Nightcaps in Berlin, Germany

Artist Alona Rodeh’s “Nightcaps” is a public art project featuring 15 sculptural additions placed directly on top of existing street lamps in Berlin’s Brunnenviertel (Wedding). In the 1960s, when the neighborhood was rebuilt by the social housing company degewo, large spherical street lamps were installed throughout its courtyards and walkways.

These globe-shaped lamps cast light in all directions, illuminating the sky and surrounding environment far beyond what is actually needed. While the light only needs to reach pathways and sidewalks, it instead brightens trees, balconies, and the night itself. Light pollution has long been linked to insomnia, disrupted circadian rhythms, and harm to the city’s wildlife. Yet it’s one of the least discussed forms of pollution.

Rodeh’s project addresses this by rethinking how these lamps emit light, without removing or replacing them. Working with degewo and the neighborhood community, Rodeh and her team created sculptural “caps” that gently redirect the light downward, reducing skyglow.

The sculptures are made from recycled plastic using 3D printing, and were developed through participatory workshops where local residents and children contributed ideas. The final designs reflect everyday culture and nocturnal life in the area: “Beduin” - a stylized head covering “Geflügelter Schatten” - a bat with outstretched wings “Cappie” - a playful propeller cap Each lamp post includes a QR code linking to a map and stories behind each piece.

Set among the uniform housing blocks and courtyards of Brunnenviertel, the sculptures add moments of humor, warmth, and individuality, while quietly encouraging people to rethink the light above them.