The conditions in the field of urbanism are changing fundamentally. Alternative forms of urban development are needed. More transparent en humane than before. Without large amounts of public money. Demand-driven and collaborative and based on non-linear and multi-cycle processes.

East vs. West By comparing the developments on the Westside of Eindhoven with the Eastside, the Canal Zone clarifies the changing conditions of spatial development. Both corridors are a collection of (inner) city developments connected by a route. Development that was similar in the germ but flourish in a completely different way. The origin of these spatial developments lies in the socio-economic development of Eindhoven, from industrial society to todays network society. Areas and plots undergo the process of urban renewal, being transformed to new urban functions. Former activities left relicts of their own identity.

The Western Green Corridor The focus of urban development has mostly been on projects in the west of Eindhoven. Industrial buildings and green structures from the estate of Philips in uenced the Green Corridor and the spatial developments. A relatively rapid departure of the manufacturing industry in the early ‘90s, subjected to the de-industrialization, has created a series of large-scale construction fields. Integral control, supply-oriented development and accurate master plans made the Green Corridor an important axe in the city, completed by institutions and large developers.

The Eastern Blue Corridor In contrast to the rather sudden transformation in the West, the East Corridor has a more gradual and unpredictable manner of development. Partly because of the flashy and popular west side but also because of the infrastructural development of the beltway, the Blue Corridor is located in the shadows of the city. Nevertheless, with the loss of the transport function of the canal in the ‘70s, a process of transformation started. Industry disappears or moves abroad or to other locations on the outskirts of the city. Plot-wise renewal suites better with the present urban activities of the location. 

We discovered potential jewels: cultural center Broeinest, ‘recycle-creative’ Tiersma and the Baltussen hidden garden. Because of these initiatives, the industrial area transforms into a mixed part of the city. We help to develop these initiatives and provide a perspective to create extra value out of numerous small and similar initiatives. 

The process leads to several manageable, small-scale possibilities with their own dynamics, coalition of actors and timelines. The question is what is needed to put the movement in motion and how extra value can be created by smart connections. A tactic arises. Actors can be brought together by paths to form a coalition and create exponential value. 

Mo and other small business owners are looking for a suitable and affordable place to work in the area. We bring them together. The departure of a large company brings new opportunities. The large halls are used for (temporary) affordable and adaptable workspaces, with the help of materials of the recycling center. The released wharf of Campina is converted in a hidden garden to provide cooling, an informal connection for pedestrians and a pleasant place to work. 

We discovered potential jewels: cultural center Broeinest, ‘recycle-creative’ Tiersma and the Baltussen hidden garden. Because of these initiatives, the industrial area transforms into a mixed part of the city. We help to develop these initiatives and provide a perspective to create extra value out of numerous small and similar initiatives. On released plots a small-scale, intimate and mixed living and working environment occurs: in freedom, self-sufficient living, in the seclusion of a courtyard and inspired by the old factories.

The Canal Zone is supposed to be an ecological axe in the Dutch eco network, but is nowadays nothing more than a blue line in a concrete jungle. With their own knowledge and perseverance, several local shareholders under the direction of ecologist Frans try to create big effects with little effort. Wherever they can, they add a micro biotope: in the streets, on rooftops, in old boats on the water and in other seemingly useless leftover areas like on the slope of the ring road. Here vegetation and water forms a boundless eco network that truly boosts the flora and fauna within the city. 

This could be the future Blue Corridor when activated by Open City Innovation. A unique, mixed and healthy urban area with freedom harbour character. Where people work and live, where culture unfolds and with Campina as hotspot for starting entrepreneurs. In the same time it is a payable and sustainable area where supply and demand are close to each other, where development is made possible and with a do-it-yourself mentality. It is not a masterplan but a result of a process.

Local people and their capacities are the basis for developments. This scheme is a tool for professionals and indicates the way every single individual project can use the Open City Innovation method. Open City Innovation invests time to really understand ‘what wants to happen’ at a certain place. The strategy: make people shareholders, build energy and offer an attractive perspective. After that, solutions are made possible by exploit local power, due collaboration or technological innovations and due smart crossovers. 

Open City Innovation is based on 'learning by doing'. During our experiment in the Eindhoven Canal Zone, a manual has been developed. The basis of this manual is a mindset for present-day city-makers, with particular attention to soft competences. Because urban development in our view, is primarily about ethics and secondary about aesthetics.