In the summer of 1979, over 100 people took over the desolate grounds of the former UFA-Film studios, creating a comprehensive work and living project for innovative social, cultural, and ecological lifestyles. We now have about 30 resident members (ages 1 to 75 years) and about 200 employees. Our four-acre site, leased from the city, includes a café, two theaters and an open air stage with beer garden in summer, a guesthouse, a neighborhood center, and an animal farm, children’s circus, a bakery, and an organic market. We host a wide variety of dance and sport classes, a free school, Germany’s number one samba band “Terra Brasilis,” an ongoing ecology exhibition, and an International Theatre Festival in alternate summers.
The urban village of 18,500 square meters (approximately four acres) is divided into various areas. The spirit of enterprise you can discover here encourages people’s involvement and has inspired many to take chances in their lives. In 2004 the ufaFabrik was honoured by the UN-Habitat as one of 100 projects worldwide that got the status “Best Practice to Improve the Living Environment.”
culture – ecology – social comittment
A long term process lead by the idea of friendship. The plenary of all residents decide about a newmembership by consensus.
We don’t have a special programme for guests. Those wanting to visit can book a room in the guesthouse and try to arrange an interview with one of the members. There is no possibility to work with us for a short term. In general the area welcomes guests every day from 10 a.m. until evening at the café, theatre, etc.
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.
Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.
Members contribute a percentage of income to community funds.
Regular fees: Yes
Labor: Yes
All members work in the communitie’s business and get paid for it. They pay their rent from that money back.
Common House, Garden(s), Workshop, Large Scale Kitchen, Stage or Auditorium, Gym or sports area, Internet
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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