Chairs to borrow free of charge at the Dern'schen site
Since Wednesday, June 18, twelve folding chairs have been available for free use in public spaces on the Dern site. The chairs are located in a so-called Zuko box at the back of the town hall and can be used flexibly wherever they are needed.
"Thanks to the commitment of our city management, we are one of the first cities in Germany to offer this service," explains Mayor Christiane Hinninger. "The Zuko-Box enables spontaneous encounters, spending time together and a better quality of stay, without any structural changes."
The Zuko Box concept works like a parcel station, but for seating furniture. The compartments can be opened via the free Zuko app and up to four chairs can be borrowed at the same time for a maximum of three hours. After use, the chairs are stored back in the box. Chairs can be borrowed daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.; the box remains closed at night for safety and noise protection reasons. The Zuko-Box is self-sufficiently powered by an integrated solar panel.
The Zuko-Box is mobile and can be moved to other locations in the city if required. The test phase at the Dern site will run over the next few months. "If the test goes well, a Zuko-Box could follow at other locations," says Mayor Hinninger.
Location: Dern'sches Gelände, at the back of the town hall
Time: Daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The offer is part of the "Sustainable inner cities and centers" (ZIZ) funding project of the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building. The aim is to create new impetus for vibrant city centers with creative, temporary measures.
This is how the Zuko Box works:
- Download the app for iOS or Android free of charge and verify your first name, surname and telephone number.
- After this process, you are registered and can borrow chairs again and again.
- Then scan the QR code at the station and follow the instructions on your cell phone to remove the chairs from the station.
- After use, return the chairs to the Zuko box. Scan the QR code and confirm that the chairs are in order. Then place the chairs in the appropriate compartments.
- Borrowing is free of charge.
- Borrow for a maximum of three hours, up to four chairs per person.
In case of problems:
- Leave information in the app or contact infozukocity.
- The problem will then be dealt with.