The reunification of Germany led to the dismantling of the manufacturing fabric of the Eastern part and a westwards population flow. Today, many Eastern European (cities) are up against the emptying of downtown areas which occurred after the demolition of the Socialist past. In Dessau alone the population fell from 101,000 to 79,000 between 1989 and 2005 and 2,642 dwellings* have been knocked down. The initial desolation is giving way to territories of opportunity for public spaces or facilities. Here the limited resources are made up for by a successful mix of work by architects and citizen participation, the latter being capable of starting off both design and long term maintenance strategies.

*IBA, 2010