is Professor of Sociology at the Technical University of Darmstadt. His previous publications include Hafenstädte (with J. Schwenk, 2011); Die Eigenlogik der Städte (ed. with Martina Löw, 2008); Die Macht des Lokalen in einer Welt ohne Grenzen (ed. 2006); Die Wirklichkeit der Städte (ed. with Martina Löw, 2005). He is co-publisher of the journal Aesthetik und Kommunikation.
From economic powerhouse to cultural destination: like harbour cites throughout the north, Bremerhaven’s former docks have been reinvented as a centre for scientific research and a symbolic universe dedicated to the local maritime tradition, writes Helmuth Berking.