Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Gorbitz city oasis
Gorbitz Zwinger festival- shaping neighboorhoods together
The Gorbitzer Zwingerfestspiele were a week-long performance initiated by FOR:UM in Dresden on a temporarily opened sports field, organized together with local actors and residents. The main goal is to reopen the space permanently. This neighborhood is a socio-culturally mixed place lacking public, lively spaces.Throughout the festival, the site hosted low-threshold activities such as DIY construction workshops, a neighborhood kitchen, and an open cultural stage to strengthen the communal sense.
Germany
Local
Dresden, Germany
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2025-01-16
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
In the large housing estate of Gorbitz, diverse living realities intersect, shaped by migration histories, age structures, and socio-economic status. This presents challenges but also opportunities for the district as an arrival city.
Since 2024, the situation has worsened as people with long-term prospects are often placed on the outskirts, reinforcing segregation. Gorbitz North is particularly affected, lacking leisure and sports facilities compared to the central, more accessible Gorbitz South. Discussions with residents and initiatives highlighted a strong demand for inclusive cultural offerings. Many struggle to connect with existing programs due to mutual hesitation between providers and refugees. In 2023, successful formats were implemented by us, revealing a lack of public meeting spaces (third places).
One key example is the sports field on Sanddornstraße, closed during the pandemic and never reopened. This led to our four main target groups: refugees from the container settlement, children and youth (including the "Puzzle" children’s club), residents of all ages, and local social institutions. Our one week- long project aimed to engage these groups through diverse, low-threshold, hands-on activities, fostering social interaction with minimal language barriers. The focus was on spontaneous, barrier-free participation through a “do-it-together” approach. The sports field, as a well-known public space, provided accessibility regardless of social or economic background, even attracting random passersby.The project was highly successful and well-attended, sometimes almost exceeding social care capacities. Residents and stakeholders welcomed the networking opportunities, leading to ongoing neighborhood meetings working on permanent workshops and reuse concepts. A space to discuss recent struggles in the neighboorhood in a vacant mall was funded this january.
Since 2024, the situation has worsened as people with long-term prospects are often placed on the outskirts, reinforcing segregation. Gorbitz North is particularly affected, lacking leisure and sports facilities compared to the central, more accessible Gorbitz South. Discussions with residents and initiatives highlighted a strong demand for inclusive cultural offerings. Many struggle to connect with existing programs due to mutual hesitation between providers and refugees. In 2023, successful formats were implemented by us, revealing a lack of public meeting spaces (third places).
One key example is the sports field on Sanddornstraße, closed during the pandemic and never reopened. This led to our four main target groups: refugees from the container settlement, children and youth (including the "Puzzle" children’s club), residents of all ages, and local social institutions. Our one week- long project aimed to engage these groups through diverse, low-threshold, hands-on activities, fostering social interaction with minimal language barriers. The focus was on spontaneous, barrier-free participation through a “do-it-together” approach. The sports field, as a well-known public space, provided accessibility regardless of social or economic background, even attracting random passersby.The project was highly successful and well-attended, sometimes almost exceeding social care capacities. Residents and stakeholders welcomed the networking opportunities, leading to ongoing neighborhood meetings working on permanent workshops and reuse concepts. A space to discuss recent struggles in the neighboorhood in a vacant mall was funded this january.
Urban Intervention
Tactical Urbanism
Community organization
local potential (Stakeholder collaboration)
sustainability
One of the core ideas of the FOR:UM is working with and in existing structures, such as social and material infrastructures. Therefore, all of these values were implied with best intentions at Gorbitzer Zwingerfestspiele, starting with the use of a well established, accessible space, providing basic infrastructure like a fence for security, road networks and playground structures. By valuing the space that the neighborhood has used with joy and memory, we undermine and empower the existing emotional connection.
