The socio-cultural idea of the project was to involve the residents of a large housing estate in the development of the social infrastructure and of functioning social structures in their urban district.

When planning and developing the Rieselfeld urban expansion project, meant for 10,000 inhabitants, the deficiencies of conventional large housing estates should be avoided. Miscellaneous supply facilities such as an LPT connection were already realised at the beginning of the construction period. The social infrastructure was supposed to be developed by the residents themselves based on stable social structures. This process was professionally supported. With the foundation of a club called K.I.O.S.K. e. V. (Kontakt, Information, Organisation, Selbsthilfe, Kultur – contact, information, organisation, self-help, culture) and the opening of a district shop, a supporting infrastructure was created. Furthermore, supply facilities such as a bakery or a post office were created at an early stage.

The task of building up the neighbourhood was assigned to an intermediary organisation (Kontaktstelle für praxisorientierte Forschung e.V., a contact point for applied sciences at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences in Freiburg). It was supposed to stimulate and support the establishment of a sustainable structure for everyday life. In order to promote work in the district, K.I.O.S.K. e. V., a club, was founded. It serves as a local contact point and fosters the participation of citizens in the planning and building activities.

The social and cultural identity within the urban district was strengthened from the beginning on. The residents played an active role in shaping their new living environment. A manifold and livable district was thus created.

The measure addresses the residents of the urban district.

Besides municipal funds, a considerable amount of third-party funds could be obtained (job-creation measures, Hilfe zur Arbeit – a motto of the state-run job centres which means to find work for unemployed people instead of paying unemployment benefits, research funds).

Stadt Freiburg (City Council of Freiburg)
Freiburg
Germany
rieselfeld@stadt.freiburg.de
http://www.rieselfeld.freiburg.de/
Projektgruppe Rieselfeld (Rieselfeld project group), tel. +49 (0)761/201 4091

01/11/1994

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation, Support for local groups