Everything remains different.
A night-time satellite view of London, Paris, and the Ruhr Metropolis, Graphics: RUHR.2010
The view from outer space shows that the Ruhr is the third largest urban conurbation in Europe after London and Paris: a coherent urban area with its own particular character. There was never one particular centre here, never a single urban core, nor will one ever exist.
What, at first sight, seems to be the architectural expression of an idiosyncratic historical development in Europe is now proving to be a source of immense strength. The urban organism consisting of 53 local authorities of all sizes offers us an exciting range of opportunities with a considerable utopian potential.
The Capital of Culture programme is based on the core image of a polycentric urban model in which it will be possible to plan and develop new forms of urbanity and an independent structure of networks.
“Essen for the Ruhr” is initiating and promoting cooperative projects between its towns, museums, theatres and arts associations, business players and creative artists, and between the cultural players of the region and those in the rest of Europe – always with the aim of setting up new urban networks and establishing them on a permanent basis. The projects are not only authentic but specifically adapted to absorb the characteristics of the metropolitan area and take them in new directions.
The Ruhr Metropolis is on the move. And everything will remain different.
Cheers! Première “Essen for the Ruhr”
Celebrating the award of the European Capital of Culture at Zollverein, Photo: Peter Wieler
Plans are in full swing for the opening of the European Capital of Culture year. On 9th January 2010, "Essen for the Ruhr" will be stepping out on to the stage of Europe for the first event in a year full of sensations. The showplace for the opening programme will be the Zollverein World Cultural Heritage site in Essen. The opening of the European Capital of Culture celebrations will simultaneously mark the 25th anniversary of the title – yet another reason to celebrate! The 9th January 2010 will mark the start of a year that will long remain in the memory of the inhabitants of the Ruhr Metropolis. You are welcome to participate!