Concept
Die Letzte Baustelle (“The Last Construction Site”) is a proposed public monument that speaks to Berlin’s constant cycle of construction and the resulting noise pollution endured by its residents, especially affecting children in schools. The installation envisions an end to this perpetual disruption, imagining a Berlin that can exist in harmony without constant upheaval. Through this monument, the artist imagines a future where infrastructure and city improvements do not require constant landscape destruction, pushing for a sustainable, people-centered approach to urban development.
The centerpiece of the installation is an anthropomorphic excavator arm holding the last stones to be placed in Berlin. The stones form a mosaic, blending seamlessly into the surrounding ground, symbolizing a completed transformation. The excavator’s design evokes both comic book aesthetics and industrial realism, creating a relatable visual for schoolchildren and other viewers. This final resting place for the construction machine imagines a world in which the community, not ongoing construction, shapes the future of the city.
Technical Execution
The installation will use durable materials like galvanized steel, concrete, and stone, ensuring resilience against weather and physical tampering. The excavator arm will be constructed with symmetrical precision, creating a visual impact reminiscent of a meteorite. All elements are designed for long-lasting stability and will require minimal upkeep, making it a low-maintenance yet impactful addition to the urban landscape.
Ideally located at the entrance of a school campus facing Sewanstraße, the monument serves as a reminder of the early 21st-century struggles with noise and urban disruption. Its placement within the concentration of local activity allows it to engage both the school community and pedestrians, marking the location as a symbol of progress and future-focused urban planning. Should there be logistical constraints, the artist is open to discussing alternative locations on the campus.