Signalkugel Berlin, Die Kunst am Bau Arbeit der Berliner Künstlerin Ulrike Mohr befindet sich auf der historischen Doppelkaianlage am May-Ayim-Ufer
Welcome to Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany! As a tourist guide, I am excited to take you on a tour of one of the most unique and iconic landmarks in the city - the Signalkugel. Located in the district of Kreuzberg, the Signalkugel is a single artwork that has become an integral part of the local landscape. This red ball is movable and reacts to the passing ships on the Spree river through a motion sensor. When a ship approaches, the ball drops down and then rises back up using compressed air. This work of art was created by the Berlin artist Ulrike Mohr as part of a public art competition organized by the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district in 2008. The Signalkugel is situated on the historic double quay at May-Ayim-Ufer on the Spree river, at a height of 36 meters. The site was once home to a lighthouse, which was destroyed during World War II. In 2008, the area underwent a major renovation, which included the opening of the underground catacombs and the re-establishment of a boat dock. The project was commissioned by the city of Berlin and carried out by the architects Kohlmeier + Bitsch. The official reopening of the Signalkugel took place on August 29th, 2011. The structure is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFK) and features LED lighting, an aluminum mast with an internal pneumatic piston, a compressor, electronic and pneumatic controls, a motion sensor, and graphics etched into stainless steel. The metal mast stands at a height of 10 meters, while the diameter of the ball is 1.60 meters. The ball drops approximately 4.50 meters when a ship passes by. In addition to the Signalkugel, visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which offers stunning views of the Spree river and the city skyline. The underground catacombs are open to the public and provide a glimpse into the history of the site. To reach the Signalkugel, visitors can take public transportation to the nearby U-Bahn station Schlesisches Tor or the S-Bahn station Jannowitzbrücke. From there, it is a short walk to the May-Ayim-Ufer quay. In conclusion, the Signalkugel is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Berlin. Its unique design and location make it a true gem of the city's art scene. So come and experience this iconic landmark for yourself and discover the beauty of Berlin!
Source: Wikimedia