AdAptiv is a Frankfurt-based housing initiative that set out to transform the former Akademie der Arbeit in Bockenheim into a cooperative, intergenerational community housing project. The group describes its aim as creating a sustainable, solidaristic, and car-free living environment for around 90 people, with a mix of cluster apartments, shared living arrangements, and conventional flats, plus space opened to the surrounding neighbourhood.247
The project is organized by AdAptiv e.V. and AdAptiv BauGeno e.G., indicating a dual structure of association and cooperative. The site’s imprint shows AdAptiv e.V. in Frankfurt am Main, while the financing page refers to AdAptiv BauGeno e.G. as the cooperative entity handling membership and funding-related matters.56 According to the project’s own materials, the group had already founded a cooperative and was working on an innovative conversion concept that would preserve much of the existing building while using wood for additions and aiming for very low energy consumption.2
AdAptiv also presents itself as a neighbourhood-oriented project, not just a residential one. It says it wants to strengthen existing initiatives in Bockenheim rather than compete with them, and to create public or semi-public spaces such as rooms for events, advice, co-working, and a café.1 The project’s living model emphasizes diversity across age groups, shared resources, and reduced private car use, with residents expected to forgo a private car.24
The project has been under development since at least 2023, when the site listed about 40 adults and around 20 children as active participants.2 By December 2025, however, the project announced that it would not buy the former academy building, marking a major setback in its original plan.10