Cultural Strategic Office
BANK15 is a hybrid organization that uses creativity as a strategy for social change and urban renewal.
We work at the intersection of culture, placemaking and area development and advise parties who want to do more than stack stones. Our role is that of initiator and strategic advisor: we develop our own places and advise municipalities, developers and brands on how they can build meaningful places that really live.
Our strength lies in bringing together knowledge, community and creative programs. With this we shape places that are socially involved, sustainable and future-proof. Each project is a balance between financial return and social impact, with a continued focus on stimulating connection and creativity.
Creativity as a strategy for social impact
BANK15 is a hybrid organisation that uses creativity as a driver for social change and urban renewal.
We operate at the intersection of culture, placemaking and area development.
For municipalities, developers and brands that want to look beyond stacking bricks.
We take initiative and advise: we develop our own places and help others bring spatial projects to life with stories, programs and community.
Our strength lies in bringing together strategy, experience and cultural practice.
We build places that are socially supported, spatially relevant and economically sustainable.
Every project seeks a balance between return and impact, but always starts with connection and imagination.
The beginning
BANK15 Tilburg marks our first step in redeveloping an iconic building with a strong vision of social and commercial impact. The goal was to create a versatile, profitable space that combines hospitality, rental, events, studios, stage space, and exhibition opportunities. This location quickly grew into a creative hub for Tilburg, where entrepreneurs and artists come together and can realize their ideas.
In collaboration with VolkerWessels, we have achieved sustainable and profitable development in three years, which has offered opportunities to countless entrepreneurs. This collaboration was not only aimed at achieving financial returns, but also at stimulating growth and development within the creative sector. We have created an environment in which creative talent is encouraged, and in which makers and entrepreneurs have the space to test and refine their ideas.
With BANK15 Tilburg we not only created a building with rental income and catering, but also an inspiring and inclusive place that had social impact. Through our programming and collaborations we gave Tilburg a lively place where visitors, entrepreneurs and creatives come together and continue to inspire each other.
BANK15 Tilburg symbolises our vision: developing spaces that are more than just buildings; places where people meet, grow and develop.
The beginning
In May 2024, together with T&D Rotterdam and the Laurenskerk, we brought people together for something that seemed simple, but is rare: listening together. Not just to music, but to each other.
Under the high vault of the Laurenskerk, the evening began at the monumental Marcussen organ, played by Hayo Boerema. What followed was a series of performances by makers who each told their own story: Gaidaa, Cero Ismael, Kaya Imani and Ju'lia. Artists with roots in soul, R&B and spoken word, who each filled the space in their own way, with sound, vulnerability and intention.
For some makers, like Kaya Imani, it was the first time on a professional stage. For the audience, a chance to experience music without distraction. Just: sitting, listening, feeling the makership. Together.
No spectacle, no pretense.
But there is also encounter, authenticity, and space for partners who want to help make this possible.
That's what we do: create space where new connections can emerge.
Between makers and audiences, between institutions and initiatives, between what already exists and what has yet to emerge.
THE GLASS FACTORY
The placemaking case for De Glasfabriek in Schiedam, carried out by BANK15 in collaboration with Blauwhoed and Dudok, focuses on the transformation of a historic factory site into a vibrant, creative residential area. De Glasfabriek, a site once characterised by the glass industry, is part of the Dutch Distillers District, which gives the location additional meaning and historical value.
In 2022, BANK15 was commissioned to develop temporary functions and activities on the site to create a dynamic atmosphere. This included events, exhibition spaces, studios and workplaces for creative makers. These temporary uses lay the foundation for a sustainable community, in which there is room for both creative entrepreneurship and living and working functions, with a mix of social rental homes and private sector homes.
The strategy focuses on preserving the historical character while adding new urban functions. With this approach, BANK15 wants to ensure that De Glasfabriek not only becomes a residential area, but also a place with its own identity that embraces local and creative values. In this way, a balance is found between promoting local initiatives and creating a valuable residential area that is both socially and economically sustainable.
Results
-
52 tenants
-
Brewery and numerous events
-
30,000 visitors in 2022)
-
Last year AD headlined 'If Rotterdam is Manhattan, then Glass Factory is Brooklyn'.)
UTRECHT
A development for dreamers and doers
In the tender case of Jaarbeursplein in Utrecht, BANK15 worked with real estate developer AM to transform the area. This location, known for its prominent position next to Utrecht’s busy train station, is intended to become a new cultural and social hub. The design focuses on a mix of functions, including spaces for events, sports, culture, start-up offices, and a lively hospitality environment such as pop-up cafés and a roof terrace with views over the city. The involvement of parties such as Heatherwick Studio and Barcode Architects has led to a design that uses cylindrical structures, accessible from all sides, and offers space for a dynamic meeting place where different population groups and generations come together.
With this project, AM and partners aim to promote a sustainable, creative economy and increased social cohesion in Utrecht. Through a network of flexible spaces and environmentally friendly constructions, such as carbon-neutral construction and green terraces, Jaarbeursplein hopes to become a versatile meeting place that aligns with Utrecht's vision for an inclusive and healthy city.
This transformation not only emphasises the importance of placemaking and sustainable urban development, but also shows how collaboration between creative and commercial parties can create a rich, unique area identity that adds value to the city of Utrecht and its residents.
Development
Commissioned by AM, we focused on the tender for the Amstelkwartier, together with architect Paul de Ruiter and other creative partners. The focus was on developing a multifunctional building that meets the sustainability ambitions and improves the urban quality of life in Amsterdam. This location offers a mix of living and working space with an emphasis on social connection and sustainability, through the use of innovative, biobased materials and nature-inclusive design, such as a green roof garden and flexible living solutions for the future.
Through a shared vision of urban living, we created an area identity that translates the essence of “next-generation living”. Not only housing but also spaces for cultural activities and a health centre were integrated to achieve a balance between quality of life and social value.
An exploitation where we tested and developed all functions extensively. An improved version of our first location in Tilburg. Here we managed to lift the elements food, music, art, culture, education and participation to a leisure level. After 1.5 years we sold it to the Buhne. Mission and goal accomplished.
EINDHOVEN
Looking for a connection with expats and internationals then there is 1 place in the Netherlands "Eindhoven". Here we got to know the international , with companies like ASML and TU we were able to learn and develop. Events, program and international collaborations with India as a highlight . In the period of Covid we closed the doors to not let the risk of exploitation disrupt our development. A special experience and many stories and people from all over the world may greet.
