MiKa MieterInneninitiative Karlsruhe Wohnungsgenossenschaft eG is a housing cooperative based in Karlsruhe, Germany, registered with its corporate seat in Karlsruhe. Its registered address is Kanalweg 52, 76149 Karlsruhe. 2 The cooperative was founded on 7 March 1997 by local housing initiatives seeking to turn part of the former Smiley Barracks in northern Karlsruhe into community-oriented housing.5
Between 1997 and 1999, MiKa converted four former military buildings into housing; residents planned their homes and contributed to shaping shared outdoor areas. 5 A fifth building was later converted into a cultural and community centre, where social and cultural activities are organised through the non-profit association mikado e.V. 5 MiKa’s work is centred on managing this housing project and supporting shared, self-organised living in its Karlsruhe community. 511
The project’s housing model includes shared use of an inner courtyard as a garden, play space and meeting area. 11 MiKa describes its community as including about 150 adults and 80 children, with residents of varied backgrounds and ages. 11 The cooperative’s stated principles include low rents, member participation in decision-making, and no link between voting rights and the amount of capital invested. 56
The official site lists nine board members—Rudolf Bürgel, Petra Matzke, Ida Grosse, Kathrin Himmelmann, Magdalena Holz, Michael Beck, Wolfgang Opferkuch, Matthias Wamser and Angelika Wolfrum—and identifies Matthias Schmeling as chair of the supervisory board. 2 Its activities and housing are based in Karlsruhe; the sources reviewed describe a local rather than national or international remit. 5