easily. Although they loved living in The
What now will the Big Society do? According to Joost,
Netherlands and the way the country took care of them,
mainly the idea of social finance makes it interesting.
these talented people chose London for lack of these four
Already the previous administration of Tony Blair paved
reasons.
the way for this idea of the social enterprise. Is it new? Could the Compendium for the Civic Economy have been written in the 60s or the 80s just as well? Of course, there have always been similar examples. The difference however lies in three factors: hybrid funding, the role of the private sector, and technology – enabling new networks. In many cases, local authorities played an important role with small changes, ―acupuncture‖. The HUB, by the way, has moved on from the term ‗social enterprise‘, being associated with the social side too much – they now speak of Changemakers. The HUB itself is ―a place-based community of changemakers‖.
17
PLACESHAKERS
decoration to the other partners; the tables were laser cut and produced on the spot in a way that a local authority
John Worthington confirms that the combined perspective
could never have done.
of the planned city and the lived city is needed. Citymakers, such as architects and planners have lost
A model based on trust in the local authority is a key
sight of the city as an open space. There is a lot of red
element in the civic economy. Can you see government
line thinking - -thinking within the borders of a building or
as an iPhone? It is a platform for apps, opening up data –
a project. There is no organic, diverse approach.
can government be a similar platform for governance?
John looks at what he likes to call placeshakers. They do not choose the one or the other, but are both secure and accessible, both communal and private, both about physical and social innovation. Design, in this thinking, is the elegant, meaningful allocation of resources. However, there is a deeply adversarial system: planners don‘t trust developers, developers don‘t trust planners, etc. A new balance of long term values and short-term gain is needed. John signals three changes necessary: 1.
from participatory design to co-creation
2.
growing understanding what parallel means
3.
continuity of doing – learning – feedback –
CONNECTORS BETWEEN THE PLANNED AND THE UNPLANNED WORLD
improving.
CURRENT INVESTMENT MODELS FAIL
Speaking further with John Worthington on why he can act as one of the connectors between the planned and the unplanned world, we find why many cannot: they hide
Why is the HUB in Westminster work? The current
behind the system, avoid risk, fear, only regulate or have
investment models don‘t work and traditional funding
a lack of trust in others.
streams stifle innovation. At the same time, a growing number of initiatives need funding and there is growing
On the connector‘s side, we need to find loopholes, run
investment money interested in innovation – yet, these
fast (always faster than the formal system), create
two do not find each other.
showcase examples for new behaviour, social learning, the attitude that there are no boring projects, the basic
A massive gap exists between venture initiatives and the
idea ―what can we learn from the community?‖ We think:
finance world. This can mean two things: either the
common sense and optimism. Communities should not
ventures are not investment-ready and need help on their
be considered as geographic communities, but rather as
proposals, or conversations with the finance world do not
communities of interest.
lead to enough investment. It is an unnecessary mismatch that prevents the civic economy from growing
Much of what is needed cannot (easily) be done by
to scale.
government: strict procurement regulations, legislative
PLATFORM
requirements,
financial
structures
or
administrative
burdens hinder success. That's why the HUB is a success,
and
many
fancy
incredibly
expensive
Government for instance is really stuck trying to get the
government incubator initiatives are not. Westminster
best price. The need to sell the land for the highest price
Council gets enormous value for their investment funds
stifles innovation. The HUB Westminster is an example of
by investing in the HUB. New connections can be made
how it can be done differently. The Westminster City Council is co-owner of the HUB. They leave the interior 18
by combining high-level decision makers with a number
think. The Global City is in the case of London the driver
of youngsters to get a fresh approach.
for success.
IN CONCLUSION We can find all of the dominant new consequences of the shift from ―Making a City‖ to ―Being a City‖ in London. The Network City is clearly present in all of the examples. Connectors between the planned and the unplanned world are capable of creating trust in both worlds. Meanwhile Space can deal with the country‘s largest property developers and at the same time enjoy credibility among 1100 artists and small scale social entrepreneurs. The government‘s empty property tax helped Meanwhile Space flourish – every country
Local authorities, housing associations, and other
deserves such a tax. It is embedded in the system
institutions from the planned city side cannot fall
through the vacancy act, whereby empty property
back on their masterplan anymore. They need to
actually financially hurts and changemakers are a logical
provide new platforms and provide new frameworks
third party.
within which others find the space to make initiative themselves. Instead of focusing on converting the
The Interdisciplinary City shows itself in new hybrid
planned city, can we not better strengthen the lived
formulas and finance models. The Fluid City is present in
city?
the sense that changemakers all act as much as they
OBITUARIES With great sadness we had to say goodbye to Hackney
After a long and painful struggle against obesity, we are
and its artistic and inspiring inhabitants. The IOC wishes
relieved to announce the death of Mr. Subsidy. The
to express its gratitude to the Hackney community to step
funeral will take place in front of the House of Parliament
aside and make room for the Olympic family.
with a big bonfire on November 5th.
