The Eindhoven area, located in the southern Netherlands, has gained renown as a thriving hub of creativity, design, and technological innovation and for this reason, it is also known as Brainport Eindhoven, a leading high-tech and innovation hub. This region has redefined itself, evolving into a beacon for green technology, sustainable design and art. Two key events exemplify this transformation: Dutch Design Week (DDW) and GLOW. Held annually, these festivals draw thousands of visitors and creatives from around the world, highlighting how technology, art, and sustainability can blend seamlessly to inspire future solutions.

An artistic landscape rooted in Nature and Culture

Eindhoven’s “fertile soil” isn’t merely a metaphor. It’s a literal testament to the area’s dedication to cultivating beauty and sustainability. For instance, one of the largest nurseries in Europe is based close to Eindhoven: Van den Berk Nurseries and from the third generation contribute significantly to the city’s urban landscape, supplying exemplary trees that line the streets and enrich the greenery around new buildings. These nurseries not only symbolize environmental respect but also serve as a model of circular economy practices in green technology, offering new life to urban spaces.

Just beyond Eindhoven, in the nearby village of Nuenen, the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration in the local landscapes during the early stages of his career. His artworks from that period, often depicting rural scenes or natural landscapes, showcase a profound connection between art and nature that continues to influence the region. This legacy is now honoured in a unique way: designers have crafted a one-of-a-kind cycling path inspired by Van Gogh’s iconic painting, “The Starry Night.” Thanks to photoluminescent materials, this path glows at night, creating a dreamlike experience that pays homage to Van Gogh’s work while offering a modern twist on his love for nature.

The Dommel River: a Thread connecting Art and Innovation

Within the city, the Dommel River runs through Eindhoven, acting as a thread that connects various cultural spaces. Along its banks sits one of the region’s most important modern art Van Abbe museum, boasting an impressive collection of contemporary art and a garden designed by famed garden designer Piet Oudolf. The Dutch landscape is shaped by water and soil and until November, this museum is hosting a temporary exhibition titled “Soils,” which delves into the profound relationship between international artists, designers, farmers and activists and the earth as a source of life and inspiration. One of the exhibit highlights is “The Matter We Share” which explores the intricate connection between the bodies, soils, and water. Just as the soils absorb nutrients and toxins, so do the bodies. This project reflects on the permeability of the tissues that connect to the environment and the importance of keeping them safe and healthy.

Dutch Design Week: a vision of sustainable design

One of the most anticipated events in Eindhoven’s cultural calendar is the Dutch Design Week (DDW), an annual celebration of design innovation that attracts over 300,000 visitors. The 2024 edition emphasized themes of sustainability, recycling, and environmental innovation. Many of the projects showcased explored natural materials and eco-friendly technologies, promoting design solutions that respect and benefit the environment. The event serves as a vast laboratory of ideas, where each installation represents not only a work of art but also a vision for a greener and more sustainable future. One of the market leaders in the flower pot category Elho launched its innovation platform, elho X, during Dutch Design Week 2024 to collaborate with creatives in developing sustainable solutions. The platform’s debut project, Cooling Down the City, transforms an old oak tree suffering from urban stress into a green oasis, showcasing the positive impact of greenery. Compostboard by Rik Makes proposes a fully biobased material made from agricultural by-products like pepper plant, hemp, and flax fibres, bound with a non-toxic adhesive. Phytoextraction uses plants to absorb heavy metals from contaminated soil, and designer Marte Mei, working with the circular incubator De Ceuvel, transforms these plants into ceramic glazes, creating objects that embody the regeneration process. This work, showcased in the (W)aardewerk exhibition, links environmental restoration with sustainable craft.

GLOW: the magic of Light transforms the city

Completing the city’s rich cultural lineup is GLOW, a light festival held each November that brings together artists and designers from around the world. During GLOW, Eindhoven is transformed into a dazzling stage, where light-based installations integrate with the city’s architecture. Light becomes a medium to express futuristic visions, create immersive atmospheres, and engage visitors in unforgettable experiences. This festival underscores the city’s creative potential and highlights the role of light as both an artistic and technological element.

A continual innovation hub

Over the years, Eindhoven has earned a reputation as a continuous laboratory of innovation and creativity. The region’s unique blend of industrial heritage, strong connection to nature, and modern vision have turned this city and its surroundings into a must-visit destination for design and technology enthusiasts. Initiatives like Dutch Design Week and Glow are prime examples of how design and technology can be harnessed to foster sustainable solutions, inspiring a future where art and the environment harmonize.

With its ever-present creative energy and commitment to sustainability, Eindhoven stands as a model city, inspiring a new paradigm for urban spaces worldwide.