Andromeda Created a Unique Story Bench in Amsterdam-Noord: ‘This Will Bring People Together’

People in Amsterdam-Noord need to talk to each other more, thought Andromeda Achiaa, a student at Inholland University of Applied Sciences. But how do you make that happen? Together with fellow students, she came up with the idea of The Story Bench.

“There are so many people in Noord with wonderful stories about the neighbourhood. I think it is valuable for people to share these stories with one another.”

Amsterdam-Noord is home to a diverse mix of people. The district is becoming increasingly popular – and increasingly busy. But do people still know their neighbours? Do they know what is happening just a little further down their street? Andromeda wants to help strengthen these connections.

The Story Bench

“For my graduation project, I had to develop a product centred around art and culture that would also create immediate added value for Amsterdam-Noord, particularly for local residents and entrepreneurs. After exploring many ideas and discussing them with my fellow students, we came up with The Story Bench. It was actually the simplest of around twenty ideas we developed,” Andromeda says cheerfully when we meet her at Buikslotermeerplein, the location where the bench is intended to be placed.

A Good Idea

When asked what makes the idea so effective, Andromeda explains:

“It’s simple, but effective. We researched what people in Noord need from one another and what is happening in the neighbourhood. Amsterdam-Noord is changing rapidly, and not everyone is happy with these changes. The district is becoming increasingly trendy, and the gap between long-time and new residents of Noord is growing.”

“I hope that by listening to each other’s stories on the bench, people will understand one another better.”

Andromeda

So how can a bench make a difference?

“The traditional sense of Noord is slowly fading. I hope that by listening to each other’s stories on the bench, people will understand one another better. It is also simply great to hear stories from Noord. Anyone can sign up to record a story – people who have lived here for years, but also new residents. For example, you could share where you come from and why you decided to live in Amsterdam-Noord. I hope it encourages people not to simply pass each other by, but to really see one another.”

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