Sustainability was also practiced when choosing and working with the local actors. Due to earlier successful projects, we already knew who had made previous contact with the residents. We worked with Kinder- & Familientreff Puzzle (Omse e.V.), Westhangmobil (Treberhilfe e.V.), Migrationssozialarbeit West (SUFW e.V.), Passage - Jugendkunstschule Dresden, Quartiersmanagement Dresden Gorbitz, Johanniter Unfallhilfe e.V. and Neues Volkshaus Cotta (Konglomerat e.V.).
In addition consumable materials were sourced mindfully. Tableware and tables were borrowed, and the workshop material for example for the stools came from remaining broomsticks and textile leftovers. Participants were asked to bring cups or their own t shirts for the silk screen printing workshop. This does not only save material, but also increases appreciation and a sense of responsibility towards things you have created yourself.
Sustainability was also practiced when choosing and working with the local actors. Due to earlier successful projects, we already knew who had made previous contact with the residents. We worked with Kinder- & Familientreff Puzzle (Omse e.V.), Westhangmobil (Treberhilfe e.V.), Migrationssozialarbeit West (SUFW e.V.), Passage - Jugendkunstschule Dresden, Quartiersmanagement Dresden Gorbitz, Johanniter Unfallhilfe e.V. and Neues Volkshaus Cotta (Konglomerat e.V.).
In addition consumable materials were sourced mindfully. Tableware and tables were borrowed, and the workshop material for example for the stools came from remaining broomsticks and textile leftovers. Participants were asked to bring cups or their own t shirts for the silk screen printing workshop. This does not only save material, but also increases appreciation and a sense of responsibility towards things you have created yourself.
The FOR:UM project is resolutely committed to participatory processes and co-creation of public spaces. During the festival, we approached the site as a real-world laboratory, offering elements more as impulses than as static artworks. Our goal was to enhance the “inner” aesthetic of the block.
For example, we transformed the basketball court into a vibrant festival area, demonstrating how this shared, public space could be reimagined beyond its usual appearance as a cinder court with a fence. A large awning made from an old parachute //old hot air balloon//, pavilions and garlands made from scraps of fabric were the main features of the space. The sun sail, preselected, took colors from the surroundings and emphasized them. In this way, the dreary place was upgraded and it was shown how an aesthetically pleasing transformation can be created with simple means.
The festival program has been designed to evolve and transform the site each day. On the first day, we labeled different areas together with the participants, creating signs by hand and asking for their input on how the space should be shaped. This allowed their personal handwriting and skills to be visible in the final design. We then offered a series of creative workshops centered on reusing materials, embracing the unexpected, and encouraging creative collaboration. The goal was never to impose a single overall design but rather to give the space back to the people, enabling them to make it their own.
Over the course of the week, the space evolved further, with individuals bringing their own flags, T-shirts, and artworks to contribute. By the end, the place had been profoundly transformed into a playful assembly of painted tennis tables, handmade mini golf courses, a large refreshing pool and a lively party stage - capturing the collective creativity and energy of the participants.
For example, we transformed the basketball court into a vibrant festival area, demonstrating how this shared, public space could be reimagined beyond its usual appearance as a cinder court with a fence. A large awning made from an old parachute //old hot air balloon//, pavilions and garlands made from scraps of fabric were the main features of the space. The sun sail, preselected, took colors from the surroundings and emphasized them. In this way, the dreary place was upgraded and it was shown how an aesthetically pleasing transformation can be created with simple means.
The festival program has been designed to evolve and transform the site each day. On the first day, we labeled different areas together with the participants, creating signs by hand and asking for their input on how the space should be shaped. This allowed their personal handwriting and skills to be visible in the final design. We then offered a series of creative workshops centered on reusing materials, embracing the unexpected, and encouraging creative collaboration. The goal was never to impose a single overall design but rather to give the space back to the people, enabling them to make it their own.
Over the course of the week, the space evolved further, with individuals bringing their own flags, T-shirts, and artworks to contribute. By the end, the place had been profoundly transformed into a playful assembly of painted tennis tables, handmade mini golf courses, a large refreshing pool and a lively party stage - capturing the collective creativity and energy of the participants.
