We know that in the past we've been quite harsh on Chemnitz; but like all conscious organisms we're programmed by our experiences.
And up until now it's fair to say that we haven't experienced all that much love in Chemnitz.
However maybe, just maybe, things are taking a turn for the better in the town on the banks of the River, hmmm, Chemnitz.
Not only have they in the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz one of the most progressive and innovative art galleries in Germany; not only have they in the Marianne Brandt Wettbewerb a design prize that steadfastly focuses on rewarding design that achieves a harmony between aesthetic, innovation and function; but now they have a housing complex where every flat purchased comes with an electric bike.
One of the biggest problems facing architects and town planners is ensuring that in the future our daily lives don't impact too heavily on our planet. And urban mobility plays a very important role.
And in our opinion the team behind the Galeriehaus am Kapellenberg in Chemnitz have come up with a wonderful solution: Electric bikes for all and charging stations in the bike garage.
We know, an electric bike needs electricity. And a conventional bike doesn't.
However if people are to be persuaded to give up their cars for more sustainable forms of transport then they need to be offered alternatives that offer them real advantages.
We know many folk, for example, who say they would cycle to work; but don't fancy turning up sweating in the office of a morning. With an electric bike you have all the convenience of a bike - with the knowledge that you can keep your own effort to a bare minimum.
And not just for work. Electric bikes also allow those of an "older generation" to continue cycling past an age where they normally may have to give up. Collecting your morning rolls from the baker by bike is obviously preferable to taking the car.
The challenge of ensuring secure supplies of negative impact energy is a challenge for others. And they're working on it. Designers and architects need to make sure that they have realistic and forward looking uses for the generated power.
But it's not just the bike that is green. Also in terms of water, heat and power supply care has been given in ensuring that the complex goes beyond modern environmental standards and so do their bit in helping reduce both energy demand and the production of waste.
We must admit to having not actually visited the complex yet. We are however planning a trip to Chemnitz in the very near future to check them out. Watch this space as they say.....
And who knows, if Chemnitz starts treating us like a lady.....
