Juliana
Maurer

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I currently call Rixdorf, a charming neighborhood in Berlin, my home. Located in the heart of Neukölln, Rixdorf has a unique village-like atmosphere with cobblestone streets and old cottages. It’s a vibrant and diverse area that blends tradition with Berlin’s creative spirit. I work on my projects in Lichtenberg, a district in the eastern part of the city known for its spacious studios and industrial flair.

Where is your studio located & how does it look?

The studio is located in Lichtenberg (Berlin), on the ground floor of a large brick building. The space is about 120 square meters and filled with natural light all day long thanks to a long wall of windows. I share the space with two other artists, Lucia Bachner and Hannah Bohnen, and each of us has around 40 square meters for our own use.

In my section, there is a large table made of a steel frame with wheels, which makes it easy to move around flexibly. There is also a wall of shelves where I present finished works, store a lot of materials (such as clay, porcelain, wood, tools), and keep pieces that are still in progress. One of the things I love most about this studio is the wood workshop that shares the ground floor with us. The building hosts a carpentry school, so it always smells like freshly cut wood.

Are there any projects that are important to you personally, that you have recently completed or that you are still working on?

Yes, there is a project I’m currently working on. I can reveal this much: it will be a glass lamp. I’m realizing it in collaboration with two product designers who are helping me bring the project to life. It’s alwas exciting to work across disciplines like this, as I usually work on my own. It’s a refreshing change and encourages me to approach future projects more collaboratively.

This also applies to all the glasswork I do—each piece is handmade and created in collaboration with an extremely skilled glassblower from Coswig (close to Dresden). It’s incredibly rewarding to see how an idea can grow into a long-term working relationship. These strong connections with partners and collaborators mean a lot to me. I really love seeing someone who’s skilled and passionate about their craft.

Apart from that, I would say that all of my projects are important in their own way. Every finished object reflects my personal development, and through the process of making, I always build a kind of bond with the piece that emerges. It’s wonderful to see what your own hands can create when you let them lead the way.

Additionally, as a studio collective, we’re planning to start offering ceramics workshops later this year to introduce more people to the world of clay. I’m really looking forward to that because I love sharing my passion for materials and hope to inspire others with it. So make sure to follow me on Instagram to stay updated on when it all begins! 🙂

Do you have a favorite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

Yes, I have a few favorite places in Rixdorf. One of them is Zosse, a hidden gem tucked away in the backyard of an old cottage-like house just off Richardstraße. It’s so discreet that you could easily walk past without even noticing it.

In the summer, the garden opens up—a small, cobbled courtyard where wild vines climb over part of the outdoor terrace. It feels incredibly cozy and inviting, and most of all, it’s a peaceful retreat from the noise of the street. It’s perfect for an evening drink.

For quieter moments, I often go to Körnerpark or the Comenius-Garten—both beautiful green spaces, each with its own character. Or obviously Tempelhofer Feld for an amazing sundowner and a afterwork drink at Blaue Stunde. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle of the city and just breathe in the scent of the trees, I recommend the Königsheide. It’s a beautiful mixed forest with hidden clearings where you can be completely alone—even though it’s very easy to reach.. Don’t forget your hammock.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

One of the most pressing problems in my opinion is the ongoing housing crisis. Rents in Berlin have increased dramatically over the past years, and even formerly affordable neighborhoods like Neukölln are now feeling the effects of gentrification and displacement. Despite some protective measures such as Milieuschutz (neighborhood conservation zones) finding affordable housing has become a real struggle.

Also for creatives it is getting more and more difficult to find a proper studio to work at. Affordable studio and project spaces are disappearing or moved far to the outskirts. There’s a growing sense that Berlin is losing some of the artistic freedom and spontaneity it was once known for—partly due to real estate speculation, partly due to lack of sustainable cultural policy and support structures.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

In my opinion, one positive development over the past five years has been the growing awareness around sustainability, and local initiatives. It feels like there’s a stronger sense of local responsibility, especially among younger generations. It’s also been really great to see how new bike lanes and bike-friendly streets have been built in Neukölln. I truly hope the city continues moving in this direction, with even more safe and accessible cycling infrastructure. Because, despite the improvements, there’s still a lot of room for growth.

