How ist the city’s landscape changing?

“Your city is your business”, craft sheet in support of the campaign against the demolition of the University of Applied Sciences building, 2017.
© PM

How have you experienced the city’s transformation?

Hardly any other city is undergoing as many architectural changes as Potsdam. The reason for this is the decision taken in 1990 to return to the city’s historic layout.

Whether it’s the University of Applied Sciences building on the Alter Markt, the redesign of public squares or the current dispute over the Garnisonkirche and the Data Processing Centre – many people are arguing and debating the future of their city.

How have you experienced the city’s transformation?

And what does it mean to you personally?

Buga-Park in Bornstedter Feld 2001
© ©Potsdam Museum, photo: Lutz Hannemann

The 2001 Federal Horticultural Show and the funding allocated for it accelerated the city’s transformation. In Bornstedt, the Volkspark gave rise to an entirely new residential area.

Photo of the construction crane at the Garrison Church building site, looking towards the corner of Breite Straße and Dortustraße, April 2021
© photo: Lara & Jojo

Five years ago, somewhere between far too much alcohol and some pretty bad decisions, we were out and about together in Potsdam.  At some point, we ended up on a crane at the Garnisonkirche – without even knowing what sort of place it actually was. We climbed up and just felt completely free up there. A totally wild, daft and unforgettable night. To be honest, though, we don’t really have an opinion on the Garnisonkirche and only know that it’s been the subject of heated debate.

Lara & Jojo, 26 years old, Potsdam-Drewitz

 

Showcase:

The pros and cons of reconstruction

Postcards opposing the reconstruction of the Garrison Church, 2014.

Appeal for donations towards the reconstruction of the Garrison Church, 2019.