The Birth of the Squatter’s Movement
The squatters’ movement was born in Britain in the 60s, but soon spread to other European cities like Berlin. T his is linked to the punk and underground culture. While almost everyone has been considered an illegal squatting, was legalized in Germany from 90, making Berlin the same cradle. In the city adopted the name “Instandbesetzen” union of two words that mean renovation and occupy. One of the most important hallmarks of the city of Berlin are your squats. Although in the past five years the capital has undergone a massive transformation due to the construction of new examples of modern architecture such as the Potsdamer Platz, Berlie n is still the Queen City of the squatters and the center of the punk movement.
In the east (particularly in the Mitte district) can breathe much more this cultural, political and social. The squats are to be seen by all sites and is that after the legalization of same, many have become centers cultural and artistic. In addition, some movement have emerged a host of alternative spaces such as bars, bookshops, etc. Is so strong roots of this culture in Berlin, not just houses or squatter buildings, but entire blocks. Some live in wagons or trucks, crammed into squares or open ground, creating huge settlements. The districts of Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichschain, all east of Berlin, are the squatters have more settlements. There breathes a subculture of autonomy, spontaneity and improvisation.
Mitte is best known for hosting the Tacheles building, one of the centers of the world’s most famous squatters. Tacheles Tacheles The gigantic building was built in 1907 and housed a huge mall. The company went bankrupt after all the years Tacheles would be demolished, but in February 1990, was squatted by a group of young artists from around the world. What began as a simple house Okupa, is today one of the most famous cultural centers of alternative Berlin. Since tear down the Wall, has been known Tacheles combine their anarchist ideals to develop artistic projects. The building has been declared a historic monument and includes exhibitions, theaters, a famous coffee (Cafe Zapata) … ste has 30 studios in the center devoted to painting, installation, sculpture, photography, video, graphic design and engraving. The exhibitions cover a wide spectrum of traditional and contemporary media between conceptually representing urban position, cultural and political Tacheles. In the rear there is a park where many bars are installed and become open-air concerts. Tacheles has influenced as a center of international culture, both positively and negatively. Meanwhile, the creative Mitte district has become a fashionable neighborhood. The center has been a recognition by the government of Berlin and get a series of annual grants for funding. The rest of the revenue comes from rental of the artists and benefits of the bar and cinema. Its characteristic architecture and its appearance in ruins and their international artistic activity Tacheles have made a celebrity nationally and internationally, appearing in many guidebooks. As a tourist, visiting the houses squatters is highly recommended and rewarding, but if you want to enjoy the best accommodation for rent and enjoy! .