Pott2010: The Ruhrgebiet is heading for the future.

Structural changes are taking place in Germanys Ruhrgebiet. After 150 years of mining and steel production the Ruhrgebiet is developing from a dilapidated industrial region into an area which is proceeding to use its given advantages.

Since the 1960s the Ruhrgebiet is changing its focus towards technology and service. The 5th biggest agglomeration area in Europe after Paris, Moscow, London and Istanbul is the “Revier” as well as the densest populated region in Germany with 5.3 million inhabitants. Borders are whipped out and more and more the whole region is developing into “Ruhr City” a metropolis with urban character. Also a change of minds takes place. Leaving its dirty coalmine image behind the region wants to use its potential from its industrial heritage to form innovations.