How to create a functional city? Only together!
7 reasons why you might regret not being at the reSITE 2014 festival
The recently concluded 3rd year of the reSITE festival – an event that aims to connect the ideas and interests of all those who care about the fate of our cities – brought many new ideas and insights. This year, reSITE as a discussion platform offered examples of best practices from abroad alongside their confrontation with domestic approaches. What did you miss and why can you look forward to 2015? The next reSITE will take place on June 18-19, 2015.
Although the core of this year's festival was more than in previous years the professional conference, it can be said that in its scope and breadth reSITE far exceeded the framework of discussion among narrowly focused experts. Life in cities, their planning, or natural development is a topic for every resident and visitor of cities. In the words of Prague's mayor Tomáš Hudeček: “Although a large part of Prague's residents do not actually live in Prague at all, we cannot push them aside; we must prepare the same conditions for them as for its daily inhabitants.” Two days of programming at the newly opened Forum Karlín, workshops, lectures, and discussion tables brought truly inspiring proposals, interesting solutions, and curious encounters. All sharing a common denominator – a better life for cities.
1. 580 attendees + 50 guests = 1 interest
The professional conference, which was the flagship event of this year's festival, was attended by nearly six hundred participants from the ranks of architects, representatives of self-governments, the academic sphere, development sectors, and business, as well as students. They all shared one interest – finding a way to better living in our cities. Thanks to the selection of guests and speakers who represented a truly wide spectrum of opinions, regardless of political affiliation. The stage featured 50 speakers – from a top American liberal economist (Edward Glaeser), through German “community architects” (Juval Deiziger and Mario Husten) to a Czech civic activist (Tereza Stöckelová). Not only the diversity of positions and local conditions where all participants operate transforms reSITE into a true “melting pot” of ideas and thoughts.
2. Not all cities are the same – applause for the mayor and the village head
Despite the persistent skepticism towards political leaders at all levels of self-governments, representatives of individual cities were also applauded at reSITE. Both Prague Mayor Tomáš Hudeček and creators of the bold yet warmly received urban plan for Pardubice, as well as the mayor of the small eastern Slovak town Spišský Hrhov, Vladimír Ledecký, represented their views on the development of urban entities. According to those present, the recipe for a functional city for all can be found not only in the manual of urban spaces (IPR Prague) but also in the proposed densification and thus better utilization of existing areas without the need for hasty territorial sprawling (Department of Urban Architecture Pardubice), as well as in the successful involvement of the Roma community in the creation of the city (Spišský Hrhov). Applause for each of the original paths on an open stage!
3. Architect from the market and urban planner from Borneo
This year's reSITE also brought to Prague absolute architectural top talent, who possesses not only theoretical knowledge but also a wealth of successful references. Architect Benedetta Tagliabue, living in Spain, presented to the public the unique story of the St. Katarina market in Barcelona, which revitalized a neglected part of the Catalan metropolis. Adriaan Geuze from the Dutch studio West8, co-creator of Amsterdam's Borneo urban district, one of the best examples of brownfield revitalization in Europe, opened the eyes of many present architects and students of the field, as well as representatives from the development and financial sectors. Original thinking, unique authorship of seeing the world, and the ability to convince investors that a quality urban environment does not just come from a calculator were among the most refreshing presentations at this nonetheless packed international conference.
4. Planning is not a dirty word
Until recently, urban planning was rather associated with the idea of corruption affecting (non)existence of certain spatial plans, and individual cities tended to avoid concepts. The active and inspiring presence of chief architects from significant Eastern European metropolises proved that the situation has changed drastically. Tomáš Ctibor, head of Prague's Institute of Planning and Development, was joined by Sándor Finta, chief architect of Budapest, Karima Nigmatulina, director of the Research and Project Institute of the General Plan of Moscow, and Oksana Galenko, head of the Planning Department of Kyiv.
5. Change as a sign of a healthy city
…or, “just don't over-plan it”! While Central and Eastern Europe is slowly recovering from the uncontrolled and hasty growth of its settlements, which they are trying to face with varying degrees of regulation, voices calling for the opposite trend are also emerging. Alongside the aforementioned Harvard economist Edward Glaeser, who true to the tradition of liberal economy simply states: “I believe in less regulation. In anything,” other opinions emerged that underline the significance of spontaneity in urbanism. Experienced urban planner and among others creator of one of the new districts in Kabul, Mark Johnson (USA), naturally considers change as one of the cornerstones of functional urban structures. Leading Polish curator and critic Gregorz Piatek perceives the situation from immediate proximity to arrive at a similar conclusion. A vibrant city must be dynamic, and this dynamism is its true energy.