J. Rogge, president of the IOC
19
The civic entrepreneurs
{photoboard} what are the
POLITICS of
SPACE
??????
who are the
PLACE SHAPERS
????????
LUC‟S LOOK
20
CIVIC ECONOMY: 25 53 DUTCH TRAILBLAZERS
Dutch
Joost Beunderman of Research 00:/, one of the
Small investment, temporarily saving a vacant
authors of The Compendium for the Civic Economy,
building from demolishing, temporary use / creative
challenged us: is it possible to find 25 Dutch
economy
trailblazing counterparts to the UK examples?
Small investment, high social benefit. Financial profit is not the biggest aim.
1. JINC (AMSTERDAM, UTRECHT)
ROTTERDAM,
1 agenda, 1 shared idea within the city
Job orientation / prevention of dropping out of school
3. KAAP BELVÉDÈRE (LINDA MALHERBE)
early / choose the right direction in your studies by flash
Local area initiative in Katendrecht: oral history of
internships / job interview training on the job. Enabled
residents of one district to find new sense of community.
largely (in terms of finances and organisation) by
Southerners, Northerners (within Rotterdam)
commercial enterprises. JINC is a non-profit organisation
100 years of Chinese in The Netherlands
and is the intermediate between school (pupils) and
People‘s kitchen
companies. They set up new networks.
Study programme for young people to learn new
4. DE MEENT
skills.
A shopping street brought back to life by one private
Demand oriented / connection of demand and supply
property owner, buying property in several places in the
/ make use of the private market / participate, not
street and working from the vision that he wants a great
consume
street, Rotterdam family businesses rather than big chains, not going for the highest payer in each property in
2. SCHIEBLOCK ROTTERDAM
order to create a Great Street.
Placemaking, cool rough working space instead of a Demolition => temporary use => investment. Healthy
5. CITY INITIATI VE ROTTERDAM (STADSINITIATIEF ROTTERDAM)
office building, good programme on street level.
The City of Rotterdam invites its citizens to come up with
Large diversity
ideas that will add a new icon. The initiatives must be
Location! Ideal combination of the right people and
non-profit, 51% co-financed, connect Rotterdammers and
the right functions. Self-organised.
open to the public.
vacant 60s office building, a real life incubator
21
Built on resistance, entrepreneurs only.
6. BICYCLE PARKING BUUR T NOORD (FIETSENSTALLING BUURT NOORD)
stage in the shape of a gigantic media screen. The living
Family with children in urban areas: place to store;
Programming the square: Combined with the joined
solution to ugly boxes in public space; 50 families can
forces of cultural institutions, companies and residents to
now use a sousterrain in the neighbourhood.
programme (or facilitate programming) the square
Working together, less bicycles on the pavement,
together, this cultural area becomes a places owned by
bicycles as safer means of transport; own responsibility
the city.
room of the innercity (A third place)
for managing the place and managing the finances.
10. AUGUSTUS , DORDRECHT 7. SWAP PARTIES
A hotel, restaurant, and garden. The garden is over one
Service enterprise for swapping, so that shoes and
hectare and the hotel overlooks the garden on one side
clothes can be used at a larger scale and in a more
and the river Maas on the other. The garden grows all
honest way. Just started.
types of fruits and vegetables – the landscape is very tidy and supplies over half of all the restaurant‘s produce
8. RESTRUCTURING ZWAANSHALS & ROTTEKADE
needs. Plus all the fresh cut flowers on the tables are
Two housing corporations, cultural, social en economical
pesticides.
local entrepreneurs joined forces to improve a run-down
The close connection between the garden and restaurant
area next to the River Rotte. Focusing on what already
has many benefits including:
made the area strong- cultural activities, a growing
straight from the garden where are used as natural
generations, a strategy was developed. Professionals from the housing corporations, and the government
REDUCED carbon footprint by decreasing food miles – the distance between the food grower, distributor,
Moroccan ethnic community, locals who lived there for
and client
INCREASED nutrients; the close proximity to the
played a leading role developing this strategy. But they
food means its harvested when its ripe, unlike
made the strategy in close coalition with the ―lived city‖. If
conventional farming
only, because the strongest business ideas came from
INCREASED connection between humans and food;
individuals and enterprises.
employees, hotel guests, customers, and passersby
Dramatic decisions were made. Houses were turned into
can see the garden and then eat the food from that
shops, a former garbage cars garage was rented for little
garden – a rarity in today‘s world.
money to a cultural developer, a wooden footpath was
Curious questions:
made in the river. And even though the process went
1.
