Die Wiesenburg Dies

Die Wiesenburg was an asylum (shelter) for the homeless people of Berlin that was built 120 years ago. It was built from funding from private investors rather than government money. This building was where homeless men and women could get refuge from the outside for up to 12 hours at a time, four times a month. As long as you followed the asylums rules you would not be kicked out. Some of the rules include no tobacco, no “cognac” and no gambling with cards. As a result of this people smoked marijuana, brewed their own alcohol and used dice for gambling. Each person remained anonymous but gave where they were from and their occupation. Upon entering the building people were able to go to the bathroom, have a bath and get clean clothes. The sleeping quarters could house 70 people, 90 at max capacity. This was for both the men and the women's areas. This facility also had a dining hall where everyone could go to have some type of meal.

The current state of Die Wiesenburg is one of disrepair. However there are people who are trying to preserve what is left of it. From what I observed during this visit the people who live in the house are very passionate about their building. This building has been used in several films and the occupants are film makers, dancers and artists. Just recently the land that this building is on has been taken over by the city; they just came in and took it. The city is trying to revitalize the area and basically wants to get rid of anything that is unsightly and unsafe for people. We are very fortunate to have gotten to see this building before it is no longer around. 

The Last Days of Die Weisenburg

Die Weisenburg, located at 55 Wiesenstrasse in the district of Wedding, was once an asylum for the homeless built in 1896.  Visitors were allowed to stay for 12 hours at a time, four times every month provided they followed a set of house rules.  These rules included no gambling with cards, no outside alcohol and no tobacco.  Anonymity was very important, and as such they did not require names, only the visitor's job and where they were from.  At the beginning of one's stay, they were allowed to go to the bathroom before they bathed and were given clean clothes to wear.  If someone was believed to carry lice or other parasites, they were given a thorough cleanse in a bath tub.  Once bathed and clothed, visitors would be given a bed in one of Die Weisenburg's ten sleeping halls for the night, gender segregated to avoid any incidents. At its peak, each sleeping hall could hold 90 beds.

Through World War 2, Die Weisenburg was damaged significantly and as such no longer served its purpose and was abandoned.  It continued to be cared for by some residents, until as recently as this last year the location was taken by the city and is in the slow process of redevelopment.  In the same time, Die Weisenburg found a new purpose as the location of many independent films, and also hosts a small band of artists and filmmakers on its premises.  However, in the next year or so the old buildings of Die Weisenburg will be removed (and these artists displaced), due to concerns of safety and aesthetics.

Bullet holes on the door to the sleeping hall 

May 13th Mini Task

Gentrification in Berlin!!

We explored two neighbourhoods today: one that is beginning to be affected by gentrification and one that is clearly already gentrified.  

The first neighbourhood we visited was in Friedrechshain. This area is beginning to be gentrified, but currently still houses a significant amount of alternative culture. For example, turning off of Revaler Straße we found a alternative space used for markets on the weekend. It was pretty neat, despite the strong smell of fresh urine.

Another obvious feature in this neighbourhood is the large amount of graffiti. Which in my opinion, can be nice and give a place character when it is well done. I noticed a ton of younger adults (student age) in this neighbourhood, many of which had some pretty funky style. One may say this neighbourhood was full of hipsters.

Of course, this neighbourhood also showed signs of gentrification. This is a picture of an apartment building in Boxhagener Platz. 

It's pretty easy to see here that part of this building has been recently renovated. Many of these fixed up apartment buildings were interspersed with those that were not yet showing signs of gentrification. Some of the shops I visited were also fairly pricey and one specifically sold expensive baby clothes. This combined with all the young kids at the park leads to believe the neighbourhood is not only full of hipsters, but young families. 
  We then traveled Northwest near to see a neighbourhood near Volkspark in Prenzlauerberg. This neighbourhood clearly had  brighter apartments in better condition, less graffiti and more cars parked on the street. It was also noted that nicer restaurants existed were pubs were previously located.

It was evident that gentrification is responsible for the pleasant looking buildings as many were currently being renovated (as shown below) and penthouses were added to many of the older apartment buildings. I also noted there were less hipsters and while in Friedrechshain I noticed some kids, it was far more evident in this neighbourhood. Stroller central! I was going to snap a photo of this, but it seemed a tad bit creepy. 

Mini Task- Gentrification

Throughout the course of our adventures on May 13 we were exposed to several different phases of gentrification. The first neighbourhood where this phenomenon can be seen is in early phases of the gentrification process, some of the buildings are in the process of being upgraded. Currently the neighbourhood consists of young adults and possibly students, but there is still a strong presence of small families with young children. However, as the top photo displays the overall appearance of the buildings is not overly attractive as there are very large amounts of graffiti.  There are several pubs and cafes in the area, and the diversity of the shops is very great. In the second neighbourhood visited the processes of gentrification were nearing completion, in this neighbourhood almost all of the buildings had been recently updated, the shops consisted mostly of coffee houses and small restaurants, more family friendly establishments. This area mainly consisted of families with young children. Small children rode they’re bikes on the sidewalks alongside their parents, and children walked home from school freely. The bottom photo displays this area, wherein, the buildings have obviously been restored recently and appear to be much more attractive.

Mini Task: Gentrification

Hyper-Gentrification

Location: East Side Gallery, Friedrichshaine

Depicts an apartment high-rise under construction. Previously was unoccupied land due to the Berlin Wall. East Side Gallery, the remnant of the Berlin Wall increases land value through cultural capital due to its landmark status. There is also the Spree River adjacent to the apartment which will increase its value.

Modernization Phase

Location: Simplonstraße, Friedrichshaine

These used to be occupied by the working class in the early 20th century until the 70’s when people with alternative-lifestyles came in. These apartments are still affordable however gentrification will be expected to intensify in the future.

Pioneer Phase

Location: Boxhagener Platz

Area where people with alternative views or lifestyles reside. The graffiti in the area *shown in the photo) is evidence of the low level of gentrification that is being experienced. The apartment in the photo also shows neglect in its façade which is another piece of evidence.

Different Levels of Gentrification

Location: Prenzlauer Berg

The darker apartment building on the left is at a lower level of gentrification compared to the apartment building to the right. Eventually it is expected that the lower level building will look more like the other. The lesser gentrified building will have a fancier façade and balconies. Prenzlauer Berg has a high density of families and many families were seen there while walking through the neighbourhood.

Hyper-Gentrification

Location: Prenzlauer Berg

In this case the apartment building has been modified vertically with the addition of a penthouse, characteristic of hyper-gentrification.

In What Ways Has Alexanderplatz Changed Since 1990?

Since reunification in 1990, Alexanderplatz has been one of the most important locations in Berlin.  In addition to the large complex of S-, U- and regional train stations, it is also one of the most recognizable locations in the city to meet thanks to the towering TV Tower nearby and the World Clock located within.  While some other areas changed significantly after reunification, Alexanderplatz has undergone more of a gradual change.  The most significant changes to the area are with the public transport stations, having to be restored from the years of abandonment during the Wall.

On the surface, it is harder to tell that things have been changed.  This is due to buildings, both new and old, designed and restored to maintain the identity and designs of the past.  The most notable example is the Galeria Kaufhof whose design in both material and construction closely match the historic buildings next to it.  Buildings, new and old, both took on different occupants – fast food restaurants and other chain-stores are some of the most notable.  Additionally a cinema has moved back into the area adding to the continued life of the area.