Deutschland
Whale sings against Silt’s punks
The holiday island chill was taken over by punks last summer, thanks to €9 tickets. An art installation is now intended to ward off uninvited guests.
Published
In the summer of 2022, when a nine-euro ticket made cheap travel on the German railway network possible in Germany, the island of Sylt was visited by many punks.
IMAGO/Eibner
A tent camp was also set up. In response, the island community of Westerland has taken steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
IMAGO/Andre Lenthe
12 large art pieces were installed in Town Hall Park. Whale songs and wave sounds are also played.
imago images/nature picture library
The installation, called “Meeresrauschen,” cost around 100,000 euros (about 97,000 francs) and also offers a nighttime light show. But apparently it needs to do one thing above all else: keep out unwanted guests.
IMAGO/spfimages
Because where works of art like Viking ships and whales shine, punk tents have no place. Light and sound must do the rest.
IMAGO/Andre Lenthe
Urban and spatial planner Rachel Marti Westerland criticizes the municipality’s approach: “Everyone should be in public space, everyone should have access and space.”
IMAGO/Andre Lenthe
It will soon become clear if the installation can actually keep the bunks away from the silt when the weather warms up.
IMAGO/Andre Lenthe
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In response to the punk camp during the nine-euro summer season of 2022, the island community of Sylt on Westerland took action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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Artifacts with light and sound take over the space as “defensive architecture” and make overnight stays difficult.
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However, the move also met with criticism.
The municipality of Westerland on the German island of Sylt has responded 9 euro Bunk camp during summer 2022 Actions taken To prevent similar incidents: He set up whale installations with sound at Radhaspark, thereby redefining the scope of art.
Art materials and waves
The punks enjoyed camping in the park and may come back when the weather is nice. To prevent this, the municipality cordoned off the park and provided twelve large art objects, including a Viking ship, a whale, dolphins and other decorative objects. In addition, whale songs and wave sounds are played.
The installation, called “Meeresrauschen”, costs around 100,000 euros (about 97,000 francs) and also offers a light show at night. Where artworks like Viking ships and whales shine, the idea is that punk tents have no place. The so-called “defensive architecture” is meant to ward off apparently unwelcome guests.
Is defensive architecture justified?
Hamburg Central Station already uses classical music to keep away drug addicts and dealers. Elsewhere, uncomfortable seats are deliberately installed that do not invite people to lie down. Strategies are designed to prevent certain behaviors or unwanted people.
Urban and spatial planner Rachel Marti Westerland criticized the SRF’s approach to the municipality. It is clear that art is being abused here. “Everyone needs to be in the public space, everyone needs access and space,” says Marty. And: “Blaming people for staying is the opposite of what public space is supposed to do.” It will soon become clear if the installation can actually keep the bunks away from the silt as the weather warms.
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