Pioneers from Architecture, Ecology and Crafts

Rosa Vanina, chef and co-founder of the restaurant "Pianoterra" in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. She takes us on a passionate journey, telling us about her experience as a cellist and a chef, between Italy and France. On the joy of conversing across the counter and welcoming neighbours and regular customers of all sorts, in a space thought by architects for cooking and sharing, reaching out into the city. Episode 10 of the PIONIRA Podcast. Find out more on: https://pioniraproject.com/pianoterra/ [https://pioniraproject.com/pianoterra/].

The Kinder Insel is part of the "Museum Insel Hombroich [https://www.inselhombroich.de/en/museum]" on the outskirts of Cologne. Together with her husband, Oliver Kruse, Patricia Hepp [https://www.patriciahepp.de/] designed the kindergarden "Kinder Insel Hombroich" in 1999, and created and furnished a corresponding architecture for it. The architecture plays an important role in the educational concept. According to the motto "art parallel to nature", special emphasis is placed on the creative education of the children and the exploration of nature, and close cooperation is maintained with visual artists and musicians. For more information and photographs visit: https://pioniraproject.com/kinderinsel-hombroich

We spoke to Christian Wittmann about social structures, architectural motors that drive community and his outlook for living together comfortably in old age.  Wittmann is one of the founding members and head of the association "BesserGemeinsamLeben [https://www.besser-gemeinsam-leben.de/]" in Friesenhausen, Germany.  Their concepts for senior co-housing are based on a strong sense of community and follow an Italian example, which could easily be applied to other rural scenarios. Find out more on: https://pioniraproject.com/friesenhausen.

Wilhelm Schubert, former head of the Bavarian Horticulture and Viticulture Institute, spoke to us about various forms of social- and urban gardening (Gartenbau) and the pioneering "Ökosoziale Siedlung" in Bamberg, Germany. This architectural project combines various forms of generous gardens with seasonal living and is a project worth exploring. PIONIRA had a full garden immersion and we are excited to pass this collected knowledge on to you. For more information and photographs visit: www.pioniraproject.com/wilhelm-schubert-gartenbau

Anika Gruender and Florian Kirfel spoke to us about their move to the German countryside in Thüringen and about opening up an architecture practice there. Next to recuperating the old castle of the small village, they planned and built a wooden shed for leisure and stay. PIONIRA is excited to share this interview - find out more via https://pioniraproject.com/gruender-kirfel [https://pioniraproject.com/gruender-kirfel]