In BaBeL, life is a vibrant mosaic: a Swiss pub sits beside a Mexican restaurant, and a church shares a building with an intercultural center. More than 80 nationalities are present in the district. “Belonging in BaBeL” gives a platform to this abundance of knowledge, culture, and lived experiences.

We focus on two projects. NachbarSchafft welcomes inhabitants weekly to exchange haves and needs—time, know-how, and belongings. From Helpers To Shapers empowers Sentitreff’s volunteers to move beyond helping and become co-creators and stewards of the organization.

By designing with diversity, we embrace differences and find possibilities in everyday encounters—where perspectives, values, and ways of knowing create friction. With local partners, we create spaces for people to connect, not to force sameness, but to let many truths and experiences coexist.

“Belonging in BaBeL” is for locals, newcomers, shop owners, students, elders, children, artists, activists, and visitors. It’s for anyone who lives, works, or passes through and wants to connect with the vibrant, diverse community around them.

The projects create space for inhabitants to meet, exchange, and learn—fostering resourcefulness and sense of belonging. They help shift BaBeL’s story from a problem district to a place of abundance. A replicable approach for others: designing with diversity for social transformation.

Bio:
Çiçek is a designer and activist from Turkey, and holds a degree in Radio, Television, and Film.

Simon is a designer and artist from the Netherlands, and holds a degree in Industrial Design Engineering.

Working as Atelier Wicked, we bring together design, social sciences, community building, and lived experience to address complex problems.