FABRIC: A place where everyone can come together

A model of the urban design for the future of the FABRIC site is still on display at the Planning Kiosk in Franz-Ehret-Strasse.  There are also various billboards around the site which give an impression of what the Schöpflin Foundation will be creating in Lörrach-Brombach in the coming years.  It will be some time, however, before the first buildings are constructed in the new neighborhood, because a new development plan still has to be agreed.  The first buildings could be ready for occupancy by the end of 2025.

But already the site is alive with people.  It’s become a place for people to meet; and a place that inspires curiosity and a spirit of involvement.  In addition to the Planning Kiosk, which has been in operation since 2018, and the “facility-islands” that surround it (e.g., a table tennis table and the toy-car racetrack), there is now a play construction site where our youngest visitors can really let their imaginations run wild.  Every Monday (other times can also be booked) youngsters are free to build, demolish and then start over to their heart’s content - using toy building blocks and toy forklifts.  Everyone is welcome to use the facilities on the site, but we are also looking for committed like-minded people who might be interested in helping us re-design the site, transforming it from its current temporary use into a fully-fledged new neighborhood.

Also new to the site is an open-air studio modeled on Edvard Munch’s studio.  It is a unique space with no roof and sliding doors.  Sometimes it is open and functions as a stage; or it can be closed and used for meetings and discussions in the open air.  The walls may get dirty or become a "painting space", as per Arno Stern’s Closlieu.  It can also function as an exhibition space.  In addition, a bulletin board with news about the FABRIC project has recently been put up in the Planning Kiosk.  Neighbors can also pin up offers, requests or other information here.

For sports enthusiasts, there is also a soccer field with goals, a height-adjustable basketball hoop for young and old and, for the next six weeks, an open-to-all fitness program: you can now exercise in groups in the fresh air on the FABRIC site.  In cooperation with Nadin Pieper-Füchsel, a freelance yoga teacher, and the personal trainers from the CrossFit gym, TwentyNineSeven, we invite neighbors and others interested to come along and join in.  Weather permitting, the yoga classes will be every Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., CrossFit every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m.  Participation is free of charge and pre-registration is not required.  Please wear loose-fitting/sports clothing and bring a mat or large towel and a full 1.5-litre bottle (CrossFit classes) to be used as a weight.

The Planning Kiosk and the open-air studio can be rented by anyone looking for a place to explore ideas and develop projects.  Anyone may rent the spaces, but they may not be used for parties or private celebrations.  The FABRIC team is on site Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and is happy to answer inquiries in person or by e-mail.  The email address is: fabric@schoepflin-stiftung.de