Inherited in the project was the diverse target group, leading to encounters which are usually uncommon. Due to the mix of socio- economic groups in Gorbitz, the offers had to be created for all age groups and ethnic communities. Because a common spoken language or political attitude was not a resource in this project, we have used connecting social practice as a base tool that has brought people together who would otherwise be afraid of contact. Still, we put up highest efforts to translate posters into as many languages as possible for inclusive marketing. Collective building enabled exchange and trust in team partners, while gaining building skills and the experience of self-efficacy.
The open canteen brought participants together, also by establishing contacts between local sponsors and participants. Families were brought together, particularly in the evening when mothers took over the neighborhood kitchen. This format also teached cooking and teamwork skills. The cooking always included a vegetarian and halal friendly option.
During the sports activities, values such as fairness and having fun as a team were experienced in a playful way. Participation also encouraged the consideration of joining sports clubs. In terms of the specific project, the reuse of the sports field for the actual use has drawn attention to the problem of the closure.
Participants were able to take part free of charge the whole time. The sports ground is barrier-free and the offers were accessible and adaptive.
The use of existing infrastructure such as the field or existing clubs serves as a model for other projects. Thanks to this and state funding, the project was able to welcome everyone without financial means to payand therefore completely affordable.
By cooperating with a variety of partners, we were sure to meet a broad spectrum of offers: for example an elderly coffee table, offers for young children and youth or musical performances from a kurdish and german group.
The open canteen brought participants together, also by establishing contacts between local sponsors and participants. Families were brought together, particularly in the evening when mothers took over the neighborhood kitchen. This format also teached cooking and teamwork skills. The cooking always included a vegetarian and halal friendly option.
During the sports activities, values such as fairness and having fun as a team were experienced in a playful way. Participation also encouraged the consideration of joining sports clubs. In terms of the specific project, the reuse of the sports field for the actual use has drawn attention to the problem of the closure.
Participants were able to take part free of charge the whole time. The sports ground is barrier-free and the offers were accessible and adaptive.
The use of existing infrastructure such as the field or existing clubs serves as a model for other projects. Thanks to this and state funding, the project was able to welcome everyone without financial means to payand therefore completely affordable.
By cooperating with a variety of partners, we were sure to meet a broad spectrum of offers: for example an elderly coffee table, offers for young children and youth or musical performances from a kurdish and german group.
Many people in Gorbitz complain about the predominantly negative reporting in the media. The great voluntary commitment and positive developments in the neighbourhood are often only perceived as ‘quiet voices’. Positive activities in public spaces such as our Festival “Gorbitzer Zwingerfestspiele” helped to improve the image of the neighbourhood and the community and now have a positive influence on public perception.
The sports field and its surroundings have been upgraded by the project. The currently unused sports field was transformed into a temporary meeting place in Gorbitz Nord that was accessible to everyone through joint planning and construction as well as the use of infrastructure. The successful realisation of the project offered the opportunity to convince larger players such as Vonovia, which is currently responsible for the sports field, of the concept and to make the sports field usable again in the long term. By jointly appropriating the public space as a meeting place and stage, the long-term goal is to awaken understanding and enthusiasm for co-creative processes in urban development among local decision-makers. This not only has a positive effect on the direct project location, but also on the entire Gorbitz Nord neighbourhood and makes the actors and their offerings more visible to the residents of Gorbitz Nord.
The sports field and its surroundings have been upgraded by the project. The currently unused sports field was transformed into a temporary meeting place in Gorbitz Nord that was accessible to everyone through joint planning and construction as well as the use of infrastructure. The successful realisation of the project offered the opportunity to convince larger players such as Vonovia, which is currently responsible for the sports field, of the concept and to make the sports field usable again in the long term. By jointly appropriating the public space as a meeting place and stage, the long-term goal is to awaken understanding and enthusiasm for co-creative processes in urban development among local decision-makers. This not only has a positive effect on the direct project location, but also on the entire Gorbitz Nord neighbourhood and makes the actors and their offerings more visible to the residents of Gorbitz Nord.
