EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Exhibition parasite, Leidsche Rijn Centre

Exhibition parasite, Leidsche Rijn Centre - Utrecht, the Netherlands

Introduction

The Parasite programme has been running in Leidsche Rijn since 2003 in the framework of ‘Beyond’, the long-term Leidsche Rijn art project. ‘Parasite’ stands for flexible, light architecture, constructed in locations where permanent buildings are not yet permitted. Parasites have an innovative character due to their shape and are light enough to be easily moved.

Description

Leidsche Rijn is the large new extension of the city of Utrecht. Aim of the project is to attract entrepreneurs from the cultural sector and encourage them to locate to the future centre of the Leidsche Rijn. The intention is to provide a boost to entrepreneurship in the area with this light form of architecture.

Approach

A temporary exhibition space will be built in the future centre of the Leidsche Rijn and the exhibition parasite will be provided as work space for artists. The focal point of the exhibition pavilion will stimulate entrepreneurs from the creative sector to establish themselves in the area.

Results

The ‘Beyond’ art projects already have an international character. The exhibition parasite will have a comparable effect. It will focus attention on the Leidsche Rijn Centre as the place to be for entrepreneurs, providing a positive boost to new economic activity in the area.

Resources used

European subsidy: € 250.000
Total cost: € 637.135

EU involvement

This project has been partially funded with Objective 2 funds. Since 2000 nine cities have been eligible for the Objective 2 Urban Areas in the Netherlands programme, which forms part of the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRD) of the European Union. EFRD is one of the four Structural Funds of the European Commission. The programme helps cities to carry out projects that benefit disadvantaged areas.

In the Netherlands, total European Objective 2 subsidies concern 192 million euros. 4.25% of the Dutch population lives in the selected areas.

The European Commission prescribes that for every euro from the EFRD, a minimum of one euro must be contributed from the government. The cities must therefore add their own public or private funding to the European subsidy. The European programme is linked to the urban plans agreed within the context of the urban policy of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. For this, the cities can make use of funds that have been allocated to them in the context of the national urban policy.

Contact info

Utrecht Westflank - local programme management
Phone: +31 30 2861603

Project start date

01/03/2005

Links

City of Utrecht

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing quality

Keywords

Housing design & standards