In the column “Listen with…” Soundtrackcity interviews residents from De Pijp about the meaning of sound in their lives. What sounds do they hear and what sounds do they find appropriate in their living environment? For this third episode, we speak to René Onclin who has lived in the neighborhood all his life.
René Onclin grew up in the Rivierenbuurt, where the whistling of blackbirds in courtyards, the chimes of the Waal Church and children playing in the streets characterized his childhood. After working in education for 43 years, he is now retired. But he cannot sit still. Together with his wife, he gives creative workshops at CC Amstel. René says he gets his inspiration from listening to the rhythm of the city.
René enjoys going into the city to draw and paint. There he is surrounded by the vibrant sounds of the city – conversations in the park, passing cars, bicycle bells, birdsong and the gentle breeze – which stimulate his creativity. While the bustling city center provides energy, he finds the tranquility in the Amstelpark to concentrate on his work.
René is fascinated by architecture. He draws, paints and embroiders the buildings he sees. Besides appreciating the visual aspects, he also has an ear for the sounds that can be heard both inside and outside the buildings. He feels how these sounds are shaped and influenced by the design of the structures.
Different schools
When he thinks back to the various schools where he worked, the Hogeschool van Amsterdam on Wibautstraat was a soundproof cocoon, sealed off from the noisy outside world. The building’s air conditioning and strict insulation meant that windows could not be opened and interior doors could not be left open. Looking out from his classroom, the city looked like a painting, without the sounds and sensations that make it real.
In contrast, the elementary school on Apollolaan was permeated with sounds; chattering parents in the schoolyard, murmurs in the classrooms and cries of toddlers playing outside. These sounds connected the building to the city and gave a sense of connection to children, colleagues and the neighborhood.
Consequently, it is precisely the human sounds that René appreciates; he enjoys the interaction. Whether it is the happy twittering of his granddaughter or people talking, arguing and laughing on the street, it is the human sounds that, for him, bring the city to life.
Listen with Rene is part of the Listen with… of Urban Sound Lab, where local residents, sound artists, and architects listen to the city together. Together they explore how to achieve a better-sounding city and how that contributes to the personal well-being of city dwellers. Find the other episodes here.
