Time has always been an obsession for most. While for some there's not enough, others don't know what to do with it. And depending on the circumstances, it might go by really fast or it might be boringly slow. For some people, every second is gold. But for others, the sooner they fall behind, the more of it they'll have to catch up later.
But yes, we all need to measure it!
There is an infinite variety of ways to do so, from binary code to grains of sand to numbers and letters. But Berlin's Mengenlehreuhr claims to be the first timepiece that measures our slow journey through this life in nothing more than colours, light and set theory.
Designed like a retro-futuristic piece, the clock was first installed in Berlin in 1975 by inventor Dieter Binninger. It consists of 24 lights that blink on and off in patterns that measure a 24-hour cycle for those who can decipher the code. Some of the lights represent five-hour units, while others represent one-hour units, and still others denote minutes and seconds. If added correctly, one can decipher the time.
I'm afraid I haven't been able to figure out how to read it, but I enjoy the courtship dance of the different shades of orange and yellow.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"PalaisPopulaire" in Berlin hosts the art collection of Deutsche Bank, often in cooperation with intern. museums. Check out the "I like Mondays" tours.
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"Rises Delicacies" is a homey Greek restaurant in Berlin that gives you the sensation that you're in Greece sharing a table w/ a family! Amazing moussaka.
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"Neuzwei Vintage Store" is a very refreshing escape from ordinary second-hand vintage shops in Berlin-Neukölln. It's like a small, unobtrusive boutique...
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"Bikini Berlin" is not your typical mall. Looking over the Zoo and the memorial church, with just some carefully chosen shops, it's in the right direction.
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"Shakespeare and Sons Bookstore" in Berlin is one of my favorites for Sunday morning. I love their jazz music and Jewish pastries, such as the Rugelach...
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Steglitz-Zehlendorf in Berlin is full with "Tree Stumps with Faces"! It's a great specimen of street art, and there are more than 500 in the neighborhood!
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The decorated "Mosaic Seats" in Berlin's Neukölln are located in a beautiful residential area. I like coming to rest my feet here if I'm in the area...
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"Geist im Glas" Berlin really is the best of both worlds: a bar at night and a fabulous brunch place on the weekends! I always ask about the new cocktails.
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"Andraschko" in Berlin and their 'Wiener Kaffeehaus Mischung' Espresso blend is the roastery/shop that actually made me like coffee in the first place...
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215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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