Innovation District Strijp-T in Eindhoven, if you have outgrown Strijp-S.

Ad van Berlo, Boudie Hoogedeure, and Daan Heijsters (from left to right) from the Innovation District Strijp-T foundation in the rooftop garden of building TQ in Eindhoven. © FotoMeulenhof

EINDHOVEN - An ecosystem where companies strengthen each other. That plan seems to be working. In addition, a 'traditional' drink is indispensable.

Michel Theeuwen 22-05-19

Still this year, Strijp-T hopes to announce the last tenants of building TQ. Meanwhile, work is already underway to convert TY, the Glass Cathedral. And soon building TZ will also undergo a renovation; the green and blue colored facade parts will disappear. In the meantime, the existing tenants of Innovation Powerhouse TR and TQ are uniting in the foundation Innovation District Strijp-T.

The aim of the foundation is to form a community and connect the users on the modern business park between Beukenlaan, Zwaanstraat, and Achtseweg Zuid in Eindhoven. "But we also do not exclude participation of companies at Strijp-S and -R," says driving force and chairman Ad van Berlo of design agency Van Berlo.

The green/blue building TZ on Strijp-T will be renovated next by owner Geva BV © Michel Theeuwen

Transformation
He was the driving force behind the transformation of the former power plant TR into Innovation Powerhouse and the development of the rest of Strijp-T together with the owner of Geva BV. The goal was to create space for innovative design and manufacturing companies that are outgrowing Strijp-S. "We wanted to work on an ecosystem where we strengthen each other. So that we can take innovation to the next level. And it's starting to work. But to be truly successful, love must come from both sides, the 'residents' must also contribute. So that we can learn from each other," said Van Berlo.

Building TQ (long side) with TR (right), the former power plant now called Innovation Powerhouse, on Strijp-T in Eindhoven. In the background, among others, Strijp-S. © Michel Theeuwen

Daan Heijsters, intern at the TU/e Industrial Design program, has researched at the request of the tenants and owner Geva how to implement the 'connection, meeting, enrichment' in practice. "The conclusion is that this should not only be done digitally, through a good platform, but also physically. People should be able to meet each other at a barbecue on the rooftop garden, a drink, an exhibition, or a lecture. But innovation will always be the theme. And we also connect people through their profile on the platform, so they can meet interesting neighbors at the drink," said Heijsters. So far, the responses have been positive: 30 out of 45 companies have signed up. "That is also logical," says Van Berlo. "Because we do pre-select: only innovative, creative companies can establish themselves here, they are open to that."

A floor of building TQ on Achtseweg Zuid in Strijp-T in Eindhoven, with a view. © Michel Theeuwen

Success
Boudie Hoogedeure from Geva BV/Strijp-T says that the transformation and filling of the buildings in three years can be considered a success, during a tour of the final phase of TQ on Achtseweg Zuid. This includes, among other things, a second floor for Fontys ICT and one for the Brainport foundation. On the top floor, where the Philips canteen used to be, long tables are set up for a Google event. "For that, we will temporarily pause the work here."

The former Philips canteen on the top floor of building TQ on Achtseweg Zuid in Strijp-T in Eindhoven. © Michel Theeuwen

Trees on one of the floors of building TQ on Achtseweg Zuid in Strijp-T in Eindhoven. © Michel Theeuwen

The tower of building TQ on Achtseweg Zuid in Strijp-T in Eindhoven has been converted into a luxury meeting location. © Michel Theeuwen

In the former management canteen, the boardroom of Geva BV will be located. The turret next to the building has been renovated into a space that can be rented for corporate events. In addition to the transformation of the old buildings, there is also room for new construction, according to Hoogedeure. For example, the high-tech company Settles Savenije, located in the former TAQ pumping station, is expanding again with 5000 square meters, including cleanrooms. There is also space for new construction, for instance, at the location of the demolished emergency buildings on Achtseweg Zuid. Discussions are currently underway with the municipality because this would require a change in the zoning plan.

Source.