However, on the negative side, I feel like the situation for artists and cultural workers has worsened significantly. There have been funding cuts in the cultural sector, leaving even fewer resources for independent projects, institutions, and individuals. Many publicly funded studios are under threat, and there are far fewer affordable workspaces than needed—while the demand among artists continues to grow. Combined with the ongoing housing crisis and rising costs of living, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sustain a (creative) life in Berlin. What was once seen as a welcoming, accessible city for culture and experimentation now feels precarious and competitive.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

One hidden gem is Silent Rixdorf in Neukölln. It’s a peaceful community garden tucked away along Wanzlikpfad, where local values meet sustainability. Besides being a welcoming green space, it also distributes fresh organic eggs from a small farm in Brandenburg, and regularly hosts foodsharing days—making it a great spot for discovering local food sources in a relaxed setting.

Just around the corner, there’s another special place: Alte Dorfschmiede (the old village blacksmith’s workshop). The blacksmith’s workshop at Richardplatz dates back to 1624, making it Berlin’s oldest forge still in operation. Today, the Schmiede is used as an artistic and cutlery forge, where artisans craft everything from custom knives to decorative metal art. Visitors can watch demonstrations and even enjoy a coffee in the courtyard, surrounded by 400-year-old history.

In Schillerkiez, you can find the beautiful studio (including workshop and showroom) of product designer and goldsmith Johanna Gauder. All jewelry is handmade from recycled silver or gold. The studio is open by appointment.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

What fascinates me every time is how Rixdorf still feels so original and untouched—almost like rural life right in the middle of Berlin. In the Böhmisches Dorf, located in Neukölln, descendants of the Bohemian refugees still live today. These Protestants fled religious persecution in Bohemia and were invited by King Frederick William I to settle in what was then Rixdorf. Starting in 1737, around 300 of them moved into ready-built houses. They were given gardens and farmland, tools, a horse, and a dairy cow. That spirit is still in the air—in the peaceful cobblestone streets, the historic settlement houses and old stables. It definitely doesn’t feel like the Berlin most people imagine.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

For a quick portion of fries on the go, I recommend Schudomaer Grill. It’s a very small, unpretentious snack bar where you can reliably get good fries at a very fair price.

My go-to spot for good, fresh, and vegetarian food is Mausi. A very cozy place with friendly staff, delicious drinks, seasonal dishes and a peaceful garden. You go for a quick bite—and end up staying all day.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more refined, you can try Hallmann & Klee. And if you’d rather sample a variety of things in a casual way, then head to Schillerkiez. There, you can combine a trip to Tempelhofer Feld with countless restaurant options—for example, La Côte, Café Pilz, or 21gramm for brunch.

If you’re in the mood for tacos, head to Ringabar on Tuesdays for Taco Tuesday (1 taco = €2). It’s a cozy bar that opened fairly recently. And if you’re up for a change of scene and a few more drinks, you can pop next door to Torte.

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

Not far from where I live, there’s a bakery called Brot der frühen Jahre (Bread of the Early Years). They bake fresh, homemade bread every day. All of their products are made using what’s known as the long fermentation process, typically taking around 36 hours. The dough is leavened exclusively through the addition of sourdough, without the use of commercial yeast.

And naturally, the Rixdorferschmiede deserves a mention as well. This traditional blacksmith’s workshop offers everything from hand-forged nails and jewelry to tools and knives, all crafted on-site.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

— Instagram (unfortunately) is an app I’d much rather not need, but it’s essential for a design practice
— Google Maps, which I always use to navigate
— Spotify, for podcasts and music

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

I mostly listen to Deutschlandfunk (Deutschland Funk Kultur – Der Tag) and Süddeutsche Zeitung – Auf den Punkt.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

If I could be mayor for a year, I would focus on protecting and expanding affordable spaces—for both living and working. Berlin’s creative and social fabric is built on diversity, accessibility, and openness, but that’s currently under threat due to rising rents, disappearing studios, and funding cuts in the cultural sector. I would push for stronger rent controls and better support for publicly funded studios.

I would also invest in community-centered urban development: more bike-friendly infrastructure, green and clean public spaces, less cars and inclusive meeting places like community gardens or cultural hubs.

And finally, I would work to strengthen social cohesion: supporting education, neighborhood dialogue, and anti-discrimination programs—to make sure Berlin doesn’t just grow economically, but also stays fair, livable, and socially connected for everyone.
And I would build amazing playgrounds for adults.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

I would probably choose a place surrounded by nature, where life moves at a slower, more grounded pace. Somewhere with forests, open skies, and space to work, but still a strong sense of community and creativity.

I imagine living in a small, connected environment where people share resources, support each other, and value simplicity—a place where daily life is shaped more by the seasons and the land than by speed or pressure. Ideally, there would be more room for art, making, and meaningful exchange.

I guess for me it’s less about a specific location and more about a certain rhythm and quality of life—one where there’s time to breathe, think, and connect.