Your favorite place at the Areal Böhler?

Cornelie: The Böhler Café - a truly perfect place. I don't think there is a nicer place to enjoy a coffee in the whole of Düsseldorf. The combination of the inviting green space and the fresh air makes this place something very special.

Have you ever taken part in events at Areal Böhler, for example “Kunst ab Werk”? And if so, how did you find them?

Cornelie: I have already taken part in “Kunst ab Werk” twice. Together with Katja Voscht from the “Kleine Verzierung” studio, we presented our second jewelry line, “CandyGems”, among other things.

How would you describe the Areal Böhler in three words?

Cornelie: Cool, open, friendly.

And why is the Areal Böhler the perfect place for your work here, i.e. for a studio or workshop? So why did you decide to come to the Areal Böhler?

Cornelie: When I first came here, there was nothing. You had to bring your sandwich from home, because for me it was simply a workplace where I had space for my work. I didn't know anyone and there were hardly any opportunities to exchange ideas. It wasn't until the locations were created that this began to change and a real community developed. Before, you were pretty isolated - where else would you eat your sandwich except alone in your own room? Today, however, the area has become a real meeting place.

When I first asked if there was a kiln for my work, the management said: “Just ask around”. And indeed, I was able to get a place with an artist. Back then, we didn't need a café or anything like that, we just wanted to work. But that has completely changed today. Now we have a good work-life balance, something that is rather alien to my generation - we just worked all the time. Today, on the other hand, it's great to meet up in a café or go to a pizzeria, chat and spend time together. It's even become normal to spontaneously say in the evening: “Why don't you come over, take a look at the new work and then we'll go out for a bite to eat?”

One final question: if we look to the future, is there anything you would like to see at Areal Böhler?

Cornelie: It would be nice if there were even more opportunities for interaction on the site. The British show us how it's done - there are regular weekly or monthly markets that bring together different crafts and culinary offerings under a certain motto, such as sustainability or craftsmanship.