Patchwork IBA Parkstad

The International Bauausstellung, or IBA, is being held outside Germany for the first time in its history, in the southeastern region of Parkstad-Limburg. What started as an exhibition for modern construction in 1901, developed into an urban planning instrument with often a powerful boost to local economy, space and society. In 2014, IBA Parkstad was launched. Through sometimes fine-grained, sometimes far-reaching urban and rural interventions, the transformation of this area was accelerated and the cohesion of regiopolitan Parkstad – the patchwork – was increased. Patchwork IBA Parkstad presents inspiring projects by Piet Oudolf, Francine Houben and reflections by Dirk Sijmons and others on healing landscapes and immature cities. Lessons learned, projects and a post-IBA strategy are used to address the extent to which IBA Parkstad has succeeded in contributing to the rich IBA tradition.