© Florian Reimann
  • Theme Field Tests
  • Theme Smart City

Kiezlabor

Cities are important incubators for solving societal challenges – from climate change to digital transformation. But how can residents contribute their ideas today and thus participate in sustainable urban development? The Kiezlabor model project shows what participation in the city can look like: with an energy-self-sufficient tiny house that tours Berlin's districts – and uses digital methods and content to shape the city of tomorrow.

Target group
Urban society
Topic
Field Tests, Smart City
Running time
Since January 2023
Go To Website

What is the Kiezlabor?

The Kiezlabor is a measure of the Gemeinsam Digital: Berlin (GB:D) strategy and exemplifies what opportunities for participation can look like for a broad urban society.

Urban spaces offer more and more digital services: from citizen services to surveys on neighbourhood design. At the same time, so-called third places such as libraries are important for ensuring analogue participation – for example, for senior citizens or children.

The Kiezlabor aims to break down digital barriers and offer citizens a place in urban spaces where they can get involved and actively participate in the digital transformation. At the same time, the Kiezlabor provides a platform for exchange between local neighbourhood initiatives and public administration.

How does the Kiezlabor work?

The Kiezlabor is a so-called mobile city lab. As a tiny house, it can be set up and dismantled at various locations, as it consists of only a few components:

  • The housing is a former shipping container that has been converted into a space-saving tiny house, including seating and catering facilities.

  • Outside the housing, solar panels ensure that the neighbourhood lab is self-sufficient in terms of electricity and can operate independently of its location.

The neighbourhood lab's programme focuses on the respective neighbourhoods and their local actors. Depending on the location, it includes, for example:

  • Urban services such as mobile citizen office appointments or open consultation hours with district actors

  • Opportunities for exchange, participation and involvement in key topics such as climate, mobility and the redesign of public space

  • Various formats such as workshops, workshops or exhibitions, which can be freely contributed by local stakeholders

Das Kiezlabor on tour

Impressionen von den unterschiedlichen Standorten des Kiezlabors in 2023.

What's next for the Kiezlabor?

In 2025, the Kiezlabor will continue its tour of various Berlin districts, and that's not all: the Kiezlabor fleet is growing – a cargo bike will become a mobile operations centre, bringing urban development directly to the neighbourhood.

14 May
Berlin Friedrichshain, Simplonstraße
Xhain bremst – Vollgas für Deine Ideen

20 June – 2 July 2025
Berlin Reinickendorf, Waldshuter Zeile 6
Ich Platz gleich! Deine Ideen für den Poppele-Platz

14 – 16 July 2025
Berlin Neukölln, Rollbergsiedlung
Die Rollbergsiedlung kommt ins Rollen!

5–19 September 2025
Berlin Spandau, Kraepelinweg 1
Zusammen Kiezzukunft gestalten am Falkhagener Feld West!