In 2005, the “Gardens of Urban Redevelopment” project brought a breath of fresh air to Leipzig-Grünau. A highlight of this project was the “Wertstoffgarten” — a one-week workshop, which we conducted in cooperation with cet‑0 and Susanne Schnorbusch and about 20 residents of Brackestraße 50 on the plot. Our focus was on the creative use of forgotten materials from the deconstruction of prefabricated buildings. Each element had the potential to have its own theme or alternative use. A platform of recycled slats served as a stage for the transformation of these materials. Here, art was created from raw materials, and the mini-workshop pulsed with creativity. We created the possibility of transforming the temporary character of the “recyclables garden” into a permanent use if there was interest. Materials and equipment could be given to users for their ideas. The results of the workshop were presented in an exhibition. Selected forms were transformed in real time on site during the workshop, which could be experienced as a performance. These transformed forms were eventually integrated as design elements in the gardens and open spaces of the residential landscape to promote sustainable change.
