Role of Culture and Consumption in the Process of Gentrification: Case Study of the Reuter Quarter in the Former West Berlin Neukölln (English Translation)

Abstract

This study aims to identify the complex process of gentrification in Reuter Quarter, Neukölln, in the former West Berlin inner-city district Neukölln. First, the gentrification indicator model was incorporated to examine the functional, social, structural, and symbolic upgrading. Then, the author identified the geographical characteristics of the ‘New Use’ (art-related use, new retail business, and new service business) and its relevance to the ages of buildings. Further, interviews with business proprietors of New Use revealed changes in the commercial environment and its main causes in the subject area. As a result, the study indicated that the subject area initially showed signs of revitalization before it gradually transformed into gentrification; the symbolic upgrading induced other types of upgrading; scene gastronomies, specifically cafes, bars, and restaurants encouraged the formation of the nightlife district; and finally, as culture and consumption contribute to the transformation of the commercial environment, they play an important role in gentrification.