Despite the mass loss of jobs managed (but not necessarily caused) by the Treuhand (Treuhand), the many factory closures also had their upside for us young people back then. They were everywhere and offered endless freedom and creative opportunities. And thus, of course, room for the raves that were so popular at the time, although they probably already took place illegally in the factories in the 90s. But who cares... it was once public property and thus somehow ours too. The flyer for the party organized by friends is a fond memento of an intense time in one of the industrial ruins that had the most impact on me: already so fascinatingly dilapidated at the time of reunification that its days were unfortunately numbered far too soon. My fascination with old industrial ruins has never left me. And I am infinitely grateful that since 2002 I have been able to work in Chemnitz in an unrenovated factory that was also abandoned at the time of reunification. tbc