6. …and when it can't be done otherwise, make it yourself!
This could be the message of many community projects that arose spontaneously and somehow “on their own.” This trend was represented, for example, by Marco Clausen from the Berlin non-profit organization "Nomadisch Grün" (Nomadic Green), which focuses on transforming abandoned urban spaces into social and ecological gardens. Another alternative in urban development was provided by the already mentioned Juval Dieziger and Mario Husten from Holzmarkt, one of the most impressive projects dealing with urban development in Berlin. The adventure with Holzmarkt began with Bar 25, one of the most famous underground clubs in Berlin, which Juval and his partners founded in 2003. Due to its location in the middle of an area planned for redevelopment, Bar 25 had to close in 2010 to make way for exclusive penthouses overlooking the Spree River. Local activists managed to change the plans of investors, and thanks to them, this urban oasis covering 18,000 m2 at the intersection of the most popular Berlin districts will host a hotel, nightclub, restaurant, gallery, shops, experimental labs, hair salons, and much more! The discussion on participation was led by Florian Köhl, an architect and developer, a pioneer in seeking ways to engage people through architecture to influence their environment, long-term developing the idea of alternative models and new approaches to housing - so-called co-housing.
7. Accompanying events
In addition to the mentioned events, a full-day intensive workshop focused on the strategic framework of Prague was held in collaboration with the Institute of Planning and Development of the Capital City of Prague (IPR). Together with experts from the United States, Spain, France, and Germany, Prague experts addressed the topic of development in the Prague airport area. The expert conference was complemented by events in public spaces, exhibitions, screenings, informal discussions, and meetings with the main guests of reSITE, as well as the popular bike ride...
A curious meeting of people, regardless of nationality, profession, or interests, was offered by a series of Night Talk Shows in the fully booked salon of the luxurious Emblem hotel. A place where thick cigars are usually smoked and expensive cognac is drunk became a witness to stormy discussions on topics touching everyday life in cities. reSITE continues to successfully break down barriers – all in line with the main idea of the event – to connect, inspire, and help.
For more information not only about this year's reSITE program, feel free to contact us.
reSITE 2014 in numbers:
4 days
4 discussion clubs
3 exhibitions
2 days of conferences
1 workshop
580 guests (25% public administration, 20% architects and urban planners, 15% academia, 15% cultural and non-profit organizations, 13% development and business, 12% others)
70 accredited journalists
50 speakers
+ parties, film screenings, bike rides, and other events
WHAT IS reSITE?
The reSITE festival is an international platform for sharing ideas and practical experiences for livable, competitive, and resilient cities.
reSITE focuses on public space in terms of design, culture, politics, finance, community involvement, and sustainability. Its aim is to set a public dialogue about urban space and to explore models of urban planning that can inspire citizen initiatives.
reSITE addresses architects, politicians, urban planners, developers, landscape architects, spatial planning experts, innovators, transportation specialists, engineers, economists, financiers, representatives of various communities, scientists, artists, students, and all with an active interest in improving the quality of life in cities.
reSITE was founded in 2011 by American urban planner Martin Barry along with Milota Sidorova. Its program director is architect Osamu Okamura, a former long-time editor-in-chief of the architectural magazine ERA21. The unique visual design was created by Yulia Yakushová. Today, reSITE is backed by a diverse international team made up of young people from various affiliated professions and fields.
For more information regarding topics, guests, and other projects, follow our channels:
facebook | www.facebook.com/reSITEfestival
twitter | @reSITEfestival
web|resite.cz
tumblr | resite-festival.tumblr.com
Under the auspices of: Capital City of Prague, Embassy of the United States, Czech Chamber of Architects, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Culture
Supported by: Capital City of Prague, Embassy of the United States, Czech Chamber of Architects, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Culture
The conference is supported by Penta
Co-organizer: Institute of Planning and Development of the Capital City of Prague (formerly URM)
Sponsors: Atkins and Langford Development, CMC architects, Karlín Group, Cigler Marani Architects, Czech State Cultural Fund, Karlín Group, Vodafone Foundation Czech Republic
Main media partner: Economia, Respekt, Hospodářské noviny, Aktuálně.cz
Media partners: A10.eu, ArchDaily, World Landscape Architecture, ARCH, Archiweb.cz, Architekt, Art & Antiques, ASB, CzechDesign.cz, Development News, Earch, ERA21, Expats.cz, Magazyn Miasta, Moderní obec, Res Publica Nowa, Smart Cities, TiP, UrbaniCity, Urbnews.pl, Public Administration.