The FOR:UM project is built on a strong network of local partners, institutions, and multipliers, ensuring an inclusive and sustainable implementation. Collaboration is essential to leveraging existing resources, creating synergies, and effectively reaching different target groups.
In recent years, FOR:UM has successfully implemented various formats in public spaces in Gorbitz, including construction workshops, intercultural cooking events, and a skate contest. This engagement has fostered long-term trust and stable connections with residents, particularly within refugee and migrant communities. Refugees who have since obtained residency status have become key multipliers, helping to engage new participants.
The project is actively embedded in local coordination structures, including the Gorbitz Stakeholder Meetings, strengthening collaboration with social and cultural organizations. Established partners include:
Children & Family Center Puzzle (Omse e.V.) – connecting local families and youth
Westhangmobil (Treberhilfe e.V.) – outreach and mobile social work
Migrant Social Work West (SUFW e.V.) – supporting refugee participation
Passage – Youth Art School Dresden – cultural and educational programming
Gorbitz Neighborhood Management – urban development coordination
Johanniter Refugee Accommodation Management – integration and support for newly arrived residents
This strategic collaboration model ensures that the project is deeply embedded in the local community, fostering long-term engagement, cross-sector cooperation, and sustainable social impact.
On a regional level, the project was funded by the State Ministry for Social and Societal Cohesion.
In recent years, FOR:UM has successfully implemented various formats in public spaces in Gorbitz, including construction workshops, intercultural cooking events, and a skate contest. This engagement has fostered long-term trust and stable connections with residents, particularly within refugee and migrant communities. Refugees who have since obtained residency status have become key multipliers, helping to engage new participants.
The project is actively embedded in local coordination structures, including the Gorbitz Stakeholder Meetings, strengthening collaboration with social and cultural organizations. Established partners include:
Children & Family Center Puzzle (Omse e.V.) – connecting local families and youth
Westhangmobil (Treberhilfe e.V.) – outreach and mobile social work
Migrant Social Work West (SUFW e.V.) – supporting refugee participation
Passage – Youth Art School Dresden – cultural and educational programming
Gorbitz Neighborhood Management – urban development coordination
Johanniter Refugee Accommodation Management – integration and support for newly arrived residents
This strategic collaboration model ensures that the project is deeply embedded in the local community, fostering long-term engagement, cross-sector cooperation, and sustainable social impact.
On a regional level, the project was funded by the State Ministry for Social and Societal Cohesion.
The building workshops were mainly supervised by us, the FOR:UM. In the process, skills in planning, assembling and working together were taught. The joy of a finished product was particularly great and allowed the festival area to grow over the course of the week. The buildings were left to the neighborhood for reuse. The offer was used especially by older children and teenagers.
The daily neighborhood kitchen taught cooking skills and provided an opportunity to get to know dishes and preparation methods from other cultures. Almost everyone involved worked together, especially mothers, on the intercultural cooking evening. We provided the mobile kitchen, which was supplemented by the offerings of the Club Passage senior citizens' café and the social work with immigrants. The link with existing offers has given the long-term nature of such gatherings as an outlook.
Every day, there was the opportunity to play ball, jump rope or use the self-built table tennis and mini golf tables. On the day of the Olympics, all these activities came together. In addition, an external dancer gave a workshop. In this way, fairness, fun and team spirit could be learned in a playful way, and strongly socially formed groups could be temporarily dissolved and mixed.
At the handicraft station, where chains were made or screen printing was done, further handicraft skills were demonstrated. At the end, drawings, pictures and rules were bound in a magazine workshop. Such a haptic examination promotes the perception and memory of the living environment and the experiences through an artistic approach, and makes them tangible.
Finally, a photographer and a filmmaker documented the project in order to make the process media-effective.
The daily neighborhood kitchen taught cooking skills and provided an opportunity to get to know dishes and preparation methods from other cultures. Almost everyone involved worked together, especially mothers, on the intercultural cooking evening. We provided the mobile kitchen, which was supplemented by the offerings of the Club Passage senior citizens' café and the social work with immigrants. The link with existing offers has given the long-term nature of such gatherings as an outlook.
