Encyclopedia Mapping Imaginaries Bijlmer Amsterdam-Southeast
Within the project, a large group of residents and entrepreneurs from the neighbourhood Bijlmer in Amsterdam-Southeast are working together to create a widely supported, multi-voiced and scientifically based collection of stories. This will ultimately result in a visually appealing 'wiki-like' encyclopedia containing knowledge from Amsterdam-Southeast.
Reason
The celebration of 50 years of Bijlmer in 2018 was the reason for this project. Dozens of local initiatives showcased the rich history and creative energy of Amsterdam-Southeast. It became clear that a lot of valuable knowledge is at risk of being lost or is insufficiently visible. This project aims to document, share and make this knowledge accessible – with an eye for how that knowledge is shaped and told.
Aim of the project
With the Encyclopedia and the use of a wiki-like format, including a map, we unlock local knowledge in an accessible way. This creates a shared memory that contributes to a just, diverse, and social city.
Research method
In creating the Encyclopedia, we use the concept of 'imaginaries': the ideas, worldviews and experiences with which people give meaning and shape to their environment. These are expressed in stories, art, plans and daily practices. By taking imaginaries as our starting point, we can see how diverse perspectives, and even stereotypes, have a social impact. Working with an overarching concept such as imaginaries offers major advantages. It enables us to better recognize the contradictory, multifaceted and dynamic nature of phenomena that manifest themselves everywhere. Co-creation with residents and local creators forms the core of our approach.
Results
- An online platform (wiki) with stories, images and maps that serves as a prototype for further content visibility of knowledge and community building. Prototype phase I started in 2023 and was completed in January 2024. Prototype phase 2 started in December 2024 and delivery is expected at the end of march 2026.
- Co-creation events with residents.
- Films and other visual content in collaboration with partners Zuidoost TV, Bartendaz. and Scriptfactory, such as the documentary 'Mapping Imaginaries: We are involved if it works'. Watch the trailer(opens in new window) of de entire documentary(opens in new window).
- The website Moving Amsterdam Zuidoost(opens in new window) with routes and descriptions developedfrom our pop-up lab Spinoza Imaginaries Lab & Café in World of Food.
- ultimedia projections at festivals and in the neighbourhood in collaboration with Scriptfactory(opens in new window) and ADE(opens in new window), among others, which showcase the content of the Encyclopedia in a playful and creative way.
- Contributions to the celebration of Amsterdam's 750th anniversary in the anniversary year (October 2024-October 2025).
- Anchoring the network of encyclopedia makers so that after the anniversary year, the encyclopedia continues to develop into an important source of knowledge for everyone.
- Developing services that contribute to the liveability and strength of the neighbourhood. For example, new forms of financing for cultural and creative (start-up) entrepreneurs and the associated infrastructure.
- Exploring new forms of financing for creative entrepreneurs in Amsterdam-Southeast.
Culture is almost everything! This project shows how much we need co-creation to build and maintain sustainable connections and infrastructures.
Núria Arbones Aran
Programme Manager
Social impact
The project contributes to collective memory, empowerment and visibility of local knowledge. It strengthens networks between residents, institutions and creators, and contributes to the liveability and resilience of the neighbourhood.
Impact on education and research
he project builds on long-term practice-oriented research in Amsterdam-Southeast. Students from various programmes at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) participate in route development, storytelling and data visualisation. The approach also inspires PhD programmes and is interwoven with international research collaborations, such as the IMAGE(opens in new window)project with Barcelona and Paris, among others.
Research team
Involved from the AUAS
External partners
Bijlmer Museum, Zuidoost TV, Imagine IC, Johan Cruijff ArenA, Bijlmer Style, Bartendaz, Hart voor de K-buurt, Gemeente Amsterdam ZO, Scriptfactory, Amsterdam Time Machine, Masterplan Zuidoost, DUWO, The Gospel Agency, OBA Next, Zuidoost City, ADE and many others.
Funding bodies
- Stadsdeel Amsterdam-Zuidoost(opens in new window)
- Centre of Expertise Rechtvaardige Stad(opens in new window)
For more information about the encyclopedia, please contact
Núria Arbones Aran