Berlin always seems to be defined by post-s… Post-Nazism, Post-Communism, Post-Cold War, Post-Wall, Post-Techno. But what is it now? Sometimes the city is aptly called Berlin Wonderland. Although some of its original citizens might beg to differ that we are also in a post-Wonderland era as well, I believe the title still holds true and perhaps Berlin could be considered one of the Western world’s rare Utopias.

Can it be that we can only create this optimism and effervescence out of complete downfall and decay? The concept of gentrification is entirely based on that and we have seen it in countless neighborhoods in countless cities: East London, Brooklyn, Oakland in SF… On the other hand, how the city chooses to manage these changes is another matter entirely and a pure reflection of the priorities of the city. One thing that Berlin has, that is so deeply embedded in the German psyche, and which differs itself from other cities is time and patience. A place that has lived through so many hardships and tumultuous eras is not in any sort of hurry. It also perhaps corresponds with German precision and perfection: nothing should be rushed until it is well executed. And so this is how Berlin’s growth feels. As someone who prior to living here has been visiting at regular intervals, I have seen the changes over the last decade. In no way does it feel like the rampant growth that places like Williamsburg or Bushwick in New York experienced. The best example I can give is Tempelhol Feld, home of the originally Nazi constructed airport that then went on to become the hub for flying in supplies during the soviet era. Now taken out of commission, the field and all of it’s runways, which is about the size of New York’s Central Park, has been forever preserved in the constitution. No one will have the right to build anything on it, a motion set forward by the people. If this isn’t utopian, I don’t know what is.

A Wonderland of course attracts its revelers. Berlin feels in many ways just as international as London but at a 1/3 of the price (again Berliners will complain that the city has gotten expensive, but your wallet will definitely sing if you are coming from New York, London, Hong Kong or Paris). Previously it was also said that because of the fall of the Wall and the slow economic growth, jobs were hard to come by. The problem is Berlin never really had any other specific industry other than culture. This is definitely still a driving force, and the rest of Germany tends to seek inspiration from the city as a result. But everyone knows that culture, albeit necessary, is not always the most lucrative of ventures. So enter the start-up scene, or Silicon Allee as they are cheekily calling it (you can even check out the official website here: http://www.siliconallee.com). In it’s post-everything situation, it is a perfect setting for an activity which thrives on global culture, remote or nomadic living and people who are ok with moving between AirBnB apartments and working in co-working spaces. Could it be that Berlin went from being post to pre? As in, could this almost be a model for a future way of living that is unbridled by space and where digital culture is simply a way of life?

It is also said that Berlin is a freelancers paradise. While this might be a deterrent for some, those that crave the stability of a full time job and a regular pay check, it can also be the biggest advantage to being a Berliner, one of the main reasons I myself came here. Fluidity is the word I would use to describe the nature of the tech scene in Berlin. And although I don’t want the world to become one giant Google campus, this fluid way of thinking also allows a non-traditional flow of ideas of and ways of doing business. Again the key here is time. The NY adage “time is money” is a currency that will not work in Berlin. Things need to be slowly grown and nurtured over time like mentioned above. Give your time to chat with someone in a coffee shop, help someone out with a project of theirs and the favor will most likely be returned 10 fold. It is the ultimate example of the sharing economy, a sort of skills barter system that is more founded in humanity then in capitalism. Young people from all over the world come to a place where their ideas and creativity are given time and space to flourish, or to fail, but most importantly a place to experiment, which strangely is the biggest luxury of all these days. This is Berlin Wonderland, enjoy it while it lasts… or at least until we colonize Mars.