Who takes care of the garden on a regular basis?
slowly, empty shops were not given to just any party, but
2.
How is the garden funded? What partnerships are
to parties who fitted the strategy. If not enough paying
involved?
parties were there, the shop was rented for very little
3.
How does the community play a role?
money to cultural or other entrepreneurs who fitted the
4.
Is the garden linked to any public services or
vision. Nowadays the area is not perfect, but even the conservative something
newspaper special
was
Telegraaf happening
noticed
that
there,
and
programs, like a school or elderly facility?
11. DE VECHTCLUB UTRECHT (FIGHT CLUB)
recommended it in 2 articles as the place to go to. Long
A big derelict building bought by a group of recycling
term strategy, grabbing the momentum, and close
artists for sound engineers. The Fight Club is housed in a
corporation between very different parties, made the
former warehouse in Utrecht. It was established in 2006
difference.‘
as the result of the dream to create a centre for the creative business sector.
9. THE FOYER OF THE ROTTERDAMSE SCHOUWBURG AND THE PROGRAMMING OF THE SCHOUWBURGPLEIN ROTTERDAM The foyer: A combination of
a ―traditional‖ foyter for
The Fight Club now houses offices for various creative entrepreneurs, a music studio, an auditorium, several design studios and a wood and metal workshop. The rooms are built by the Design Bureau Stortplaats van
visitors of the theatre, a free wi-fi place to work, a place to
Dromen, often with recycled materials from the region.
meet people (also without odering a coffee), a restaurant,
The Fight Club is the result of the initiative of a few
a place to programme your own events, and an extra
people with minimal financial support from funds and the
22
municipality. This makes the Fight Club independent and
groups of different residents and local artists. Floor
different. Through the rent revenues we generate income
Ziegler.
that we devote to own programming and small-scale productions.
18. BROEDSTRATEN AMSTERDAM NOORD
The hall and foyer / rehearsal rooms are designed for
Theme streets in vacant shops and business units owned
theater
short
by housing associations. There is a music street in which
presentations, lectures, debates, workshops, but also
(play
/
rehearsal
/editing),
dance,
music teachers and pupils from the music academy of
lend themselves to less art-related matters such as
Amsterdam teach people in the neighbourhood. There is
meetings from the creative business sector and leasing to
a fashion street, a colour street, a market street, etc.
commercial parties.
Floor Ziegler.
12. BUURTBEHEERBEDRIJF (AREA MANAGEMENT CORPORATION)
19. SEATS2MEET A hub started in Utrecht and now expanding as a
Creating jobs for people in the neighbourhood out of the
franchise throughout The Netherlands. People can come
management
in for free, use wireless for free, even have coffee and
(schoon-heel)
in
the
neighbourhood.
Information: Ramon
lunch for free. The business model is based on the traffic that this creates and the need that rises from that to have
13. KARREWIEL COMMUNI TY INDISCHE BUURT AMSTERDAM
meetings and events. For these, Seats2Meet provides 8
The community programs the space / theatre in the
Seats2Meet uses vacant office buildings in the vicinity of
neighbourhood. Information: Ramon. Also in this area:
train stations and is a hub for co-workers.
different conference rooms that people have to pay for.
the Makasserplein community.
20. CEC AMSTERDAM ZUIDOOS T 14. ZWISSCHENNĂœTZUNGARGENTUR BERLIN
A cultural centre in a deprived (but regenerated) area of
The godmother of the school of temporary use. A social
Amsterdam, giving space to social and cultural activities
enterprise set up by two architects to stimulate people
of the many different cultures in Zuidoost. By using a mix
from the neighbourhood to start their own business and
of social and commercial rents, the CEC is capable of
at the same time open up unused or underused business
doing what it does. There is a strong focus on social
spaces.
climbing and education. (Director is Handan Ayden)
15. COALITION FOR THE OLY MPIC AREA, AMSTERDAM
21. DE KAMERS AMERSFOOR T
A placemaking coalition to revive the 1928 Olympic
many social and cultural programmes take place.
