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.