Although the core of this year's festival was more than in previous years the professional conference, it can be said that in its scope and breadth reSITE far exceeded the framework of discussion among narrowly focused experts. Life in cities, their planning, or natural development is a topic for every resident and visitor of cities. In the words of Prague's mayor Tomáš Hudeček: “Although a large part of Prague's residents do not actually live in Prague at all, we cannot push them aside; we must prepare the same conditions for them as for its daily inhabitants.” Two days of programming at the newly opened Forum Karlín, workshops, lectures, and discussion tables brought truly inspiring proposals, interesting solutions, and curious encounters. All sharing a common denominator – a better life for cities.
1. 580 attendees + 50 guests = 1 interest
The professional conference, which was the flagship event of this year's festival, was attended by nearly six hundred participants from the ranks of architects, representatives of self-governments, the academic sphere, development sectors, and business, as well as students. They all shared one interest – finding a way to better living in our cities. Thanks to the selection of guests and speakers who represented a truly wide spectrum of opinions, regardless of political affiliation. The stage featured 50 speakers – from a top American liberal economist (Edward Glaeser), through German “community architects” (Juval Deiziger and Mario Husten) to a Czech civic activist (Tereza Stöckelová). Not only the diversity of positions and local conditions where all participants operate transforms reSITE into a true “melting pot” of ideas and thoughts.
2. Not all cities are the same – applause for the mayor and the village head
Despite the persistent skepticism towards political leaders at all levels of self-governments, representatives of individual cities were also applauded at reSITE. Both Prague Mayor Tomáš Hudeček and creators of the bold yet warmly received urban plan for Pardubice, as well as the mayor of the small eastern Slovak town Spišský Hrhov, Vladimír Ledecký, represented their views on the development of urban entities. According to those present, the recipe for a functional city for all can be found not only in the manual of urban spaces (IPR Prague) but also in the proposed densification and thus better utilization of existing areas without the need for hasty territorial sprawling (Department of Urban Architecture Pardubice), as well as in the successful involvement of the Roma community in the creation of the city (Spišský Hrhov). Applause for each of the original paths on an open stage!
3. Architect from the market and urban planner from Borneo
This year's reSITE also brought to Prague absolute architectural top talent, who possesses not only theoretical knowledge but also a wealth of successful references. Architect Benedetta Tagliabue, living in Spain, presented to the public the unique story of the St. Katarina market in Barcelona, which revitalized a neglected part of the Catalan metropolis. Adriaan Geuze from the Dutch studio West8, co-creator of Amsterdam's Borneo urban district, one of the best examples of brownfield revitalization in Europe, opened the eyes of many present architects and students of the field, as well as representatives from the development and financial sectors. Original thinking, unique authorship of seeing the world, and the ability to convince investors that a quality urban environment does not just come from a calculator were among the most refreshing presentations at this nonetheless packed international conference.
4. Planning is not a dirty word
Until recently, urban planning was rather associated with the idea of corruption affecting (non)existence of certain spatial plans, and individual cities tended to avoid concepts. The active and inspiring presence of chief architects from significant Eastern European metropolises proved that the situation has changed drastically. Tomáš Ctibor, head of Prague's Institute of Planning and Development, was joined by Sándor Finta, chief architect of Budapest, Karima Nigmatulina, director of the Research and Project Institute of the General Plan of Moscow, and Oksana Galenko, head of the Planning Department of Kyiv.
5. Change as a sign of a healthy city
…or, “just don't over-plan it”! While Central and Eastern Europe is slowly recovering from the uncontrolled and hasty growth of its settlements, which they are trying to face with varying degrees of regulation, voices calling for the opposite trend are also emerging. Alongside the aforementioned Harvard economist Edward Glaeser, who true to the tradition of liberal economy simply states: “I believe in less regulation. In anything,” other opinions emerged that underline the significance of spontaneity in urbanism. Experienced urban planner and among others creator of one of the new districts in Kabul, Mark Johnson (USA), naturally considers change as one of the cornerstones of functional urban structures. Leading Polish curator and critic Gregorz Piatek perceives the situation from immediate proximity to arrive at a similar conclusion. A vibrant city must be dynamic, and this dynamism is its true energy.
6. …and when it can't be done otherwise, make it yourself!