Stadium in Amsterdam and its surroundings. Stipo
Organised more or less in spite of the local authority, that
brought the area partners together for the City of
had created their own social building so poorly managed
Amsterdam (District South): the Stadium, Rietveld
that it is standing empty, but recognized self-organised
Academy, BouwInvest, Zuidas NV, Ymere and several
De Kamers in the end.
Started by a group or citizens in need of a space. Now
others through a creative process.
22. XPOSITR ON AMSTERDAM 16. BEEHI VES AMSTERDAM
An art factory in a derelict industrial building in a business
A business incubator in a deprived area in Amsterdam
zone more to the edge of Amsterdam, creating new life in
West,
the
the building. Sustainability is an important theme, not only
neighbourhood around it when businesses grow out of
with
connection
business
spaces
in
designers using sustainable materials or making new
the incubator.
designs out of reused blankets and clothes, but also covering the roof with solar panels. In 2011, the building
17. NOORDERPARKKAMER A MSTERDAM Amsterdam Noord is changing, a new influx from the city settling in a local community that has been there for decades. The Noorderparkkamer is a meeting place in a park being restructured, creating a platform for these 23
actually delivered more electricity to the net than it used.
23. EDIBLE PARKS IN THE HAGUE (STROOM / DEBORA SOLOMON)
27. CENTRAAL WONEN
A series of pocket neighbourhood parks organised by a
are built on the initiative of residents. There is a great
local artist involving the people from the neighbourhood,
diversity among the projects, so does the number of
not only creating but also managing the pocket parks.
dwellings vary from 3 to about 160. They mostly exist of
And all the plants, shrubberies and trees in the parks are
clusters of 5 to 8 homes around some common facilities
edible, and are free to use by the visitors for their cooking
including a communal lounge / kitchen, laundry room and
etc. The parks are meant to stimulate awareness of food
storage spaces. The residents of a clusters choose for
miles (there are many examples in the rest of the world).
eachother. The projects have formed a national platform.
Since 1977 a large number of cohousing communities
See: www.lvcw.nl.
24. UPROSE BROO KLYN NEW YORK (ELIZABETH YIEMPIERRE)
28. VIERWINDENHUIS, AMSTERDAM
An impressive youth worker in Brooklyn saw an electricity
After enormous struggles with authorities and developers,
plant being planned on the shores of a deprived
a small group of people, inspired by the ideas of Dutch
neighbourhood, which already received all the industrial
philosopher Fons Elders and Italian architect Piero
and environmentally unfriendly functions for the richer
Frassinelli, succeeded in 1990 in building in Amsterdam
Manhattan. While the riverside was one of the few places
the ‗Vierwindenhuis‘. A project of 89 appartments that
for young people to meet. There were also major
plays with the tension between the need for privacy and
concerns about pollution and public health. UPROSE
the desire to form a community. The design is based on
organised a successful campaign organised by the
elements of the cosmos (four winds, the pole star etc).
youngsters themselves. The plant was never realised in
The residents share facilties and organise all sorts of
the end. It is one of the many examples of the work that
cultural activities. See www.vierwindenhuis.nl.
UPROSE does, empowering local people.
29. EVA LAN XMEER, CULEMBORG 25. MINIMALL ROTTERDAM (SIMONE ROTS)
Near Culemborg, a small historical town in the midst of
Empty railway viaduct right through an urban area.
the Netherlands a group of ecological inspired citizens
Economic space under the railway, empty roof where the
are building a new neighbourhood. Since end of the
trains used to go, from noise to silence.
nineties a diversity of buildings is realized – houses with
New life in a business space underneath the old rail
studios, appartments, offices, a school, farm and water
tracks sparks a wider development, new initiatives,
purification plant. Even more is under construction. See
new target groups.
www.eva-lanxmeer.nl.
