STAIRWAY TO HEERLEN
Workshop Architecten & Studio Blad: Art Kallen
Amsterdam, Nederland
What remains of the local identity of Heerlen after the physical breakdown of its history?
The Heerlen Rooftop Project Stairway to Heerlen is a project by Workshop Architecten & Studio Blad. They were inspired by the question ‘What remains of the local identity of Heerlen after the physical breakdown of its history?’
‘Heerlen knows a rich history dating back all the way to the Roman time. After the boom of the mining industry, a big part of the history has been demolished to make place for a new modern chapter. But instead of a new successful episode, the reconstruction lead to a period of decay. These days Heerlen has found its way up again. But it is not considered done yet. As is stated in the Urban Heerlen bidbook; ‘Heerlen is onaf’. Unfinished means there is still an open end to where Heerlen is at the moment. This open end is a hole that is left after the demolishment of a part of the identity of Heerlen. The Rooftop Festival will focus on this question of identity in Heerlen by making use of regional creative power.’
‘And if one part of the local identity is given regular attention, like the mining industry in Heerlen, what is left unspoken?’
SCHUNCK cannot guarantee the correctness of content and expression. The participants themselves are responsible for their texts.