WATER CITY: THE REDESIGN OF FORMER INDUSTRIAL AREAS BESIDE THE RUMMELSBURGER BUCHT

Spaces resources for new development are often limited. However in the past two decades the unique circumstances of Berlin’s history have provided ideal situations for planning test cases and new cultural directions. But what happens when those transformation processes settle back into ‘normality’? This will be examined from an acoustic perspective in the Rummelsburger Bucht and Stralau peninsular area.

Rummelsburg has transformed in the last decade. A residential area and community is now growing on the former industrial/prison area beside the Rummelsburger See.
Today the Rummelsburg soundscape is unusually varied for a city area. Wildlife zones and the river create sonic variety, while aspects of the housing design blocks noise from busy roads nearby. It is a pleasant place to be. Community sounds have space to be heard. The rest of Berlin is clearly audible, but distant.

The discussion and research themes for Berlin Sonic Places, Rummelsburg will focuss on the idea of sound diversity, on the different methodologies for understanding soundscapes and on the surprising aural potential of gardens and plants. The presentations will include interactive sound maps and sonic representations of city infrastructures that have an impact on the area. The day also offers a guided soundwalk in Rummelsburg to listen to the sounds there.

The research project on this urban area was started by Peter Cusack  and Valeria Merlini.
Both developed the soundwalk map together with  Eva Kietzmann and Petra Kübert.

On Berlin Sonic Places’ website it’s possible to read interviews made during the research process.