Clubhouses and Their Potential as Social Infrastructure

Clubhouses could serve as “third places”—spaces where people with diverse interests—not just music—can come together. This was the idea behind the study, which used a broad-based online survey to examine the characteristics and use of spaces associated with music clubs in Baden-Württemberg. The idea was to activate this spatial potential to strengthen local social cohesion. 

The study was initiated by the Landesverband der Amateurtheater Baden-Württemberg and the Schwäbischen Chorverband. Also involved were the Landesmusikverband Baden-Württemberg and its ten member associations, including the Badische Chorverband, the WBlasmusikverband Baden-Württemberg, the Bund Deutscher Zupfmusiker, and the Deutsche Harmonika-Verband.

The data collected allows for general conclusions to be drawn about the spatial situation and the use of spaces by cultural associations in Baden-Württemberg as a whole. It shows that, due to their location and facilities, these spaces have great potential to be used as “third places,” though in individual cases, organizational coordination with the mostly municipal and church-affiliated owners would be necessary.