Art meets air quality: Sprayers transform Hamburg measuring station!

Art meets air quality: Sprayers transform Hamburg measuring station!

In the Hamburg Schanzenpark, there has been creative cooperation that is both artistically and environmentally conscious. Since 1984 there has been a measuring container of the Hamburg air measuring network, which contributes to monitoring air quality in the city. But not only the measurement data are important, but also how this container is perceived by the public. Again and again it is embellished by sprayers, despite a protective fence. Therefore, the Institute for Hygiene and the Environment commissioned the graffiti artist Arik to develop a new design for the container. The idea behind it: a workshop with children and adolescents to bring the concept closer to them and to actively involve them in the design. Hamburg.de reports that the workshop in cooperation with the Salut Deluxe e.V. organized.

The enthusiasm of the participants was noticeable while they learned to deal with the spray can and to develop a suitable, thematically designed motif. There is a desire that the work of art will last for a long time in order to visually emphasize the importance of air monitoring and the creative expression. The Hamburg Air Measurement Network (Halm) has played an important role in the 1980s by raising air data and thus contributing to public health.

air quality measurement in Hamburg

The pollutant loads in the air are updated daily via the current air quality index (LQI). The LQI is calculated every hour and divided into school grades. Today, on June 27, 2025, the LQI shows a grade distribution for the city, which ranges from very good (grade 1) to insufficient (grade 6). Popular measurement stations such as Altona-Elbhang and Finkenwerder Airbus reach good values, while some other stations still offer space for improvements. Detailed values ​​can be found on the website of the air measurement network, where the last measurements are summarized: Hamburg air measurement network .

The role of air measurements

air quality measurements are not only important locally, but also of international cooperation. The Environmental Federal Agency operates a comprehensive measuring network that monitors air quality in rural and urban areas. The aim of these measurements is to guarantee or improve clean air for humans and nature. The data helps to develop strategies for reducing pollutants and inform the public about air quality conditions.

This innovative connection of art and environmental protection shows how commitment to the public perception of air quality can flow in a creative way. In a city like Hamburg, where air purity has a high priority, the combination of technical know-how and youthful creativity is a desirable example.