Water is an integral part of urban landscapes across Europe. It often covers around 5% of a city’s surface, and in places like Amsterdam, this figure can soar to as much as 35%. As urban spaces become increasingly congested, it’s essential to rethink how we utilize these aquatic areas, particularly for cultural and creative purposes aligned with environmental sustainability. The recent Fluctuations report by VibeLab, prepared for the Fluctuations Festival, dives into this subject, examining the potential of urban waterways as creative spaces.

The potential of waterways in urban landscapes

Water bodies within cities are not just scenic spots but are spaces that hold immense potential for cultural activities. These areas can serve as venues for community activations, concerts, art installations, performances, and more, questioning urban rivers’ prime function as traffic routes, claiming them as areas for recreation and environmental regeneration. The Fluctuations report highlights how thinking of these water bodies as accessible spaces for more mixed use is crucial, especially as land surfaces become increasingly scarce for cultural uses. At the same time, these sensitive biospheres challenge cultural organisers and audiences to adapt their practices in consideration of the natural environment.

Key findings from the Fluctuations Report

VibeLab’s study is the first to compare cultural practices on water across multiple European countries. Conducted in five countries and encompassing research on 36 cultural vessels, the report provides a comprehensive overview of how different cities and nations approach the integration of water into their cultural frameworks. Here are some key insights from the report:

• Stakeholders: The report gives an understanding of the variety of stakeholders involved in creative river transformation; from boat operators, event organisers, waterfront venues, and NGOs to local governmental institutions. 

• Infrastructures: The infrastructure, especially mooring spaces at sites suitable for social gatherings, plays a significant role in the feasibility of hosting creative activities on water. The concept of ‘cultural harbors’ is presented in detail.

• Policies and Governance: The report examines existing policies and governance structures that impact cultural activities on water. It suggests that current regulations disregard and often restrict rather than facilitate creative uses of waterways.

• Creative River Policies: To better utilize these spaces, cities need to develop dedicated policies that encourage and support creative activities on water. This includes innovating waterway infrastructures and simplifying permit processes. 

• Climate Change Considerations: With extreme heat becoming more common due to climate change, waterways are becoming increasingly attractive as cool retreats for urban residents. This trend underscores the importance of developing regulations that not only protect these areas but also promote their use for cultural and recreational purposes.

For more information, consult the Executive Summary of the report. 

The role of water in shaping urban creativity

As Nicolas Dhers, CEO of the Fluctuations Festival, points out, “One result of climate change is that extreme heat will continue to increase in Europe and citizens will seek out areas by the water to cool down and spend their free time. Instead of developing regulations that merely restrict, we should understand them as tools to shape, to incentivise good practice and to go with the times.”

This perspective is crucial as cities look for innovative ways to integrate water into their cultural and creative landscapes.

The post Exploring Water as a Creative Space in European Cities: Insights from VibeLab’s Fluctuations Report appeared first on NIGHTTIME.ORG.

In 2023, the City of Toronto commissioned VibeLab to conduct a study on the impact of zoning and licensing regulations on the city’s night economy. As a public consultation study, VibeLab upheld diversity, equity, inclusion and geographic representation as key considerations in the design of the outreach strategy and discussion questions. A stakeholder database was also curated, boasting over 300 prominent figures in Toronto’s nightlife scenes, entertainment industries and DIY arts communities. 

The process engaged approximately 3,300 participants over a four-week period from March–April 2023, through either an online survey and/or one of 10 community and industry-wide consultation meetings held in-person and online. 

The vast majority of respondents expressed a desire for more flexible regulations related to the temporary use of space (81%) and faster permit reviews (72%). 

“The issue with these licences is that you can’t define cultural gathering spaces in boxes…Especially for venues that support marginalized communities…the existing venues are having to take on more and more “hats” to fill a crucial need for certain communities…The licences do not encapsulate all these hat[s]…It’s impossible to.” – A survey respondent 

The small-group design of the consultation sessions facilitated reflection on the broader topics of equity, economic development, and public health topics as well as in-depth discussions across the four categories of: zoning, licensing, promoting neighbourhood coexistence at night and inclusion and barriers to access. 

To access the consultation findings, view the full report of the Night Economy Review.

“There is a growing trend towards multi-use spaces that bring value to a neighbourhood over 24 hours, perhaps acting as a coffee shop and co-working space by day, and a bar or event space by night. There could be special art galleries and installations beyond a single night of the year, not just during Nuit Blanche.” – VibeLab’s Co-Founder Mirik Milan in an interview with Toronto Star

What lies ahead

Findings from the VibeLab report helped to inform the recommendations presented by city staff at committee meetings later that fall. Before the year drew to a close, the City Council ultimately adopted amendments to the Licensing Bylaw and the Zoning Bylaws for restaurants, bars and entertainment venues which are expected to come into effect on January 1, 2025.

Carrying the momentum into 2024, the city held its inaugural Night Economy Town Hall on January 17, 2024, with the next scheduled for 2025.

Subscribe to keep updated on the City of Toronto’s multi-divisional Night Economy initiatives.

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This is what we found out.

Malmö is Sweden’s third largest city boasting the reputation as a cultural hub with notable demographic diversity and a history of grassroots nightlife. However, issues of social and employment exclusion persist in the city. The report, which features a feasibility study and visionary outlook for the future of Malmö, was conducted by VibeLab in collaboration with Transversal Project on behalf of the City of Malmö Department of Business and External Relations.

“I hope that this study serves as an inspiring first step in sparking conversations on how nightlife can promote Malmö’s continued growth while creating a safer and more sustainable city,” – Harald Stjerna, project manager for the City of Malmö

The report was produced using a combination of qualitative research methods including an in-person needs analysis focus group which generated community-driven insights into Malmö’s non-commercial nightlife.

The following three themes were identified during the needs analysis due to their importance and the present challenges that exist for the community:

• Space for nightlife is essential but it is limited. Without safe, accessible, and affordable venues, nightlife actors cannot thrive. 

• Funding is viewed as an integral support for the nightlife industry but awareness of such opportunities is limited and seen as inaccessible, especially to younger members of the community.

• Capacity building through skills sharing and meaningful engagement between the city and its nightlife community are both needed to enhance trust and understanding.

The report concludes with key findings related to the future aspirations of nightlife in Malmö and spotlights good practices from other cities around the globe. Discover more insights into Malmö’s nightlife through the full report.

Stay tuned!

The network of cities contributing their experiences and knowledge to nighttime governance is growing, regardless of their size or global positioning.

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