Trailblazer of European Ideal: Frankfurt (Oder)—Slubice: Travel Notes

Abstract

Urban and social contexts are directly and indirectly affected by borders. This concept is exemplified by the twin cities of Frankfurt (Oder)and Słubice, located on the border between Germany and Poland along the Oder River. Both cities reflect their unique history of connections, divisions, and, today, reunification. On the one hand, their border still represents the division between a wealthy economy and another less flourishing; on the other hand, it means the gate towards a new economic exchange among Berlin, Frankfurt and other Polish cities that needs to be extended. Taking on this new challenge will require an increase in investments to upgrade their inadequate structures, improve infrastructure connections, and develop new urban plans for public spaces, schools, and affordable housing. The purpose of this first investigation is to gain a better understanding of how borders can affect cities on a variety of levels, as well as to identify a few principles for more effective urban governance that will redefine the roles of public assets and shared spaces within a society of multiple identities, including in this case the river as a symbol of a new ecological perspective.