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Ep. 19
This episode explores the story of Holzmarkt 25, a unique space in Berlin with a rich history. Once a timber market, it later became a gasworks, a dumping ground, and eventually the site of a legendary techno club, Bar 25. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, many empty spaces were reclaimed by locals, and Holzmarkt 25 emerged through a movement called interim use—where abandoned areas were temporarily used for creative and communal projects.
The space transformed into something permanent and special, thanks to a cooperative called the Genossenschaft für urbane Kreativität eG (gukeg). This cooperative model allowed residents, artists, and entrepreneurs to share ownership, reflecting their commitment to community and creativity. Their vision also included keeping the Spree Riverfront public, resisting privatization common in many cities.
Holzmarkt 25 is now a thriving, sustainable ecosystem, with over 100 cooperative members who have a say in its operations. Its model has resonated worldwide, though its success is closely tied to Berlin’s unique history. The essence of Holzmarkt—community, sustainability, and creativity—could be applied in other cities, reminding us of the power of grassroots movements and collective effort.
The conversation concludes with a question: What could a space like Holzmarkt 25 look like in your city?