April 2008
EDITORIAL
Dear Reader,
This month’s cover—a painting by the German painter and musician Jim Avignon—pointedly illustrates the absurdities of real estate speculation in Munich over the past years. As if businessmen have found the infallible formula for making profit, apartment houses are bought, luxuriously reconstructed and resold. One of the latest examples of the profitable redefinition of a district can be observed at the area around Gärtnerplatz. Charming shops have gradually given way to the landmarks of a widespread gentrification. Investors promote their reconstruction projects with aspirational slogans such as “Express yourself by buying an apartment, and make your personal lifestyle statement.” But what kind of lifestyle will there be left, one wonders, after a certain homogenous definition of luxury has permeated a district? Not to speak of the social responsibility that proprietorship, especially of housing, should involve. Habitation in decent housing should not be a privilege of the rich. Unfortunately, Munich is even home to the absurd phenomenon of financially comfortable people losing their apartments to investors with even more money. A city that prides itself on being family-friendly and strives to promote its cultural diversity, must also offer affordable space, in which families with more than one child can live without having to worry about their rent all the time. It is common sense that creativity can only flourish in surroundings where financial concerns don’t snuff experimental sparks.
Each month, MUNICH FOUND features many activities and events that would not exist if tax relief and maximizing profit were the only parameters within which to evaluate an enterprise. Although stemming unrestrained capitalism might be too overwhelming for an individual, there is always an easy and entertaining way to support loveable shops and interesting events: Go shopping! Attend those events that catch your attention! The April issue of MUNICH FOUND will definitely provide some inspiration.
