Bilbao Guggenheim ++

The project ‘Bilbao Guggenheim ++’ shows the urban revolution that has taken place in Bilbao over the last 25 years, forming part of a wide range of integrated initiatives with a bold, smart political vision. The great innovations in the Estuary area and the so-called ‘Guggenheim Effect’ have been an example over this time to other cities in the world that are involved in similar processes. The International Selection Committee has considered the case of Bilbao to be a remarkable example of the recovery of an industrial area and its conversion into a comfortable modern city for its residents.

The essential element in the ‘Bilboa Guggenheim ++’ exhibition will be the inter-relationship between physical space and social space, which will portray in a special manner how the physical transformations of the city have been pushed forward by the leaders and citizen of Bilbao, and how these physical transformations are improving citizens’ quality of life as well as strengthening their sense of belonging, self-esteem and greater trust in the future options of the city.

The exhibition is organized into 6 sections: the Guggenheim Effect, the River of Innovation, Before and After, Ecourbanism, Virtual Bilbao, and finally, Learning from the Past, Dreaming up the Future.

The way of presenting the different material has been designed to be fun, original and easily understandable for a wide and culturally-diverse public, while experts and people involved in city management and administration can discover in greater depth the set of strategic keys that have allowed such an exemplary transformation of the city of Bilbao.

To get a better picture of the Bilbao Guggheim ++ global project, download here the PDF presentation with Shanghai 2010 introduction (Liveable City section).