Save Democratic Spaces has a clear mission: to protect, highlight, and sustain spaces that foster democracy. These democratic spaces are public areas meant for collective use and engagement. However, many of these spaces face threats from budget cuts, austerity measures, and gentrification. Examples from the Frankfurt RheinMain region show the urgency and significance of this initiative.

As part of the World Design Capital 2026 (WDC 2026), we aim to enhance the visibility and impact of these spaces. They should continue to exist and be actively shaped. WDC 2026 positions itself as a catalyst and supporter, highlighting what these spaces mean for our society and why they are worth protecting.

Frankfurt: City Stages

Along Frankfurt’s green area (Wallanlagen), a vibrant cultural mile is set to emerge, similar to the Frankfurt Museum Embankment. The planned new buildings will connect and enhance the cultural institutions already established in the area, revitalising the city center. In the future, the City Stages aim to engage more actively with the local community, bringing life to the banking district. Project initiator: City of Frankfurt

Offenbach: Hafengarten

For over a decade, local residents have cultivated fruits and vegetables in the community Hafengarten. This green space not only provides fresh produce but also serves as a social meeting place and a relaxation oasis, raising awareness about sustainability. The project offers an outdoor extension to those without gardens or balconies.
Project initiator: Stadtwerke Offenbach

Hanau: Hanau aufLADEN

Hanau aufLADEN revitalises the city center by supporting pop-up spaces, cultural creators, and shop owners. The initiative fosters connections among diverse stakeholders and provides a platform for new ideas. Its goal is to combat store vacancies and declining revenues while strengthening the urban offering.
Project initiator: Hanau Marketing GmbH (HMG)

Talk in collaboration with the City of Frankfurt: Save Democratic Spaces
At the book fair Frankfurter Buchmesse 2024 Mike Josef (Lord Mayor Frankfurt am Main), Dr. Ina Hartwig (City Councillor, Head of Department for Culture and Science Frankfurt am Main), Dr. Lena Marbacher (Journalist, Entrepreneur), Tommaso Sacchi (Deputy Mayor for Culture Milan) and Nicola Stattmann (Designer, Co-founder Office for Microclimate Cultivation) discussed the importance of public spaces and their role in shaping democracy. Matthias Wagner K and Anna Scheuermann from World Design Capital 2026 will lead through the talk.

Save Democratic Spaces has a clear mission: to protect, highlight, and sustain spaces that foster democracy. These democratic spaces are public areas meant for collective use and engagement. However, many of these spaces face threats from budget cuts, austerity measures, and gentrification. Examples from the Frankfurt RhineMain region illustrate the urgency and significance of this initiative.

Frankfurt: City Stages

Along Frankfurt’s green area (Wallanlagen), a vibrant cultural mile is set to emerge, similar to the Frankfurt Museum Embankment. The planned new buildings will connect and enhance the cultural institutions already established in the area, revitalising the city center. In the future, the City Stages aim to engage more actively with the local community, bringing life to the banking district. Project initiator: City of Frankfurt

Offenbach: Hafengarten

For over a decade, local residents have cultivated fruits and vegetables in the community Hafengarten. This green space not only provides fresh produce but also serves as a social meeting place and a relaxation oasis, raising awareness about sustainability. The project offers an outdoor extension to those without gardens or balconies.
Project initiator: Stadtwerke Offenbach

Hanau: Hanau aufLADEN

Hanau aufLADEN revitalises the city center by supporting pop-up spaces, cultural creators, and shop owners. The initiative fosters connections among diverse stakeholders and provides a platform for new ideas. Its goal is to combat store vacancies and declining revenues while strengthening the urban offering.
Project initiator: Hanau Marketing GmbH (HMG)