Hofbogen BV. 4 housing corporations were involved
places. Small places, flexible spaces. A step by step
30. DE GROENTENBO X 31. WILLEM EN DREES 32. ODIN
approach
Local food and an organic lifestyle is a trend. Several
Change your view, change your city, adventure
entrepreneurs develop concepts around local food, like
in developing those
Emotion: everybody feels love for these strange
Marqt (a responsible supermarket), Willem & Drees (food
26. FAST (FREE ARCHI TECTURE SURF TERMINAL)
from local famers, with 40 k reach, in your supermarket)
Scheveningen attracts surfers from the Netherlands and
products
beyond. To offer these people a place where they can
Evertzsenstraat a group of shopkeepers strive to be the
change, shower and meet each other a ―surf village‖
most organic shopping street in Amsterdam. Knowing the
consisting of a few sea containers was developed. After a
area that is a special mission. A number of women took
few years this place has grown into an area for the surf-
the initiative by starting to organise outdoor terraces, and
community (and more) with some places to sleep, places
filling empty stores with organic temporary shops. From
to eat, party a shop, artisan shops and artists.
there they inspired the existing shop owners to develop
and the Landmarkt in A'dam Noord (local farmers next
to
regular
goods).
In
the
Jan
the concept further. A beautiful chance for a difficult street.
24
33. LANDJE VAN DE BOER Little Farmers' Land is a community garden, a grand
34. FC TWENTE IN VES TING I N NEIGHBOURHOOD
allotment to be jointly enjoyed and worked on. It's a
Football club FC Twente (the 2009/2010 Dutch premiere
beautiful green oasis for everyone, young and old,
league champion) is much more than a football club.
gardener or not. To seed, weed, harvest, built, taste and
They use the status of their players to empower young
discover what the land has to offer us. The open structure
people from all the neighbourhoods in Enschede and set
invites everyone to join in for an hour, to come weekly or
up community work as a structural part of their business
perhaps to only enjoy the workshops or harvest dinners.
philosophy.
Learning is by doing, and it's also a joint experience. For whatever expertise is necessary, an expert is called in,
35. HET ZONNEHUIS, WORMERVEER NOORD
who share his knowledge in a workshop open for
A local resident in a flat block had enough of seeing
everyone. School classes are regular guests. So are the
children go to school without breakfast, not being
seniors from the adjacent elderly home, who can visit the
stimulated in literacy and not receiving a lot of social skills
land through their own bridge. They share their
that she set up the Sun House (Zonnehuis) from her own
knowledge, exercise while weeding or enjoy the view and
house, providing a safe place for children to meet after
smell from a tree bench.
school. Through the children, after a while, the parents
Little Farmer's Land was established through the drive
were also reached. With the initiative growing, the
and passion of a few allotment farmers, who saw their
housing association provided the resident with an empty
chance when the adjacent lot came available. It's their
house in the block.
mission to infect us all with the good the land has to offer and renew our contact with nature, honest sustainable farming and healthy eating right from the land. How big should the impact have to be of this type of small-scale love & passion-initiatives? There are 30 founding investors (companies, individuals) which each invested 1000 euros, a bigger number of friends each contributing 50 euros yearly, and many in kind sponsors. The workshops always have many participants and dinners are fully booked. School classes visit, and all this is growing. Success Factors:
quality of the 'trekkers.' A small group of people with solid networks, lots of social capital present, higher education, bringing their own expertise.
organic development. From the master vision (which was a very concrete drawing / garden design) the land was developed step by step, from little bit of money to the next little bit. Every year another grand project, like the rebuilt of a shed according to old traditions.
no staff, everyone is a volunteer. People involved find it important and equally enjoy it.
open structure. They succeed in drawing people in.
easy to participate. You can come for an hour to weed, show up every week or only come for the harvest dinners. Everything is appreciated, you always feel welcome. And yet a large group does
36. VAN HARTE RESTO‟S
both, help and enjoy (or perhaps they enjoy the
A
helping.
‗new
social
welfare‘
(‗nieuw
welzijn‘)
initiative
throughout The Netherlands organising restaurants in deprived neighbourhoods, building and connecting local
25
initiatives. The restaurants provide meals for people from
Sponsor and guest teacher network – Each year, one
the neighbourhood for a low rate and create a meeting
weekend school welcomes over 200 guest teachers
place.
(times nine schools). Sponsors and guest teachers infrequently exchange experiences and play a vital role in
37. HET BLAUWE HUIS I JBURG AMSTERDAM (JEANNE VAN HEESWIJK)
the continuation of the schools.
