The aim of the conference was to present a broad, international spectrum of projects and case studies, in which the creative process has been the driving force behind long-term urban development. Both new and completed, small and large-scale projects were compared. In this way, the results of many years' experience can be gathered and shared. Apart from the sharing of knowledge, the main objective was to bring together the various networks and fields of study that are involved in urban renewal.

One of the speakers was Richard Florida, the author of 'The Rise of the Creative Class'. He stressed that it was not knowledge, but creativity that provided the engine of the economy in the 21st century. Companies establish themselves wherever there are creative people. With the Urban II programme, Amsterdam specifically wants to stimulate small-scale, creative developments in the West binnen de Ring district.

Via workshops and discussions, the preconditions and guidelines, do’s and don’ts, ideas and knowledge of creative projects were brought into focus. The presentations of projects from cities such as Barcelona, New York, Calcutta and Lagos emphasised the individual approach of each city. The unifying thread running through all these different geographical areas is the longing to nurture and stimulate creativity.

The spearheads within the Amsterdam programme document are:

The conference in the Westerpark district was a good opportunity to give the image of this part of the city a positive and international impetus. During the conference it became clear that the exchange of knowledge and information is the key to the future.

The conference was visited by around 450 people, ranging from social geographers to policy staff in art and culture, urban development and landscape architects. The conference was supported by a website that was also used afterwards to disseminate the knowledge and insight that had been gained about creative urban design, share experiences and maintain and build up networks

URBAN II is an initiative of the European Commission. The aim is to support innovative projects in the field of urban regeneration in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The URBAN II projects will set an example for national urban policy. In the Netherlands, areas in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Heerlen have been allocated for the period 2000-2006. In Amsterdam the URBAN II programme is being carried out in eight neighbourhoods from four city districts (West binnen de Ring), with a total of 63,000 inhabitants.

The local programme management, tel. +31 20 5812860

15/05/2003

case

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Specific sectors