Panel “Frei:Räume”, Oct 5, 2017, LA

Like hardly any other city, Berlin stands for freedom, creative rebellion and a willingness to experiment. Free urban spaces were and are the alcoves in which these values re lived and developed. They are the breeding ground for the development of new creative approaches within culture and society, and are more than just experimental spaces for social utopias. These spaces contribute significantly to the development of creative industries as an important pillar of a city’s economic and cultural foundation.

The importance of urban niches and free spaces will continue to exist in the future and serve as an important motor and catalyst for urban creativity and social change. What makes Berlin and Los Angeles unique in this context? What are the central lessons learned from Berlin’s History ? What is the role of urban free spaces for creative urban development? What are similarities and differences in this area between Los Angeles and Berlin? How can the two cities learn from each other?

The panel discussion „Frei:Räume“ discusses the role which protected niches and free spaces in the city take as catalysts for fostering new cultural, creative and societal models. Within this framework, we look at the development of Berlin and Los Angeles in that context through presenting selected initiatives in both cities. These presentations serve as a starting point for discussing similarities and differences in the urban development of Los Angeles and Berlin and to identify opportunities of how to learn from each other.

Moderation*:

Tom Wiscombe / Hernan Diaz (SCI-Arc, Los Angeles)

Participants*:

Dimitri Hegemann (Tresor/ Kraftwerk/ Detroit Berlin): A History of Berlin Subculture

Mario Husten (Holzmarkt) & Anna Pilipenko (Holzmarkt): Der Holzmarkt - from utopian refuge to urban future lab

Tom Gilmore: The cultural renaissance of LA - history and views

2 Bit Circus?