IPSE

About the project
IPSE is a club on Lohmühleninsel in Berlin-Kreuzberg. From 2016 onwards, the former industrial area became an important location for Berlin’s club culture, with several clubs and cultural venues moving to the area.

Initial situation
As more clubs opened in the area, local residents began to complain about noise at night. In 2018, talks and round tables led to the music in IPSE’s outdoor area being limited to room volume. As a result, events had to be cancelled and artists no longer wanted to perform under these conditions.

Measures

1. Directional bass sound system
Two 13-metre-long bass arrays focus the low frequencies in a specific direction. Through sound cancellation, the bass is largely reduced in the direction of the neighbouring area.

2. Directional 3-way coaxial horn
A 3-metre-high and 4-metre-deep horn focuses the sound and limits its spread to an angle of 50°. This directs the sound towards the dance floor.

3. Sound absorption
Porous absorbers behind and next to the dance floor reduce frequencies above 300 Hz and limit sound reflections.

4. Flexible outdoor system
After the 380 m² indoor area was destroyed by fire in April 2020, the concept had to be redesigned. The horn, bass speakers and DJ booth were therefore rebuilt so they can be moved and repositioned on heavy-duty wheels across the outdoor area.

Result
After the bass arrays and horn were installed, no sound from the system could be heard or measured at Heckmannufer – even from a balcony with a clear view of the club. The project was significantly delayed by the fire in April 2020 and the following pandemic. It was eventually completed together with former subcontractors of Kirsch Audio.