After 20 years: This is what it feels like to arrive in Neubrandenburg!

After 20 years: This is what it feels like to arrive in Neubrandenburg!

For many, returning home has a deeper meaning than just physically returning to a place. One author describes his return to Neubrandenburg after 20 years as a journey to more normality and social mix. In contrast to this was his life in Berlin, which he sees as a “bubble” characterized by uniformity among academics. In a personal report Northern Courier He talks about his experiences and experiences that quickly gave him a new feeling of home.

The author describes how he and his family left the horrors of the high standard of living and social norms in Berlin behind them. Instead, he values ​​the openness and contact with the people in Mecklenburg. He is particularly pleased with the social interactions in the Reitbahnviertel, where he is often spoken to in a friendly manner while he is shopping.

Experiences at home

After his return, the author experiences a wealth of positive interpersonal encounters. Whether it's the smiles of passers-by when his children parade past on their bikes or the friendliness of the salespeople in a Neubrandenburg bakery - he sees the commonality everywhere and appreciates the grandchildren on the playgrounds. It's the little things that bring great joy.

A special highlight of his return is a wine festival, where he meets old acquaintances and immerses himself in the joy of his home community. These encounters give him the feeling of arrival - a valuable experience that he would like to share in his column with anticipation of the topics to come.

Social mix as a challenge

But the discussion about social mixes runs through many cities and in different contexts. A current research project entitled “How to achieve the right social mix?” focuses on large residential developments in Berlin and Zurich. A report from BBSR highlights the challenge of implementing social mix and shows how housing companies can have a significant influence on the mix of tenants. The study is based on real estate industry data and incorporates various case-related strategies.

The results of this project are of interest to many municipalities as they provide approaches to strengthen social structures and promote a more vibrant, diverse community.

The discourse about urbanity

The line of thought surrounding social mix is ​​not new. The discourse on urbanity is always lively, but is influenced by current developments. An article by mezzanine brings this discourse to the point and addresses the challenges in urban society, where social groups often drift apart. The tradition of the European city is seen as an ideal, but reality shows that extreme forms such as gated communities and slums are on the rise.

A comprehensive publication entitled “Social Mixture of a City – Case Studies – Housing Policy in Europe – Historical Analysis” investigates these phenomena and offers historical perspectives paired with current challenges.

The author's return to Neubrandenburg may at first glance be a personal escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but it also reflects a larger discourse about social interactions and the pursuit of a mixed, vibrant community. It remains exciting to see how such experiences and research will shape urban development and what lessons can be learned from the past for the future.