Background
Klaipeda, a port in Lithuania, has quite a number of summer festivals and events to offer. The Summer Stage, where the major cultural festivities take place, used to attract a number of visitors. How can we transform it into a centre of attraction again?
The game brought together representatives of the City Council, Klaipeda University, cultural organisations, the Tourism and Information Centre, sports and arts representatives, and entrepreneurs to work out the best solutions to the challenges of the Summer Stage.
The game was played in one of the exhibition halls of the Klaipeda Art Exhibition Centre. It was co-organised by the Klaipeda City Council in partnership with the International Cultural Programme Centre and the Klaipeda Art Exhibition Hall.
Objectives
The Klaipeda Future City Game focused on the Summer Stage, its perspectives and opportunities. The Summer Stage, where the major cultural festivities take place, used to attract a number of visitors. We focused on the changes that are needed to turn it into a lively venue again, attracting visitors as well as residents.
For a Summer Stage picture, see 15 min.
Winning idea
Leisure Park: Seasons of the Year
The winning team presented an action plan for a leisure park, which is to be open 24/7 all year round and appeals to various target groups. Besides a recreation centre, the park would include several interesting attractions such as a Water Stage, which turns the Summer Stage used for choir singing into waterfalls, and the audience stalls into a pool for water performances. The multi-functional pool could be turned into a Soap Bubble disco in summer and a skating ring in winter. The team also suggested that part of the area be developed into a winter garden with an Eco Ideas and Services Centre.
Winning ideas from the other teams
Simulation: Natural Phenomena Centre
The idea creates a unique science museum or institute where visitors can experience various phenomena, such as being on a ship in a storm, weightless conditions in space, etc, thus combining educational and entertaining activities to attract new visitors.
Art Park: Meno Parkas = MP3
The MP3 idea builds on the current Summer Stage infrastructure, developing it into a space for creators/artists, with various attractions, such as “musical” fountains, arts alleys with small cafes, etc.
Culture Reservoir
This team suggested preserving the Summer Stage building and roofing it over. By using the current infrastructure and by building new facilities, the idea transforms the Summer Stage into a creative cluster, with a large covered area, concert hall infrastructure, exhibition hall, cinema, educational area, sports facilities and a market place.
