The former coalmine area of Zollverein has become a symbol of structural change in the Ruhrgebiet of Germany. The large scale interventions taking place there are an example of how creative industries can become the engine of economic transformation.
After from having become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former mining grounds of Zollverein are now making their mark as a leading international location for design. Current and future activities and projects include:
- the new Zollverein School of Management and Design
- the renowned Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen and its red dot design museum (designed by Sir Norman Foster)
- ENTRY2006, the first international forum for design and architecture which features a three-month exhibition, conferences and events (26 August – 3 December 2006) – (download brochure, 2.1 mb, 40 pages)
- the RuhrMuseum, a spectacular museum on the history of the region
- DesignStadt, a design city for creative businesses
Zollverein currently attracts around 500,000 visitors each year within its numerous buildings, through an impressive programme of cultural events and projects.
[...] The former coalmine area of Zollverein has become a symbol of structural change in the Ruhrgebiet of Germany. The large scale interventions taking place there are an example of how creative industries can become the engine of economic transformation. [...]
[...] Like the North-East in England and Zollverein, Essen in Germany, the Belgian former mining area of Winterslag/Genk is using creativity as a tool to transform the area in an innovative, sustainable and qualitative way and to generate new approaches to education, economic development, culture and tourism. [...]