Some of these subcultural ‘flagships’ “have been decisive in generating the global ‘brand Berlin’ as an innovative and ‘wild’ cultural metropolis”, and are the main reason for settlement of global media companies in the area, as these would love to be associated with the “authenticity of the subculture” and the “creative (…) image of the neighborhood”. Following general assumptions regarding location preferences of creative industries, companies are likely to be attracted to areas that contribute to a city’s ‘brand’, which applies to this case.
————————————————————————— The Pop-Up City
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Bar 25
Saved for 2010, it stays on the list nonetheless. Not the time to get complacent.
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Biesenthal
Home to more than just Goldmund festival, this is a safe-haven outside of Berlin will probably disappear by summer 2010. As I understand it, the land that this community lives on has just been declared constructible (because of one small derelict building on it) and will be sold for a higher price in the coming months. Hence pushing out the community and putting an end to this gem. Every time I have been there I have felt the pure magic of the place, and those that live there have invested in making it a unique fairytale- There is a sauna from which I will now never experience the Eis-Loch as I was to chicken to do it this winter (the dig a hole in the frozen lake, and after a good burn-out in the sauna you plunge into the freezing depths of Kleine Wukensee…), a tree house, outside volleyball, a small beach on the lake, a guest house (cause just about everyone I know always wants to go there), a stage, swings, games, parties, banquets, great music, and of course Goldmund festival. I feel priviledged to have been able to go so often, and very sad to see it leave, mostly for all of the efforts and hours some friends have put into making their bungalows their homes. So now what?
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Mauerpark
THE park. Soon to become THE park that thinks… you’ll see. I am following this one up close and personal.
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Schokoladen
Has the Berlin drink and smoke and listen to good music venue appeal.
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Supalife Kiosk
Great salon/shop on Raumerstrasse sells books and handmade silkscreen prints and is one of my favourite places to hang out and get inspiration, meet other designers and chat to whoever is working and get feedback on my work. They have all the books and magazines I want!! They really support the creative community through selling their work but also by promoting them and giving constructive criticism, and hold regular vernissages for book releases.
