Identity and Participation: Experiences from the Ruhrgebiet

Abstract

For the past thirty years, Ruhrgebiet, a previously industrial German area that has experienced decades of constant transformations, has tried to develop a common identity beyond socio-economic transformation. They have implemented events such as the iba Emscher Park, 1989- 1999, a program for the development of post-industrial regions, and Ruhr 2010, the European Capital of Culture, both characterized by intense participation of the people. Despite the growing regional identity, the physical and social reality of the people is defined on a local level. Federal planning laws require an abstract and standardized participation process from municipalities. Therefore, many municipalities started to implement additional forms of participation that seek to directly integrate the ideas arising from the needs of people themselves. Nevertheless, no local culture of participation has been established to this day, due to lack of economic resources and a transparent communication. This paper sheds a light on the dialectic between the formation of regional identity for the 21st Century and the resistance that limits effective participation at Ruhrgebiet. It includes a double look at regional projects and local experiences, mostly in the city of Essen.