Whenever Saskia Neumeister looks down from the window of her apartment, she sees more than just a dull surface. In your mind’s eye, the small square on the corner of Volkartstrasse and Dom-Pedro-Strasse in Neuhausen transforms into a lively oasis. Into an outdoor living room where neighbors meet, where children play, where social life takes place.
Neumeister is not a dreamer. Even if, as the business economist admits with a smile, this place occasionally haunts her sleep at night. But from her point of view, that just proves that “my heart is in this place.”
The 43-year-old native of Brazil is convinced that a city worth living in needs social spaces. And the initiative to create such meeting places does not always have to come from the municipality. Within just a few months, Neumeister managed to gather 19 fellow campaigners who have set themselves the goal of making this place in Neuhausen more lovable. And first of all, secure the support of the district committee. “I know there are many people who are lonely, including younger people. If we manage to make this place beautiful together, it would not only bring the neighborhood together.” It would, she emphasizes, “enhance the entire district.”
Neumeister already gained his first experiences in April. Together with her two children, she planted a bed in front of her front door, and even this small patch of green turned out to be a communication magnet across generations. Neighbors offered to water the plants, people started talking, and dog owners were careful not to dirty the area. “Sometimes,” says the Neuhaus native with a smile, “it was almost like a flirtation session.”
A little later, in June, Neumeister met Carina Losert at the court flea market. The 38-year-old lives with her family in a high-rise building diagonally across the street. Farm flea markets are a social event, people meet, chat – and ideally one or two favorite items change hands. Losert bought a skirt from Neumeister, they chatted, and the topic quickly became about the place. “He is gray and loveless,” says the studied philosopher. “And often not particularly clean either.”
Colorful bunting was the first trial balloon
But what to do? The first thing Neumeister did was to “wrap up” the place: she hung up colorful bunting with shells and received a lot of positive feedback. “For the first time people really noticed the space there,” she says. It wasn’t until months later that she found out that such decorations were not permitted in public spaces. At the same time, the young woman learned that not everyone is enthusiastic. “I don’t feel like being in the circus here,” two women told her who were afraid that the place could turn into a party zone, she says. “One of them then cut through one of the buntings.”
Neumeister now knows that getting the environment on board is essential. The pennants are a thing of the past, but other stimulating elements are being discussed. An open bookcase, for example. The two initiators are already in close contact with architect Jürgen Jensen and Katharina Müller from the studio-workshop Machwerk, who are responsible for Neuhausen’s first bookcase on the corner of Nymphenburger and Waisenhausstrasse. Two raised beds could also be set up. There could be wildflowers instead of just green lawns. More seating.
Neumeister and Losert could also imagine a sandpit or a box with chalk that children could use to paint the floor until the next rain. Art projects are also up for debate: the uncharming concrete bollards, for example, could be wrapped with leftover wool. Or you could set up an easel framed with weatherproof paintings. The two activists would also like a café – or at least the opportunity to get a coffee somewhere nearby. There are also occasional events such as a swap market or a neighborhood festival.
The first 3,000 euros for a micro oasis have already been approved
But – very important – everything coordinated with the neighbors. “I can address a lot of things – but we residents have to move it together. Everyone in their own flow and with their strength,” emphasizes Neumeister. The district committee is supporting the initiative; a few days ago the district committee approved a good 3,000 euros for the creation of the “Neuhauser Platz Micro-Oasis”.
From January 8th to 31st, all around a thousand neighbors will be invited to have a say in the future of the square using flyers and posters. Participation is possible online. Or by attending the district committee meeting on January 23rd at 7:30 p.m. in the Trafo cultural center at Nymphenburger Straße 171a and voting there in paper form. In any case, Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) has already signaled his goodwill for the commitment in a letter to the initiators.
If you would like to participate: The group is available via email [email protected] reachable.