Stadtlabor COCO and Free Radio Sternchen.FM introduce themselves 2026

Something has changed in Cottbus city centre since October 2024. Innovative projects and initiatives have given the Schlosskirchpassage, which until then had been characterised by almost complete vacancy, a new face and a function that has the urban community firmly in mind. The programmes range from workshops, exhibitions and discussion groups to music get-togethers and games evenings. This semester, 15 public events have already been organised since October 2025. These have been received with growing interest by interested citizens from a wide range of age groups.

The urban laboratory COCO - Commoning Cottbus sees itself as a real-world laboratory for urban development, in which scientific reflection and practical testing intertwine - an open place where all interested parties can become active themselves. This is where science and living urban culture meet with the aim of strengthening democratic participation, social innovation and social commitment in Cottbus. Hendrik Weiner, teaching and research fellow at the Urban Management chair and head of the project, explains: "We bring students and citizens of our city together. In our project, very different people experience what it means to work together to create a city worth living in. I'm fascinated by how students and interested parties get involved and realise new ideas such as music events, exhibitions or repair cafés. We also organise public workshops and lectures together with stakeholders from the region. This brings the university right into the city centre."