An artist providing a place to meet in a newly built urban
School alumni are 23 years of age. They return to the
district, inspired by the Frida Kahlo blue house.
weekend schools to teach the younger generations, and
Alumni network – Currently, the oldest IMC Weekend
there is a board of alumni advisors. The alumni network
38. IMC WEEKENDSCHOOL
will increase significantly over the coming years and will
IMC is a school for supplementary education for children
become
aged
practices.
ten
to
fourteen
from
underprivileged
more
important
for
the
weekend
school
neighbourhoods. The first weekend school opened in 1998 in Southeast Amsterdam. Presently, there are nine
39. SHARING WEBSITES: SPUL LENDELEN.NL
branches, all funded by companies and foundations.
A website for sharing underused stuff.
Motivated children are introduced to sciences, arts and cultural studies. Volunteer experts serve as guest
40. SHARING WEBSITES: WEGO.NU
teachers while working together with the students.
A car sharing network.
The curriculum comprises disciplines such as medicine, law, computer studies, philosophy, poetry, mathematics,
41. SHARING WEBSITES: BUUV.NU
astrology and visual arts. In three years the students
A market-place for helping each other out in the
attend approximately fifteen disciplines each comprising
neighbourhood. A Haarlem initiative.
four Sundays on average. In addition, there are courses such as presentation, research information and debate,
42. ZORG VOOR ELKAAR
and the participants are encouraged to organize guest
Sharing information on care.
lectures themselves on topics of their own interest. Objectives are to help children from under resourced
43. FIBERFORUS
neighbourhoods to improve their perspectives, to acquire
A cooperative for sharing glass fibre networks.
self-confidence and a sense of connectedness to Dutch society.
44. QURRENT
Founders – IMC Weekend School was designed by
A neighbourhood energy provider.
psychologist Heleen Terwijn and founded in collaboration with IMC (International Market makers Combination).
45. WIJWILLENZON.NL
Funding – Companies and foundations finance all nine
Joint-buying of solar panels, creating a better price.
Weekend Schools, the research group and alumni activities. There is no governmental money involved.
46. JOHAN CRUYFF COURTS
Main sponsors are IMC (market maker), Essent (energy
A modern form of having a football ground in the
provider), the Rabobank, IBM the Netherlands, the Dutch
neighbourhood. Initiated by the Dutch football icon.
Postcode Lottery and numerous other companies and foundations.
47. THUISOPSTRAAT.NL
Research – IMC Weekend School has a research unit
A self-organisation for liveability and social climate in the
where target groups, methods and working factors are
streets of Rotterdam, Bergen op Zoom, Schiedam,
studied.
Breda, Leiden and Amsterdam.
One
of
the
researches
is
a
three-year
longitudinal study into the effects on the participants. Follow-up
–
After
three
years,
weekend
school
participants receive the highly valued weekend school
48. VALIDEXPR ESS.NL Social sustainability.
certificate. This diploma is the entrance ticket to the follow-up trajectory for alumni aged 14-18. Part of the
49. BROUWERIJ DE P RAEL AMSTERDAM
follow-up trajectory is help by establishing hard to find
A social local beer brewery, employing handicapped
apprenticeships.
people.
26
activities for which there is little opportunity in the regular
50. STAGEHUIS DEN HAAG
circuit. The initiative runs already for 4 years and has
Willem Giezeman and Nol Breebaart retired from their
proven to be successful.
jobs and became active in the Schilderswijk in Den Haag,
www.annavastgoedencultuur.nl
helping out with hands on by employing interns from
53. ART ZUID AMSTERDAM
different schools.
An open space art exhibition, making use of the open
51. PAL WES T
space of the beautiful lanes of the Berlage plan in
A fashion label for and by children of Nieuw-West in
Amsterdam, and connecting it to the new Zuidas,
Amsterdam, set up by Young Designers + Industry. A
Amsterdam‘s international office zone. The biennale is
similar approach was repeated in Pal Maas in Rotterdam.
completely setup by civilians, Cintha van Heeswijck in particular, showing that with a lot of perseverance a lot
52. ANNA VASTGOED EN CULTUUR
can be reached. Art Zuid is organized mainly through
The initiative aims to contribute to the cultural climate and
business partnerships, using no or hardly any subsidies
society in The Hague by organizing temporary use for
from governments; however creating a great exhibition
vacant buildings. Very much the dutch version of
available to all Amsterdammers and visitors from
'Meanwhile space'. Anna Vastgoed en Cultuur grants
elsewhere for free. Now already after the second edition,
services to the landlords like temorary use, security,
Art Zuid has managed to become an institution.
signaling maintenance deficits. In exchange they can give the space in free loan to third parties organizing cultural
- UPCOMING -
CITIES UN/PLANNED - NEXT ISSUE All the articles we wanted to write, if only we would have had the time.
