Instructions for Creating a Parquet Floor Using Dry Concrete in Grafental, Dusseldorf
In the heart of Düsseldorf, the setting sun painted long shadows on the gray concrete of Grafental square, marking the start of an extraordinary event. The Greens, a local political party, organised a dance lesson at twilight, aiming to demonstrate the potential of urban spaces when claimed by residents.
Barbara Weißhaupt, a local Greens spokesperson, was the driving force behind this initiative. The dance event on Hohenzollernstraße was a continuation of their ongoing mission to claim urban spaces for community activities.
Maria Dortmann, a world champion in discofox, led the dance lesson. The rhythmic moves and spins of modern partner dance filled the typically empty and deserted city square, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. District Mayor Philipp Schlee was among the participants, adding a sense of community solidarity to the event.
The dance on Hohenzollernstraße included music by Helene Fischer's "Breathless through the night", setting the perfect mood for the evening. The houses surrounding the square were modern, soulless, and rectangular, but the dance lesson transformed the space into a bustling hub of activity and interaction.
The Greens emphasised the importance of public spaces for social interaction and community building, promoting democracy. They also highlighted the need for unsealing hardened, sealed ground in Düsseldorf to allow rainwater seepage and the growth of plants, shrubs, and trees for shade and coolness. This is crucial for cities like Düsseldorf facing climate change challenges.
Greening and permeabilising surfaces can offer significant benefits for climate resilience. It improves rainwater absorption, reduces urban heat island effects, and enhances biodiversity. Projects that convert paved or sealed surfaces into green and multifunctional community spaces simultaneously tackle social cohesion and environmental sustainability.
This approach aligns with Düsseldorf’s recent urban development trends prioritising social housing and participatory design. Family-friendly neighbourhoods like Oberkassel already feature informal community hubs such as kindercafés, playgrounds, and local studios (e.g., yoga studios) that foster group activities. These could expand to include dance lessons and other cultural pursuits.
Thus, reclaiming urban spaces through community-oriented, multifunctional infrastructure and unsealing hardened ground promotes both social well-being—by encouraging activities like dance lessons—and urban ecological health, supporting Düsseldorf’s climate-resilient city goals. The Greens' dance event on Hohenzollernstraße was more than just a dance lesson; it was a powerful demonstration of the possibilities of urban spaces for various activities, fostering community spirit and promoting a greener, more sustainable city.
The Greens, focusing on the intersection of urban spaces and environmental-science, used a dance lesson on Hohenzollernstraße to showcase the potential for community activities and social interaction, emphasizing its significance for democracy and public life.
Meanwhile, the Greens' advocate for greening and permeabilizing surfaces as a means to improve climate resilience, acknowledging the benefits of rainwater absorption, reduced urban heat island effects, and enhanced biodiversity, aligning with Düsseldorf's urban development trends prioritizing social housing and participatory design. This initiative demonstrates the party's commitment to pursuing both social well-being and urban ecological health, fostering a greener, more sustainable city.
