Deconstructed Neukölln: a Psychotopographic Walk

Maps are bold interpretations of the world, but how do we map the invisible? An inhabited space is never just a neutral setting; it is a palimpsest of historical layers, cultural signs and psychotopographic frequencies.

In this participatory walking act, we bypass conventional landmarks to investigate the permeable boundary between the 'outside' (the physical reality of the street) and the 'inside' (the interior weather of the neighbourhood). Acting as researchers of the urban fabric, we will look for the incongruent and sociologically revealing corners of Neukölln, decoding the invisible tensions of the space - such as gentrification, decay, cultural enmeshments and reflections of collective trauma.

This is not a guided tour nor a traditional art class designed to produce pretty pictures. Equipped with notepads and pens, participants will be guided through a series of abstract prompts (e.g., “Find a rupture of meaning” or “Locate something overwritten but not erased”). We will use drawing as an analytical tool to capture the logic of the oddities we find hidden in plain sight.

By tentatively circling these boundaries and dissolving the contradictions between self and city, we will turn subjective sensory experiences into collective data. The walk culminates in the creation of a temporary psychotopographic map on a public wall - a fluid, collaborative visual archive that documents the hidden narratives of the place before we dismantle it and take our newly configured understandings home.

Who is this for?
Thinkers, observers and anyone interested in the sociology of space, contemporary art and finding visual language for complex systems. No drawing skills are required -only a willingness to look closely and question the narrative of the street. Materials (notepads and black pens) are provided by the artist.

Working language: English
Participation: free, upon registration.
Registration link: https://www.deconstructedtales.de/Neukolln48-registration