SCIENCE 1.
Partners, roles, concepts, and decision-making in civic economy
2.
The most successful government role in enhancing civic economy
3.
Using what is there in the long run and the short run
4.
Creating links between different sides, parts, uses
5.
Temporary use as a strategy to avoid out-dated and inflexible government policy
6.
From gated industrial areas to activated public spaces: what is the road map?
10. Market-shaping: a first take on new appreciative criteria for the civic economy 11. The Civic economy £ invades the city of London
BUSINESS 7.
What is the line between civic economy and failure of our financial system(s)?
8.
Entrepreneurship as a key driver for cultural and social development; a new paradigm for city development
9.
27
It's the economy and persons stupid!
12. How to change civic initiatives into civic economy and how to connect them with the ―have not (yet‘s)‖? 13. Temporary look as a marketing strategy to attract the hipsters 14. High social capital can be combined effectively with low, well-targeted financial and material resources
15. Areas of low social capital require high financial and
31. Gentrification the wrong way! The Olympics bring on
material resources. Low amounts of money that are
great new urban plots but is this good for the
well spent can make a huge difference.
community?
2
16. E=MC effect = financial and material resources, social capital
32. Civic economy: challenge to the system or toy for a disillusioned middle class 33. Do we have enough artists for regenerating all
LOCAL 17. Although still very hip, the Brick Lake district is becoming less authentic 18. Civic economy spreads like an oil spot; an foundation for urban regeneration 19. Londoners reinventing their city by realizing their own ideas: The stories of the Arcola Theatre, the Hub, and the container city 20. What about the people? The project of selling ‗public houses‘ in Shoreditch leads to a new kind of
deprived neighbourhoods? 34. It‘s amazing to see how mutual energy leads to asset-based approach and to actual projects! 35. In order to develop forgotten areas, do we need major events so as the Olympics, or should we do it without 36. Civic economy: Constructing parts of an unknown whole 37. Open Hardware: the unfinished as necessary element for community ownership
community, but where do the older people go? 21. The example of the Arcola theatre: How to create a sustainable way for thinking into activity and operating on everyday life. Not just as an energy producer, but as a regular part of doing business 22. Lee Valley walk: 30 years of walking ahead 23. ―Lee Valley Adventure Trial‖: How to change a nonexisting place into a place for Londoners 24. Meanwhile Space: how two young and enthusiastic women and one man, try to make a living out of vacant commercial space 25. Hubs of Activity: the Inspiring Cities network discover ―the lived city― action in London 26. Organic life urbanism leads to a green world, you can explore it in East London
RELIGION 38. Parish or Perish: the transforming power of religious communities is underestimated
INTERNATI ONAL AFFAIRS 27. London export product: Rotterdam starts with vacant buildings tax 28. The civic economy: the story of the Kaap Belverdere in Rotterdam. A Dutch trailblazer 29. Linear structures; London, Dublin and Amsterdam examples
LEISURE 39. AD: crazy for you the musical - outrageously funny and glorious music 40. Amazing walks walking around East London help to see opportunities from urban planning in a small scale. 41. ―What East London needs: more coffee‖ : Inspiring
OPINION
Cities walk for hours to find the last cup of coffee in
30. Judgement on what the city should be: trying to
east London – EMBX as it turns out.
understand what the city actually is
28
- EPILOGUE BY JOHN WORTHINGTON, F OUNDER DEGW / ACADEMY OF URBANISM -
LEARNING COLLABORATIVELY In the new austerity we are recognising the need to
Valley
all become “barefoot practitioners”. Inspiring Cities
landscape of a place as lived, the service yards of the
(web link) a Dutch based community of practice, is
metropolis for over 50 years, and finally the LTGDC Fat
inspirational in the way it has organically brought
Walk proposals, being incrementally pieced together by
together a community of different interests around
Tom to create a framework of strategic capital projects
the simple proposition of visiting cities across
that start to connect North South and East to West.
regional
park,
to
the
shattered
backlands
Europe to compare the city as “planned” with the city as “lived”.
