24h Noord 2025

On 6 September 2025, 24 Hours North took place, with Buikslotermeerplein serving as the heart of the festival.

As part of the CoECI research project “From Place Grief to Wow”, we developed a pop-up experience called “Eye to Eye with a Changing Amsterdam-Noord.”

The pop-up consisted of three different elements:

• Past: A series of posters featuring historical images of Buikslotermeerplein, developed in collaboration with Historisch Centrum Amsterdam-Noord.
• Present: Using VR headsets, visitors could explore 360-degree images of the current Buikslotermeerplein, HEMAplein, Olaf Palmeplein and other locations. As a conversation starter, we also placed a large blackboard with two questions: What would you like to preserve here? and What would you like to add?
• Future: Through the VR headsets, visitors could watch a short video presenting a vision of the area’s possible future, created by the municipality. We also set up a transparent pop-up igloo tent where visitors could draw what they would like to add to the square.

After a quiet morning, the event gradually became busier throughout the afternoon. Alongside local residents and entrepreneurs, curious visitors from other parts of Amsterdam also came to explore the pop-up.

It was great to see how much interaction emerged, particularly in response to the images shown through the VR headsets and the questions on the large blackboard. We gathered a wide range of responses and insights, as you can see in the photos.

Key points raised by residents, entrepreneurs and other visitors:

There are feelings of place grief around the loss of Noord’s “village-like atmosphere and unique identity.” The loss of affordable housing is also a major concern for many people. One important question that emerged was: “How can we make sure that the identity of Noord is preserved?”

The future impressions reminded some visitors of Amsterdam’s Zuidas and Almere, prompting responses such as: “Don’t let it all become the same” and “We really value the village-like atmosphere.” At the same time, people do not want the area to become dull. There is also a clear desire for “more vibrancy and light in the streets.”

A strong need for more greenery was also expressed. The images showing trees on the market square in the future impressions appealed to many visitors. A large number of residents considered this the most important element.

People also emphasised the importance of preserving initiatives that strengthen social cohesion, such as Modestraat, as well as small-scale hospitality venues and places that create a sense of community and conviviality. Finally, several participants stressed the importance of giving specific attention to young people in the future development of the area.

In this aftermovie of 24 Hours North 2025, you can see us at around 0:54, featuring our graduating student Jenny Lin.