Every day, there was the opportunity to play ball, jump rope or use the self-built table tennis and mini golf tables. On the day of the Olympics, all these activities came together. In addition, an external dancer gave a workshop. In this way, fairness, fun and team spirit could be learned in a playful way, and strongly socially formed groups could be temporarily dissolved and mixed.
At the handicraft station, where chains were made or screen printing was done, further handicraft skills were demonstrated. At the end, drawings, pictures and rules were bound in a magazine workshop. Such a haptic examination promotes the perception and memory of the living environment and the experiences through an artistic approach, and makes them tangible.
Finally, a photographer and a filmmaker documented the project in order to make the process media-effective.
The project demonstrates how monofunctional spaces can be transformed into flexible, multifunctional meeting places through co-creation. While sports fields are traditionally reserved for athletic activities, this initiative reimagined the space as a hybrid venue for cultural, social, and creative engagement. This innovation emerged through participatory design, where collective decision-making and diverse ideas reshaped the site’s potential.
A key innovation lies in the real-world laboratory (Reallabor) approach. Instead of relying on rigid urban planning, the project evolved as an experimental process, allowing for real-time adaptation to local needs. Urban living is constantly changing, particularly in socially diverse neighborhoods like Gorbitz.
Traditional, long-term urban development plans often lack the flexibility to address current challenges. Reallabs provide adaptive, iterative solutions, ensuring urban spaces remain dynamic and community-driven.
The co-production model further differentiates this project from conventional participation formats. Rather than merely consulting residents, the initiative empowered them to take ownership—whether by constructing furniture, designing a mini-golf course, or organizing cultural activities. This community-driven design approach fostered deeper engagement and strengthened local networks, leading to a lasting sense of agency.
Another innovative element is the sustainability of shared urban resources. Many urban interventions are temporary, but this project was designed for long-term impact. Structures were handed over to local stakeholders, ensuring continued use beyond the project’s duration. This commons-based urban development model presents a scalable approach to sustainable city-making.
A key innovation lies in the real-world laboratory (Reallabor) approach. Instead of relying on rigid urban planning, the project evolved as an experimental process, allowing for real-time adaptation to local needs. Urban living is constantly changing, particularly in socially diverse neighborhoods like Gorbitz.
Traditional, long-term urban development plans often lack the flexibility to address current challenges. Reallabs provide adaptive, iterative solutions, ensuring urban spaces remain dynamic and community-driven.
The co-production model further differentiates this project from conventional participation formats. Rather than merely consulting residents, the initiative empowered them to take ownership—whether by constructing furniture, designing a mini-golf course, or organizing cultural activities. This community-driven design approach fostered deeper engagement and strengthened local networks, leading to a lasting sense of agency.
Another innovative element is the sustainability of shared urban resources. Many urban interventions are temporary, but this project was designed for long-term impact. Structures were handed over to local stakeholders, ensuring continued use beyond the project’s duration. This commons-based urban development model presents a scalable approach to sustainable city-making.
The project follows the Social City model, aiming for sustainable, inclusive urban development. As a real-world lab, it tests innovative participation methods that engage residents in shaping their environment.
Co-creation, Urban Design Thinking, and Tactical Urbanism create social spaces and drive long-term change.
The implementation follows four phases:
Outreach & participatory dialogue: While project ideas were pre-developed, they were refined with local stakeholders. Through conversations, workshops, and FOR:UM micro-architecture interventions, needs were identified, and networks strengthened.
Co-creation & collaborative building: In a Do-It-Together (DIT) workshop, residents, artists, and craftspeople designed modular, multifunctional structures—seating, sports equipment, and mobile kitchens. Urban Design Thinking enabled iterative infrastructure adaptation.
Tactical Urbanism & social activation: The structures served as temporary meeting spaces, hosting low-threshold events like intercultural cooking, sports, and arts workshops. Tactical urbanism demonstrated alternative uses and strengthened social ties.
