Much is known about the dairy industry in Eindhoven, including the birth of FrieslandCampina and the production of milk and butter. Less well known is the history of ice cream production and the specific role played by the Koelhuis, the namesake of this book. But how to deal with this kind of relatively young heritage? And how to create a vibrant and lasting cultural district in a rapidly gentrifying city?

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This book, published by Concrete Culture, looks back at the area’s history and growth, the background of the dairy industry, and the legacy stories of people who worked there. Based on multiple historical and archival research and interviews, the book advocates for awareness of young post–industrial heritage (Post'65) and its potential as a cornerstone for urban revitalization. The book also outlines how Ector Hoogstad Architecten's transformation design and urban vision of the GROUP A architects make this "Post 65" industrial heritage an anchor point for a new cultural district with affordable living and working spaces, focusing on Immersive Experiences, media art, and contemporary culture. The district merges affordable housing, makerspaces and cultural and tech hub, becoming a permanent incubator for creative and tech talent.

 

This book is both a documentation of a lesser-known past and a forward-looking manifesto that outlines how this project will contribute to the future of Brainport and the province of North Brabant.

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First published in 2024 by Concrete Culture. For research and nonprofit purposes. Concrete Culture 2020 – 2024

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Publisher: Concrete Culture
Editorial board: Katažyna Jankovska,  Arnold van de Water

With contributions from Angelica Vigilante, Michelle de Mooij, Julieta Matos Castaño, Marjolein Vlaming, Kim Heuvelmans, Hein van Stiphout, Iris Bertens, Fieke Poelman, Greetje van den Nouweland, Federica Padovani, GROUP A, Zalán Szakács, Marijn Bril, Koelhuis Industrial Heritage Foundation, Koelhuis Culture Foundation

Graphic design: whywhynot: Hannah Kansy, Nick Monro-Meares, Julia Urreaga Aizarna, Louisa Wolf

Typeset in Monument Grotesk, Kasper-Florio & Dinamo

Design of brand identity: Vrints-Kolsteren

Printer: KOPA

Concept and vision: Arnold van de Water, Marjolein Vlaming

Developed by: Tom Bakkers, Theun van Gennip, Bakkers |Hommen

Urban plan supervisor Koelhuis District:  Adam Visser, GROUP A

Restoration and transformation architect of Koelhuis: Chris Arts, Ector Hoogstad Architecten

On behalf of Municipality of Eindhoven: Jos Roijmans, Gemeente Eindhoven, Hein van Stiphout, Okko Project​​