Cultural Crossroads

In 2005, Germany’s »other Frankfurt« – Frankfurt (Oder), on the Polish border – was a rapidly shrinking city, hit hard by migration. We were hired by European University Viadrina to try to make a difference. As instructors in their Cultural Management program, we developed a concept that united Polish and German students (a third of the student body is Polish) and emphasized the importance of revitalizing the city center. In this way, a building slated for demolition became a student-run residence hall.

European University Viadrina Cultural Crossroads 2005–20

  • Verbündungshaus Fforst opened its gates in July 2006 and celebrated its 14th anniversary in 2020 During those years, what began as an experiment in international living, with a core group of just 15 students, became an integral part of Frankfurt (Oder’s) cultural and academic life. By now, more than 400 students of over 20 nationalities have inhabited its rooms.

  • But Fforst was always about more than just cheap accommodations – intercultural exchange, self-government and participation were just as important. And it’s produced a wealth of practical information for project organizers, which we compiled into a guidebook: verbuendungshaus fforst – eine Ermutigung / an encouragement. The book received multiple design awards, while the project itself was honored by the IKEA foundation as a model for future living.

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