Collaboration & long-term impact: Structures and formats were embedded through partnerships (e.g., Youth Art School, Volkshaus Cotta, Johanniter). The process empowered residents and reinforced cooperation between social and cultural initiatives.
With a participatory, cooperative, and adaptive approach, the project blends experimental urban design with social networks. It fosters accessible spaces for interaction and serves as a model for inclusive, community-driven urban development.
Co-creation, Urban Design Thinking, and Tactical Urbanism create social spaces and drive long-term change.
The implementation follows four phases:
Outreach & participatory dialogue: While project ideas were pre-developed, they were refined with local stakeholders. Through conversations, workshops, and FOR:UM micro-architecture interventions, needs were identified, and networks strengthened.
Co-creation & collaborative building: In a Do-It-Together (DIT) workshop, residents, artists, and craftspeople designed modular, multifunctional structures—seating, sports equipment, and mobile kitchens. Urban Design Thinking enabled iterative infrastructure adaptation.
Tactical Urbanism & social activation: The structures served as temporary meeting spaces, hosting low-threshold events like intercultural cooking, sports, and arts workshops. Tactical urbanism demonstrated alternative uses and strengthened social ties.
Collaboration & long-term impact: Structures and formats were embedded through partnerships (e.g., Youth Art School, Volkshaus Cotta, Johanniter). The process empowered residents and reinforced cooperation between social and cultural initiatives.
With a participatory, cooperative, and adaptive approach, the project blends experimental urban design with social networks. It fosters accessible spaces for interaction and serves as a model for inclusive, community-driven urban development.
The project is replicable, first and foremost, in terms of the location. In every European country, especially in the cities, there are arrival districts and so-called problem neighborhoods that are neglected in terms of urban planning, even though the greatest need and diversity awaits there. In every place, there are existing, abandoned or poorly managed offers for young people and families with an already existing infrastructure in terms of connections and awareness. The method and selection of participants can also be transferred, namely the core value of local knowledge. Local residents and organizations always have an advantage over professional planners because they know the processes or locally specific characteristics. This existing knowledge is best suited to addressing needs and designing the place in such participation and hands-on projects. Therefore, networking in the neighborhood with social and cultural associations can serve as a model here.
Another method is co-production. Co-production is a collaborative process in which multiple stakeholders, such as public institutions, private organizations, and citizens, jointly design, implement, and manage services or projects to achieve shared goals.
As a collective, we want real participation and real involvement in urban design, from start to finish! That's why we set up feedback boards for wishes and designed every workshop and every part or activity in such a way that it was possible to make decisions, reach compromises and negotiate the program within a certain framework. Because public space belongs to everyone and the structures for co-production are everywhere. They just have to be activated and allowed. So we worked in Gorbitz with the bottom-up principle, or with common-public partnerships.
Another method is co-production. Co-production is a collaborative process in which multiple stakeholders, such as public institutions, private organizations, and citizens, jointly design, implement, and manage services or projects to achieve shared goals.
As a collective, we want real participation and real involvement in urban design, from start to finish! That's why we set up feedback boards for wishes and designed every workshop and every part or activity in such a way that it was possible to make decisions, reach compromises and negotiate the program within a certain framework. Because public space belongs to everyone and the structures for co-production are everywhere. They just have to be activated and allowed. So we worked in Gorbitz with the bottom-up principle, or with common-public partnerships.
Although our practice is rooted in the local context, we feel deeply connected to global urban challenges. We view every public space as a meeting point—an opportunity to bridge social and cultural divides.
We focus our intervention on reinforcing accessible public spaces, aiming to integrate diverse groups and provide opportunities for imagination and future-building.
In order to minimize CO2 emissions and to work with what had already been produced, we set high standards for borrowing materials or integrating them into a cycle. In particular, festivals or temporary events often generate a lot of waste and this approach tackles the issue broadly.
