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.
5 comments:
Yes, our tour guide was very passionate about the building and he was certainly frustrated with the current situation. Anyone else catch him swearing about gentrification?
Haha yes I did! He wasn't too pleased with it! Amanda, What do you think should happen to the space? Do you think they should tear it down or perhaps renovate/rebuild some areas of it to make it safe again.
I definitely think it should be kept, if some parts of it were restored would be great but then funding is always a problem. And as we can tell it is not going to come from the city.
perhaps private charitable funding will once again flow into this area? But probably not
I would agree with you Taya, I highly doubt that any charitable funding will arise to help save this building. There would have to be some type of fundraiser to get people interested in the building in the first place.
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