Kattenburg Virtual Memories

When neighbourhoods undergo major transformations, more than just buildings and streets disappear—collective memory fragments too. Kattenburg Virtual Memories uses design, technology and community involvement to make these memories visible before they are lost. Through text-to-image AI, the project generates visual representations of stories told by (former) residents of Kattenburg and the former Navy complex (MEA), turning them into material for inclusive participation.

The Amsterdam neighbourhood of Kattenburg was radically redeveloped in the 1960s and 70s and now faces another major transformation. This project captures local memories before this chapter of history is erased, integrating them into an interactive 3D environment to support meaningful conversations about the area's future.

This collaboration between the University of Amsterdam, Studio Bertels, Total Design and Autres Directions brings together heritage, digital design, social innovation and AI. Together, the partners are developing a scalable method to enhance participation in urban development, foregrounding community knowledge, social cohesion and historical layering.

€319,440 will be used as a PPP program grant.