Passersby in Colnrade need to look twice to recognize that what appears to be an ordinary shoebox-shaped structure on Kieselhorster Weg is actually an electrical transformer station operated by energy provider Avacon. Thanks to the artistic work of graffiti artists Lukas Kröger and Nils Neumeyer, the previously plain technical cube now blends seamlessly into its surroundings while showcasing detailed fire department motifs that tell the story of local firefighting history.
The two artists, who work together under the name MeraDookie, invested nearly 60 hours into this commissioned project, using traditional spray cans rather than airbrush techniques. Their intricate artwork was created in collaboration with the local municipal council and is dedicated to the Colnrade volunteer fire department. The project represents a strategic approach to community acceptance of necessary infrastructure, as Hermann Karnebogen, the energy company's municipal coordinator, explains that such transformers are essential for expanding renewable energy sources, additional solar panel connections, and the overall power grid.
Mayor Yves Nagel of the joint municipality emphasizes that acceptance is indeed the right approach, noting that this strategy has worked well throughout their region. Avacon maintains a significant presence across the joint municipality, including in Prinzhöfte, the town of Harpstedt, and now Colnrade. Leon Nixdorf, a member of the municipal council, praised how well the decorated station integrates into the community, comparing it favorably to similar installations at other town entrances like Beckeln.
The local volunteer fire department took responsibility for providing the artistic direction, supplying the graffiti team with suggestions and reference materials. Fire Chief Marvin Hartje expressed his enthusiasm for the final result, calling it "truly magnificent" and genuine art. Most of the designs proved straightforward to execute, according to Kröger, but one particular element presented a significant challenge: an old Opel Blitz fire truck featured in a black-and-white historical photograph.
The vintage Opel Blitz vehicle required extraordinary attention to detail, featuring no fewer than ten individual lamps and numerous additional components that needed precise rendering. Kröger, who originally hails from Twistringen and now lives in Oldenburg, joked that recreating such complex historical vehicles takes considerably longer than painting a simple bus shelter. The meticulous work required careful study of the historical photograph to ensure every detail was accurately captured.
Working for three consecutive days, the artists decorated all four sides of the transformer station, even continuing their work under a pavilion during rainy weather. The street-facing side features both a modern emergency vehicle and the original Colnrade fire station building complete with its distinctive hose tower, based on another historical photograph. Fire Chief Hartje noted that many current residents are unfamiliar with this original firehouse, though artist Neumeyer reported that some older community members recognized it during conversations with passersby.
One artistic element required no historical reference: a young woman from the youth fire brigade depicted in her emergency response gear on one of the station's end panels. This addition came from a suggestion by the artists themselves and serves a specific purpose in challenging outdated perceptions. The image aims to counter the stereotype that firefighting remains an exclusively male domain, reflecting the progressive nature of the Colnrade volunteer fire department.
The Colnrade fire department's commitment to diversity is evident in their personnel statistics: twelve women serve among their total force of 55 emergency responders. This ratio places them among the top three departments in Oldenburg County for female participation. Fire Chief Hartje takes pride in this achievement, viewing it as representative of modern firefighting's inclusive evolution.
Project manager Dennis Denker from Avacon provided additional technical context, explaining that the small cone-shaped structures visible at the transformer's corners are actually radio antennas. These devices enable remote monitoring and regulation of the transformer station, representing the modern technology housed within the now-artistically enhanced facility. The combination of cutting-edge electrical infrastructure with community-focused artistic expression demonstrates how utility companies can successfully integrate necessary equipment into residential neighborhoods while celebrating local heritage and values.
