Project "Free Port" takes the ambitions of Amsterdam to become one of the best creative cities in Europe seriously. This requires an experimental breeding ground (an underground). To that end, the Amsterdam port authority makes available on a massive scale cheap, temporary locations for initiatives of young talents. Such locations might be disused cargo transit sheds and factory halls, offices, harbour basins, boats and terrains. 

To regular planning, the security and environmental regulations in the port are an obstacle, but, paradoxically, for a creative free state these regulations create unique conditions. For example, people can make as much noise as they like, 24 hours a day, in the port. Furthermore, in this sea port behind the Westerpark, there are no limitations on height. 

A mysterious fleet of UFO’s that floats above the port functions as a movable generator for the Free Port. In short, the abundance of rules in this area can be turned to advantage. The port becomes a haven for experiments of young creative talents.

Link: You Tube movie Free Port

Client: City of Amsterdam
Designers: Rietveld Landscape I Atelier de Lyon
Location: Port of Amsterdam
Status: Vision 2009
Exhibitions: IABR Rotterdam (Free State Amsterdam), Lucky Dutch, Moscow,
Biennale Sao Paolo.