What I enjoyed about the group was its diversity of interests, enthusiasm to explore behind the façade and the way it attracted others from London and the case studies they visited to join for visits and discussions. At the Academy of Urbanism, in the spirit of being a community
of
practice
(Etienne
Wenger)
where
Academicians play an active role to develop their specific interests, self organising groups are forming. What experience have others had of successful groups that have grown organically, are flat in organisation and have a sustainable business model? Or are we doomed as inspirational ideas mature that they should become procedural, followers and boring? What makes Inspiring Cities special is that it is open, inquisitive and self organising. It has the minimum of administration and overhead, and trusts the motivation of its participants to wish to share and be self motivated and organised. In their recent visit to London I was introduced to the group at their first session at the Hub Westminster at a lively discussion on collaborative Urbanism and the Civic Economy. The next day with a smaller group we walked the lower Lea Valley from the Olympic Park to the Thames, led by Tom Holbrook, 5
th
Studio and the
Academy of Urbanism. Walking and talking we explored, discussed
and
learnt
by
sharing
our
different
perspectives. We were exposed to a city as planned, with Abercrombie‘s grand London vision of 1945, with the Lea
29
(Written for the Academy of Urbanism LinkedIn Group)
OUR PARTICIPANTS We would like to thank everyone who participated in
45. Sander Laudy, B01 Architectes Barcelona
the exchange and made it possible:
46. Stef Fleischeuer, Plan F, urban development 47. Tom Maas, Ministry Infrastructure & Environment
1.
John Worthington, Academy of Urbanism, DEGW
2.
Joost Beunderman, Research 00:/
3.
Indy Johar, Research 00:/
4.
Tim Ahrensbach, Hub Westminster
The organi sing team
5.
Philippa Boardman, St Paul Old Ford
49. Line Algoed, Inspiring Cities London,
6.
Andrew Stuck, Rethinking Cities
7.
Tom Holbrook, 5th Studio
8.
Elke Lahousse, Weekend Knack
9.
Julia D Day Martin, Transportation Alternatives
10. Stephanie Mills, Cite Design Limited 11. Angela Koch, ImaginePlaces 12. Samar Hechaime, Factors Ltd 13. Matt Leach, HACT 14. Perry Walker, New Economics Foundation
48. Yung Lie, Instituut Maatschappelijke Innovatie
algoedline@gmail.com 50. Meredith Glaser, Stipo, Inspiring Cities, meredith.glaser@stipo.nl 51. Minouche Besters, Wonderful World, Inspiring Cities, minouche@wonderful-world.nl 52. Jeroen Laven, Stipo, Inspiring Cities, jeroen.laven@stipo.nl 53. Hans Karssenberg, Stipo, Inspiring Cities, hans.karssenberg@stipo.nl
15. Ben Todd, Arcola Theatre 16. Emily Berwin, Meanwhile Space 17. Eddie Bridgeman, Meanwhile Space 18. Polly Akhurst, Talk to Me London 19. Will Bourdillon, Arcola Theatre 20. Pablo Sendra Fernández, Lugadero SC 21. Ulrik Westen-Jensen, Hub Westminster 22. Adam Hart, Hackney Co-operative Developments 23. Stephen Gallagher, Academy of Urbanism 24. Joe Stillion, Electric Matchbox 25. Anna Levy, Hub Islington 26. Jessica Courtney Bennett, Meanwhile Space 27. Caroline Brimmer, School of Life
STAY TUNED!
28. Alena Ulasava, Bureau Bos 29. Alexandra de Jong, Technical University Delft
INSPIRING CITIES
30. Bernadette Janssen, BVR
> www.inspiringcities.org
31. David O‘Connor, Dublin Institute of Technology
> ‗Like‘ us on Facebook to follow our future activities:
32. Gerben Helleman, Haag Wonen housing association
www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Inspiring-
33. Gijs Broos, City of Rotterdam, Inspiring Cities
Cities/132483700150245
34. Bert Determann, Rotterdamse Schouwburg theatre
> Become a member of our LinkedIn group:
35. Karin van den Berg, M-touch project management
www.linkedin.com/groups/Inspiring-Cities
36. Lucas Boot, City of Rotterdam 37. Marcel Wijermans, City of the Hague
STIPO
38. Maurice Specht, Specht in de stad
> www.stipo.info (English pages), you can find the full
39. Merle Pijlman, City of Zaanstad
London programme here, as well as the report on the
40. Michiel van Kruiningen, City of Rotterdam
previous Dublin exchange in March 2011
41. Paola Faoro, Designer
> www.stipo.nl (Dutch pages)
42. Paul Gerretsen, Vereniging Deltametropool 43. Petra de Hoog, Real estate office
WONDERFUL WORLD
44. Ramon Schleijpen, Nieuwe Maan
> www.wonderful-world.nl/english.html
30