Page 22 - C.A.L.L. #39 - Spring 2015

about 50 people started their life experiment with shared economy and a strong
commitment to each other.

Some 35 friends formed the original collective. Today, one third remain, another third
have been in the collective 25 years. The structure and economy of the community went
through several changes within the last 35 years. The 30 ufaFabrik members currently
employ some 200 additional people. Strong social bonds exist between members.
Relevant decision making is by consensus.

The attached map shows the variety of enterprises run by the members of the
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ufaFabrik under its umbrella framework. Ecological building (green roofing, 700 m
solar panels, rainwater harvesting, straw bale housing) has been a central theme on
ufaFabrik. From day one of their occupation in 1979, living a sustainable life style was

at the heart of ufaFabrik’s internal values. An additional expression of those values has
expressed itself in services to the neighborhood and the Free School. This involved
retrofitting physical facilities for a variety of purposes: Cultural events, a guest
house, a neighborhood community center with a variety of interest groups with an
emphasis on activities and support groups for young families, an organic bakery and a

restaurant (Café Olé).

Special mention has to be given to educational enterprises such as the circus school for
children (which also puts on performances), and the Free School – alternative education
for the elementary school framework. It is an eclectic mix of various pedagogical

theories. The educational initiatives were a result of ufaFabrik members desire to
provide an alternative education for their children. There is no organized class
framework. Each child constitutes
an educational focus. There are no

marks or report cards. As an
alternative to the regular
educational system, the Free
School became the first
alternative school to be recognized
as such by the Berlin Senate in

1993. All frameworks are open to
the public.

ufaFabrik was/is a unique development by a specific group of people with special talents
interacting with a specific historical situation in the post-war redevelopment of West

Berlin. It is not, in my opinion, a model which can readily be copied as such. However,
many of its projects in the area of ecology, social service, cultural events and education
can serve as inspiration for urban intentional communities. Learn more:
www.ufafabrik.de or write to info@ufafabrik.de

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