SPECIAL ISSUE #70

MUNICH WILL BECOME A 15 MINUTE CITY - BIT BY BIT

Under the guise of climate change, the development of 15 Minute Cities is speeding up and will reach the city of Munich sooner than later. They are just not calling it that, but Superblocks, probably believing that it sounds nicer…

I want to share an article published in the Abend Zeitung on Friday, October 11, 2024.

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The headline reads:

A more liveable Munich: Superblocks to bring neighbours together

Just click the link to the German article and here is the translation:

Schwanthalerhöhe is particularly affected by heat. The solution: superblocks. The concept from Barcelona is to be adapted to Munich's conditions. Where they are to be built.

Anna-Maria Salmen | 11 October 2024 - 08:55 am

This is how the junction between Gollierstrasse and Ganghoferstrasse could be redesigned. Visualisations: LHM/Rakete

Munich - Hardly any greenery, sealed streets: Schwanthalerhöhe is one of the neighbourhoods most affected by heat. One solution to bring more greenery into the streetscape and give people backspace is so-called superblocks.

They are particularly well known in Barcelona, where intersections have been calmed and beautified in several places. Around 20 years after the first superblock was created there, Munich now wants to follow suit. Back in July, the city council decided to use the concept as a model.

Superblocks are to be called neighbourhoods in Munich, according to the city council faction of the Greens/Rosa Liste. The concept is to be trialed in Schwanthalerhöhe.

Trees and flowerbeds could also adorn the grey asphalt on Schwanthalerstrasse. Visualisations: LHM/Rakete

Superblocks on the Schwanthalerhöhe in Munich: Only initial considerations so far

The Building and Mobility Department recently presented initial ideas for various street sections and intersections in the neighbourhood. More trees, more planted areas, and seating could ensure people enjoy spending time here.

The urban climate is also to be improved. For example, according to the Greens, a combination of new trees and green areas could be created around the Gollierblock. Schwanthalerstrasse could be given wider pavements. However, the Greens emphasise that these are only initial considerations. Residents are to be involved in further planning.

Sibylle Stöhr (Green Party), Chairwoman of the Schwanthalerhöhe district committee, is delighted with the impetus: ‘I'm sure that the neighbourhoods will create something great: streets where people can come together, chat and play. Where you can enjoy cooling off in the shade. They will become places of togetherness.’

For some, this may sound like a lovely idea - who doesn’t love having more green and nature - yet when you look at the concept of 15 Minute Cities, you immediately know where this is going. And in case you forgot what that means, I encourage you to read it here.

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At this time these are “only” considerations and these articles have the sole purpose to normalise being locked in 15 Minute Cities for our own good. Never forget the words of Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum: “YOU WILL OWN NOTHING AND BE HAPPY!”

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Wishing you a grand day wherever you are.

Yours

Tanja 🤗

PS. You can now also find my podcast on Spotify

Change & Evolve and feel free to get in touch