Das Probesitzen am Hansaplatz
New Neighbourhood Design Processes
Description
‘Probesitzen’ draws attention to the lack of non-commercial seating in the public space at Hansaplatz in Hamburg-St. Georg. This place, characterised by social tensions, is dominated by defensive architecture. In cooperation with the entire neighbourhood, ‘Probesitzen’ is campaigning for a future design of the square that is oriented towards the common good. The four designers have created twelve seating objects that can be collectively and temporarily used on Hansaplatz at any time. Together with the neighbourhood, the designers founded a “bench community” that took responsibility for the twelve seating objects. In the summer of 2023, they invited people to “test sit”. Since then, the furniture has been used by the “bench community” on several action days to play on the square and use it inclusively. The furniture symbolically and practically represents the desire for a long-term change of the square.