Is it possible to live in an alternative, eco-sustainable and self-sufficient way in the heart of a large metropolis? Judging by the result obtained by the inhabitants of Wagendorf Lohmühle http://www.lohmuehle-berlin.de/ a small village of caravans and caravans built in a public area that extends between the districts of Kreuzberg and Treptow of Berlin, definitely yes . It can really be done.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
It is possible to live in an alternative, eco-sustainable and self-sufficient way in the heart of a large metropolis? Judging by the result obtained by the inhabitants of Wagendorf Lohmühle a small caravan and caravan village built in apublic area which extends between the neighborhoods of Kreuzberg and Treptow from Berlin, definitely yes. It can really be done.
Here since 1996, the year of construction of the prime case-caravan, was born a entire "handmade" neighborhood, made with recycled materials, where solar panels transform the sun's energy into free electricity e large common areas they allow you to also enjoy outdoor life, savoring the smells and scents of nature and growing food for your sustenance.
A Wagendorf Lohmühle, out of these beautiful self-built caravans, cats, dogs, rabbits, birds and a couple of turtles run around quietly in the company of children and adults, who have chosen to live in the most natural way possible, self-producing energy and food. For years they have been successfully experimenting with a new way of experiencing the city, also giving life to cultural and artistic projects every month, such as concerts, workshops, readings, shows, cinema and exhibitions. Always powered, of course, from wind and solar energy. There is no running water, but a simple mechanism is used to reuse rainwater and gray water, while in the "Free Box”You can leave or take clothes, shoes and toys used by other residents for reuse. Then there is the composting, made with a technique that uses 80 different species of microorganisms to rebalance the soil.
Living away from the large concrete blocks we are used to it is not easy, especially in winter, when it snows and it's really cold. But, whether it is a kind of political declaration, a experimental architecture village, of renewal and re-appropriation of urban spaces or of a kind of hippy community, the experience of Wagendorf Lohmühle shows that nand it is really worth the candle, despite the difficulties.
We, however, like to believe that it is simply a group of people who have chosen to living in an environmentally and ethically sustainable way. And the fact that they have opted for a large European capital like Berlin to do so should make us reflect on the way we live.
Roberta Ragni
