Berlin is a cultural phenomenon borne out of a history of disparity, defying the odds and becoming an alternative landing spot for all things creative and community lead in modern times. Nowhere in Europe can you expect to find a more expressive city that will not only accommodate but draw you into the delicate enigma it has become. Don’t let the hardened, industrial look to the place mislead you, for a warmth runs throughout its streets.
UNCLE chose Berlin for the next stop in our Pin Drop series after our collaboration with Refuge Worldwide, which reaffirmed the distinctive way the city operates when it comes to creating spaces for individuals to come together especially in the name of creativity. Below we have chosen three institutions that help paint a picture of what you can expect from the city, all of which hold true to qualities that are emblematic of Berlin itself.
AMAMA
Please let their abstract, funky visuals fool you, Amama is everything you think it might be and more. Dubbed the world’s first ‘mood shop’, they specialise in the sale and distribution of legal substances with an emphasis on wellbeing and safe practice. With an educational edge the brand and store go above and beyond to ensure that their offering is not taken lightly.
Fueled by Berlin’s laxed and progressive rules surrounding drugs has allowed the safe exploration of how natural remedies can work with your body to bring out the best in you. Think herbal remedies meet mindfulness in a shop where you can lose and find yourself at the same time. Their ethos is about unlocking potential whilst remaining grounded, a perfect fit for the cities streets.
CITTI PUNKT
Citti Punkt is a collective-owned gallery space that although fairly early on in its journey has already made a name for itself amongst a community of creatives in the city. Giving equal opportunities to locals, students and more established artists, the space doesn’t discriminate, making it one to watch for the future.
Due to its accessible nature, it has become host to many events and exhibits that take advantage of the different setups possible within space to allow for an endless number of mediums to be explored and displayed in the gallery. With a very simple and clean interior design, they let the art do the talking whilst remaining striking for passersby that can’t help but stop and take a look inside.
REFUGIO CAFÉ
This is more than just what looks like a café from the outside, Refugio is a place of solace for all those that come through its doors. Made up of six floors, the building is an amalgamation of living, working and sharing, with the purpose of a considerate and mindful coexistence. Borne from founders Sven Lager and Elke Naters who set up the space after moving from South Africa using the same principles as the place they came from.
When you walk through their doors you can expect a safe, community-leading space to indulge in homemade food, co-work or just a chat with staff who always have an interesting story or two to tell. Throughout the six-level building you’ll find event spaces, workshops, studios and living quarters that come together in harmonious synchronicity. The name says it all with this one, a place where one and all can come and find refuge together, putting community above all else is a powerful message that Refuge exudes.
