PICNIC festival to build city at NDSM in September

It might be the middle of the Dutch builder’s vacation period, but that isn’t stopping PICNIC from making big construction plans! Partners are in place, permits have been requested, and plans are underway to create the PICNIC City at the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam from 14 to 16 September 2011.

A suitable landscape for exploring ‘Urban Futures’

NDSM, a former shipyard, provides a raw and edgy backdrop overlooking the IJ waterway. In line with this year’s theme – Urban Futures – PICNIC is building a city there from the ground up! The world’s population is increasingly concentrating in urban environments. These dense communities will amplify the challenges of city life, but also provide amazing opportunities for (re)defining the way we want to live. The best way to explore future urban scenarios is to start building a city yourself – both literally and figuratively. During PICNIC Festival 2011, attendees will explore potential solutions for our urban future surrounded by a creative city under construction.

Relying on the construction experts

In the collaborative spirit of PICNIC, the city will be a joint production with a variety of partners. And when you’re building a city, you look to the best in the construction business. This year, PICNIC is partnering with European construction firm BAM to create a “green city” in more ways than one. The PICNIC City will be composed of a variety of structures using re-purposed materials from BAM, in the company’s classic green color. Prior to PICNIC Festival, BAM will put their logistical talents to work, transporting the building materials in a huge convoy from their plant yard in Kesteren.

A city under construction

Rome wasn’t built in a day. And the PICNIC City won’t be either! This year, PICNIC is laying the foundations for their city, with an atmosphere of a creative construction site. Just like the festival content, building the city will focus on the process of creating something together. PICNIC will develop a dynamic physical environment where participants can share their talents, ambitions and dreams to bring this year’s incarnation of the PICNIC City to life.

PICNIC Festival 2011 takes place from 14-16 September at the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam. Find out more at www.picnicnetwork.org.

About PICNIC

PICNIC is about innovative ideas for business and society. It is an annual three-day festival that blurs the lines between creativity, science, technology and business to explore new solutions in the spirit of co-creation. Curious minds eager to exchange their knowledge, ideas and skills gather at PICNIC, making it the place to create the future – together.

Further information: Liz Keel, Communications & PR Manager, +31 (0)20 320 58 13, liz@picnicnetwork.org

PICNIC, Haarlemmerweg 321 B, 1051 LG Amsterdam, www.picnicnetwork.org

Image credit: Alrik Koudenburg