Summloch

Intrigued by the name “Summloch,” I bet you’re wondering what secrets it holds. Right here in Berlin, the Summloch isn’t a hole in the ground, but a unique sculpture. It’s an interactive art piece designed to resonate with your very being. The Summloch consists of three basalt blocks. The largest block stands tall, a four-sided stele. In front of it, a rectangular slab acts as a base. Atop the stele rests a cube-like piece with a curious, rounded hole running through it. Created by Hugo Kückelhaus, the Summloch is more than just a static sculpture. It’s an invitation to engage your senses. Kückelhaus, an artist, writer, and educator, collaborated with toy maker W. Graubner to create pedagogically interesting toys focusing on sensory experiences, particularly sound. The inspiration for the Summloch came from a similar “humming hole” in Malta’s underground cave systems. Apparently, these “humming holes” create unique sounds when you hum into them. Place your head near the Summloch’s opening and hum deeply as you exhale. Feel the vibrations as the sculpture resonates with your voice. Place your hand on your neck. Can you feel the subtle trembling? Depending on the pitch of your hum, the vibrations will create a tingling sensation throughout your body, fostering a sense of harmony and well-being. Though crafted from basalt, Summlöcher can be made from various materials like ceramic, beeswax, tadelakt, or plaster. Each material gives the Summloch a unique sound profile, further enhancing its interactive nature. In our digital age, the Summloch serves as a powerful reminder of our own sensory perception and the profound connection between our bodies and the physical world. Sadly, the Summloch is incomplete. A panel meant to be displayed on the front is missing. Yet, even in its fragmented state, the Summloch beckons us to connect with our senses and discover a world of resonance within ourselves.