Four development scenarios on how youth culture could improve the dynamic in the central city of Rotterdam.

The Rotterdam Institute for Art and Culture, dKC, worked on advice for the strong cultural structure for central city. David Dooghe was asked to give input on how the central city can become more culturally attractive for the youth of Rotterdam.

Four development scenarios were made, each starting from a different group of young users of the central city: the youngsters growing up, the students, the starting creative class and the second/third generation allochthonous.

By creating cultural research and development facilities with spaces to interact with the public, by using the public space as podium and by connecting education and business, more possibilities are anticipated for the youngsters to develop and express their own youth culture in the central city, creating a breading ground for new art.

Culture is becoming more and more a part of identity of youngsters; it is a way to express and to identify themselves. Therefor you should always be seen as the ambassadors of their culture.

The advice (only available in Dutch) can be requested by emailing to mail@daviddooghe.com

2oo9, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Low prized places seemed to attract artists in the past. At the moment, in the contest between cities to attract and grow a significant creative class, more facilities than just low prized workspaces are needed. As inspiration, two art en design centres of which facilities complete the workspaces in the building and relate to the urban area around the building.

3rd Ward is a member-based art and design center for creative professionals in the industrialized area of East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 3rd Ward offers shared and private workspace and facilities that support the development and fabrication (professional wood and metal shop and jewelry studio), as the trade (multiple photo studios, a fully loaded digital media lab, an exhibition space, a large network and a free, full-color magazine) of the product or art piece. By offering classes, it is possible to improve skills or add some new ones. Because of its non-residential location and low public transport connectivity, 3rd Ward gives free bikes to all of their members. 3rd Ward ensures that NYC's diverse creative industry has all the tools, space, and resources needed to keep learning and growing.

Foundation B.a.d is located in the leafy neighbourhood of Charlois. Rotterdam. This is now an upcoming residential area particularly popular with the creative community. The principle aim of Foundation B.a.d is to provide studios, guest studios and project spaces. Each studio has a sink, basic furniture (table, chairs etc) and a stable internet connection. Furthermore, there is a common kitchen and bathroom, laundry room and a computer room with telephone and copy machine. Foundation B.a.d has a large garden and provide several communal spaces, which are used by members and guests for artistic and social activities. Foundation B.a.d enables presentations by their guests as well as organizing and hosting a wide range of activities such as concerts, theatre plays, exhibitions, seminars. The members, guests and wide range of activities provide a dynamic, resourceful and continually evolving environment where creativity is supported and networks are cultivated.