Stuttgart 21 I: Soundscape Construction Site

About the sound

Stuttgart 21 is one of the biggest construction projects in Germany. It includes the underground construction of a new central station for the city of Stuttgart as well as the creation of a new network of tracks and tunnels that allows high speed trains to pass in the area, possibly reduces travelling times and connects Stuttgart to international transport networks. It is conducted by Deutsche Bahn and co-financed by public money.
However, despite enthusiasm from its founders and the industry, the project has been heavily criticised. Not only has it become much more expensive than expected, but there are also doubts about the efficiency and safety of the new central station as well as about the actual benefit of the high speed tracks. Moreover, the construction fuelled protests and many discussions on protected buildings and nature reserves within the city such as historic parks.
This recording is a soundscape from the construction site right next to the current central station. You can hear various construction site vehicles as well as mechanical diggers excavating the ground for the new station and the warning signal of a crane as it moves in the background.

Sound: Konrad Gutkowski
Photo and Video: Kathinka Engels