Amanda Frantzen

Growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it begins quietly — with a seed, an idea, or a small act of care that transforms its surroundings. This month, we explore growth not as a race to get bigger or faster, but as a process of deepening roots, building resilience, and reimagining what’s possible in our shared spaces.

We’re thrilled to welcome Amanda Frantzen and Emma Thomas, landscape architects and the creative forces behind mein Baum dein Baum (mBdB). Their simple yet powerful idea — planting trees in private front gardens along public streets — invites us to see cities as living, breathing ecosystems. By transforming “privately owned public spaces” (POPS) into green corridors, they’re creating an urban movement that cools, connects, and cultivates community.

What to Expect:

• A story of growth from the ground up — how one small idea can reshape a city
• Insights into community, ecology, and the power of local action
• Fresh coffee, warm company, and a morning dose of inspiration

Where?

At Socin Haus at Socinstrasse 55 — where connection, work, and living meet under one roof. In the cozy Café & Bistro, you’ll find homemade treats, a sunny spirit, and space for meaningful conversations that linger long after the last sip.

When?

• Friday, November 28th
• 08:00 Doors open at Socin Haus – coffee & chats
• 08:20 Welcome & Talk by Amanda & Emma
• 08:45 Q&A
• 09:00 Networking or off to work

Come early for coffee, stay for community.
The talk will be held in English.
By registering, you agree to the recording and use of video/audio material.

Grow roots. Grow ideas. Grow together.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Our speakers:

The concept behind mein Baum dein Baum (mBdB) is simple: the team around Amanda Frantzen & Emma Thomas plant trees in private front gardens along public streets. These privately owned public spaces or POPS, have the potential to transform a city piece by piece. mein Baum dein Baum is a team of the two landscape architects, the architect Sara Ellenberger Vaner and the gardener Caspar Kerdijk. Through their professional advice, extensive public relations work, local research and an incredibly simple offer (a tree!), mBdM are incentivizing property owners to effectively ‘donate’ their private land and actively participate in the greening and the cooling of their city.

Our location:

At Socin Haus at Socinstrasse 55, connection, work, and living come together under one roof. At its heart is the Café & Bistro on the ground floor – featuring a lovingly prepared kitchen, bakery, and sunny outdoor seating area. Here, people of all generations gather to enjoy homemade specialties and warm encounters with our welcoming hosts.
Socin Haus aims to foster community, prevent loneliness, and offer a platform for cultural, social, and intergenerational activities. Alongside the daily freshly baked cakes, Socin Haus regularly host events. Through their open activities in the bistro, they seek to encourage dialogue between generations and counteract isolation.