Radiomural: A Glowing Tribute to Nuremberg's Cultural District

A District Identity and Mural by Aleksandra Toborowicz

Located in the heart of Langwasser district in Nuremberg, Germany, Radiomural is a stunning piece of street art that pays homage to the district's rich cultural heritage. Designed by Aleksandra Toborowicz, this mural stands out for its unique features and captivating visual appeal.

The mural takes inspiration from the iconic radios produced by Grundig in the 70s and 80s. Measuring 25 meters long and 2.5 meters high, the artwork visually resembles the scale of a vintage radio, with letters covered in photoluminescent paint. This gives the mural a mesmerizing glow in the dark, reminiscent of a radio turned on.

One of the standout features of Radiomural is the inclusion of place names on the radio scale. These names represent the favorite places of Langwasser residents, selected through a voting process. These locations, marked in dark green, are characteristic of the district and add a personal touch to the artwork. Additionally, light green markings represent the countries of origin of the residents, further emphasizing the district's diverse community.

The project serves as a local district identity, located on the facade of a cultural center in the center of Langwasser. It not only allows residents to locate popular culture and entertainment centers but also commemorates significant points on the map that are relevant to the district's history and identity.

Radiomural was created as part of the "Betonliebe - StreetArt for Langwasser" project in collaboration with the Nowa Huta Cultural Center in Krakow. The mural was made using photoluminescent spray paint, which gives it the unique glowing effect. The artwork can be illuminated at night using UV lamps or flashlights, enhancing its visual impact and creating an interactive experience for viewers.

The realization of Radiomural was not without its challenges. One of the main hurdles was achieving the photoluminescent effect, which required extensive research and experimentation. Additionally, the design process involved studying cultural and post-industrial districts similar to Zablocie in Cracow, where retro-radios were produced during the communist era.

In recognition of its exceptional design and cultural significance, Radiomural was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry category in 2020. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the mural's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, as well as its ability to meet professional and industrial requirements.

Radiomural stands as a shining example of how art, design, and technology can come together to create a visually striking and culturally significant piece of public art. With its glowing presence and thoughtful incorporation of local identity, this mural has become a beloved symbol of Langwasser's vibrant community.