This project is part of a broader transformation process in the peripheral social housing areas of large cities. The main issues are the accessibility of services and infrastructures as well as the integration of newcomers in the neighbourhood. Our goal is to contribute to a positive example of best practices for arrival cities, creating a model of inclusion, connectivity, and support for all inhabitants. Oftentimes, low- income population groups are displaced and invisible groups in the cityshape, although they are just as much part of the city as everybody else!
Our project helped to make everyone visible because shaping our future environment together is the only option for it to be inclusive, successful and sustainable.
We focus our intervention on reinforcing accessible public spaces, aiming to integrate diverse groups and provide opportunities for imagination and future-building.
In order to minimize CO2 emissions and to work with what had already been produced, we set high standards for borrowing materials or integrating them into a cycle. In particular, festivals or temporary events often generate a lot of waste and this approach tackles the issue broadly.
This project is part of a broader transformation process in the peripheral social housing areas of large cities. The main issues are the accessibility of services and infrastructures as well as the integration of newcomers in the neighbourhood. Our goal is to contribute to a positive example of best practices for arrival cities, creating a model of inclusion, connectivity, and support for all inhabitants. Oftentimes, low- income population groups are displaced and invisible groups in the cityshape, although they are just as much part of the city as everybody else!
Our project helped to make everyone visible because shaping our future environment together is the only option for it to be inclusive, successful and sustainable.
First of all, for the sports field itself, the festival significantly increased the likelihood that the sports field will reopen.
The project was initially very well received by the residents, and right at the end of the week we were asked when we would be back, when the sports field would reopen. That's the most important feedback for us! If it gave people fun and a positive picture of their neighborhood.
In addition, we also received feedback from our cooperation partners that the sports field was really needed as a place and also for better networking with each other, and that this time was unique. We received enquiries by email about how to proceed. In addition to the buildings, T-shirts, zines and memories, a YouTube video with Dresden artists about the week and interviews about the situation was produced and published.
This was used in city council meetings as a summary and best practice example to illustrate the possibilities and potentials. In the case study arrival quarters lead by the technical university Berlin and others, which aims to analyze the role of arrival neighborhoods in Germany in integrating immigrants by examining their social, economic, and spatial dynamics, our project Gorbitzer Zwingerfestspiele is found as a best practice example and embedded into further networking meetings and developments.
In addition, a follow-up project received a small financial grant from the “Quartiermeister” after the success of the project. Quartiermeister is a social enterprise that supports projects for social participation. Through the “Zwingerfestspiele” as a solid basis and the needs that were identified, it became clear that the entire neighborhood can only solve problems and make coexistence cooler by incorporating local knowledge! Therefore, in spring, an empty shop space in the nearby shopping center will be used for two weeks to design an ideas district and to provide a weather-protected place for exchange in the shop.
The project was initially very well received by the residents, and right at the end of the week we were asked when we would be back, when the sports field would reopen. That's the most important feedback for us! If it gave people fun and a positive picture of their neighborhood.
In addition, we also received feedback from our cooperation partners that the sports field was really needed as a place and also for better networking with each other, and that this time was unique. We received enquiries by email about how to proceed. In addition to the buildings, T-shirts, zines and memories, a YouTube video with Dresden artists about the week and interviews about the situation was produced and published.
This was used in city council meetings as a summary and best practice example to illustrate the possibilities and potentials. In the case study arrival quarters lead by the technical university Berlin and others, which aims to analyze the role of arrival neighborhoods in Germany in integrating immigrants by examining their social, economic, and spatial dynamics, our project Gorbitzer Zwingerfestspiele is found as a best practice example and embedded into further networking meetings and developments.
In addition, a follow-up project received a small financial grant from the “Quartiermeister” after the success of the project. Quartiermeister is a social enterprise that supports projects for social participation. Through the “Zwingerfestspiele” as a solid basis and the needs that were identified, it became clear that the entire neighborhood can only solve problems and make coexistence cooler by incorporating local knowledge! Therefore, in spring, an empty shop space in the nearby shopping center will be used for two weeks to design an ideas district and to provide a weather-protected place for exchange in the shop.