This could be the message of many community projects that arose spontaneously and somehow “on their own.” This trend was represented, for example, by Marco Clausen from the Berlin non-profit organization "Nomadisch Grün" (Nomadic Green), which focuses on transforming abandoned urban spaces into social and ecological gardens. Another alternative in urban development was provided by the already mentioned Juval Dieziger and Mario Husten from Holzmarkt, one of the most impressive projects dealing with urban development in Berlin. The adventure with Holzmarkt began with Bar 25, one of the most famous underground clubs in Berlin, which Juval and his partners founded in 2003. Due to its location in the middle of an area planned for redevelopment, Bar 25 had to close in 2010 to make way for exclusive penthouses overlooking the Spree River. Local activists managed to change the plans of investors, and thanks to them, this urban oasis covering 18,000 m2 at the intersection of the most popular Berlin districts will host a hotel, nightclub, restaurant, gallery, shops, experimental labs, hair salons, and much more! The discussion on participation was led by Florian Köhl, an architect and developer, a pioneer in seeking ways to engage people through architecture to influence their environment, long-term developing the idea of alternative models and new approaches to housing - so-called co-housing.
7. Accompanying events
In addition to the mentioned events, a full-day intensive workshop focused on the strategic framework of Prague was held in collaboration with the Institute of Planning and Development of the Capital City of Prague (IPR). Together with experts from the United States, Spain, France, and Germany, Prague experts addressed the topic of development in the Prague airport area. The expert conference was complemented by events in public spaces, exhibitions, screenings, informal discussions, and meetings with the main guests of reSITE, as well as the popular bike ride...
A curious meeting of people, regardless of nationality, profession, or interests, was offered by a series of Night Talk Shows in the fully booked salon of the luxurious Emblem hotel. A place where thick cigars are usually smoked and expensive cognac is drunk became a witness to stormy discussions on topics touching everyday life in cities. reSITE continues to successfully break down barriers – all in line with the main idea of the event – to connect, inspire, and help.
For more information not only about this year's reSITE program, feel free to contact us.
reSITE 2014 in numbers:
4 days
4 discussion clubs
3 exhibitions
2 days of conferences
1 workshop
580 guests (25% public administration, 20% architects and urban planners, 15% academia, 15% cultural and non-profit organizations, 13% development and business, 12% others)
70 accredited journalists
50 speakers
+ parties, film screenings, bike rides, and other events
WHAT IS reSITE?
The reSITE festival is an international platform for sharing ideas and practical experiences for livable, competitive, and resilient cities.
reSITE focuses on public space in terms of design, culture, politics, finance, community involvement, and sustainability. Its aim is to set a public dialogue about urban space and to explore models of urban planning that can inspire citizen initiatives.
reSITE addresses architects, politicians, urban planners, developers, landscape architects, spatial planning experts, innovators, transportation specialists, engineers, economists, financiers, representatives of various communities, scientists, artists, students, and all with an active interest in improving the quality of life in cities.
reSITE was founded in 2011 by American urban planner Martin Barry along with Milota Sidorova. Its program director is architect Osamu Okamura, a former long-time editor-in-chief of the architectural magazine ERA21. The unique visual design was created by Yulia Yakushová. Today, reSITE is backed by a diverse international team made up of young people from various affiliated professions and fields.
For more information regarding topics, guests, and other projects, follow our channels:
facebook | www.facebook.com/reSITEfestival
twitter | @reSITEfestival
web|resite.cz
tumblr | resite-festival.tumblr.com
Under the auspices of: Capital City of Prague, Embassy of the United States, Czech Chamber of Architects, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Culture
Supported by: Capital City of Prague, Embassy of the United States, Czech Chamber of Architects, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Culture
The conference is supported by Penta
Co-organizer: Institute of Planning and Development of the Capital City of Prague (formerly URM)
Sponsors: Atkins and Langford Development, CMC architects, Karlín Group, Cigler Marani Architects, Czech State Cultural Fund, Karlín Group, Vodafone Foundation Czech Republic
Main media partner: Economia, Respekt, Hospodářské noviny, Aktuálně.cz
Media partners: A10.eu, ArchDaily, World Landscape Architecture, ARCH, Archiweb.cz, Architekt, Art & Antiques, ASB, CzechDesign.cz, Development News, Earch, ERA21, Expats.cz, Magazyn Miasta, Moderní obec, Res Publica Nowa, Smart Cities, TiP, UrbaniCity, Urbnews.pl, Public Administration.
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zas a znovu
Petr Velička
02.07.14 04:58
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