Projects, programs and events as potential future-forming city identity assets

Abstract

By reframing (from a future perspective) projects, programs and events, as deployed over the last decade, the paper aims to provide stimuli to convert them into a coherent strategic line of development. Based on postmodern epistemologies, the authors of this paper propose an analysis of selected lighting manifestations as separated future-forming moments of city identity. The adoption of a futures research matrix as a reflexive framework sees the repurposing of such a framework from its standard generative function within design processes to an analytical function. The ambition is to provide narrative context to existing projects and everyday practices by linking them within given future scenarios. With the final outcome proposed as to coherently connect separate, lighting-related, manifestations to an overarching system of interpretation. The case offered is the city of Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The tool adopted and repurposed is the Urban Futures Matrix from city.people.light. The specific manifestations, as presented, pertain both high culture and popular culture. This paper does eminently offer a coherent and consistent reflection on practices in the form of a case study, however, grounded in a theoretical and epistemological solid framework of reference.