We start out by getting to know each other's hopes and ambitions for the coming week and putting them on the wall. The common theme is working in a group, having fun and having new experiences. Well, we are confident these things can be arranged. Next, is gathering our materials and deciding on a workspace. Best places are in the middle of the campus is decided.
The American participants are going on a city tour, so we decide to come with. Interesting stories about how the count of Lippe is honoured title today for granting the Detmolder people the right to use the water of a small river. In this way enabling a water system to be installed. Up to that time, people had to get their water from the central well, in the middle of the city square. Of course, the new system meant fewer diseases, but it also had an effect on the social structure. Lot less gossip going on.

Everybody has taken an ingredient for lunch. We get to know the typical dish: Lippische Pickert. A potato based pancake either sweet or savoury. We love both versions.
In The afternoon the conference  DAS MASZ DER DINGE, the measure of all things, take place. Interesting lecture on a host of topics. The common theme is how to facilitate human contact. Because although we live in a very comfortable world, we sometimes miss each other. Our lecture met with much approval and was very well received. We were grateful.

In a playful session, we broke the seemingly self-evident process of inviting someone to dinner down into small but distinct steps determining the conditions for the meal. This also is a framework for our first assignment. Everyone takes a turn deciding on a step for the food to be served that night. It will be outdoor, summer theme, open to the public and no meat.
And so it happens.

What went well, what could go better? Evaluation of the day before. Comments: food lovely, entourage great, but solidarity could have been better..

We start by addressing the complaint of a sub-optimal group dynamics by practising the INCA forms of cooperation: Ayni Minca Faena. Everything we did, the day before but then quicker and in smaller teams.This results in a BBQ, a flower salad venue and a juice bar.

The task of the day: Everything we did the day before, but then quicker and in smaller teams.This results in a BBQ, a flower salad venue and a juice bar.

This results in a BBQ, a flower salad venue and a juice bar.
At Flora Even the currency is taken care of: in exchange for a flower, you get a lovely flower bud salad.
In the afternoon the teams get to know their garbage containers. The basis for the moveable kitchen they will design, create, use and present on the open day on Saturday.  Cleaning them is the first task on hand.

Why these filthy things? This question is almost palpable.
To create sense we invite them to make a story about them, in a similar way we worked with analysing the steps for making a meal. Using the same questions we come up with a history why how and for what purpose the containers came on our path. Want to know?
Actually, they are newborns, arrived at Detmold in millions. Their purpose is to transform themselves. To rise and be changed through an never ending experimental process. Their look is 'trashy'. Using fun , love and a strict budget we will achieve and have a baby shower for a final.
Strengthened through this self-invented sense of purpose the groups are starting with the design of the Koschmob, based on the meal they presented yesterday. What would a more permanent version look like? The first challenge is keeping the garbage containers them as they are, or start deconstructing them? When asked the question we state that actually, the containers are the epitome of functional industrial design. Every detail is tried and tested. When you look at the lid it has the date it was produced. Ours are from the early eighties. SO more than 30 years of service and still intact and functioning. That's durable design for you. So one could honour that design approach, or, add a completely new attitude. In the end, the groups independently decide that cutting and taking apart is a good strategy.

The designs: fire, flora and Sap are held to the principles they formulated the day before. Some groups stuck to the plan, others got caught in the technicalities or look at the end result. We suggest to go back to what they already know and let both execution or final finish be a consequence of the starting point. Rather than doing it the other way round.

The afternoon is spent sawing, cleaning, cutting and deliberation. The Kochmobs start to take shape.

Professor Melenhorst offers to cook for the students. He does so with great skill and presents a very tasty Italian meal: stracciatella soup, spaghetti bolognese and salad. The meal after a hard days work is one of the highlights of the week.

The weather has changed from glorious to rain. We work in the parking garage. Presentation to the other workshops and professors is planned for 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Pressure is on. Frantic painting cutting drilling and on the spot designing is taking place. It is interesting to see that every container is getting its specific identity.
Every group has its own focus. One has a water feature, the other build on the fire theme, the other makes a point of the fold out worktops.
At the time of the presentation, the sky clears and we are able to escape form the garage to the parking place. Amidst official beer and sausage stands we give a presentation with accompanying food and drinks.  Prf. Melenhorst explains the concept and the working process in a concise and entertaining fashion.  The KOCHMOB meets with general approval. We are complimented with our innovative and fun take on eating in the public space. The groups are proud and excited.

DAY 6 open day
The Hochschule Ostwestfalen – Lippe (University of Applied Sciences) has its yearly open day, The KOCHMOB is located in the middle of the square. Food and drinks are happily accepted. The risotto Julia and Paulina make is fabulous. The audience is both intrigued and amused.
We say goodbye and hope to meet again.

The Hochschule Ostwestfalen – Lippe (University of Applied Sciences) has its yearly open day, The KOCHMOB is located in the middle of the square. Food and drinks are happily accepted. The risotto Julia and Paulina make is fabulous. The audience is both intrigued and amused.
We say goodbye and hope to meet again.