The Organic City: method or metaphor?

Almere is a New Town created 30 years ago; it has plans to double its size within the next twenty years. A large part of this extension will be planned by using experimental methods, aiming to create a city that is just as much shaped by its inhabitants as by its planners. Almere calls this ´The Organic City´. What does this exactly mean? Does an organic city have an organic shape; does it function like an organism or does it grow in an organic way? Is there such a thing like organic infrastructure, organic housing, organic finances, or organic economy? Is ´Organic´ just a metpahor for a democratic city, or a real alternative method for urban development?

The design, the program and the organization of an ´Organic City´ are all aspects of this Summer School, that is aimed at architects, planners and students and professionals in the real estate business. It will be taught by an élite team of specialists in many disciplines, and coordinated by Michelle Provoost, director of the International New Towns Institute.

Course leader

Dr. Michelle Provoost

Target group

Architects, planners, students as well as professionals in the real estate business. Level: MA, PhD.

Course aim

Exploring and reflecting on the theme of the ´Organic City´ as a workable model for the future of Almere. The idea of Organic Planning was introduced by alderman Adri Duivesteijn as one of the main goals for the future growth of the city.