During the Amsterdam edition, community-driven energy alternatives take centre stage. The first day focuses on collective heating initiatives, the second day on energy as part of social networks and everyday life. In the morning we explore energy practices of migrant communities in Thessaloniki, and in the afternoon we look at the housing and energy needs of residents in the Van der Pek neighbourhood. On the third day, we discuss the latest research insights alongside current challenges in housing and energy policy.

Everyone is welcome.

Energy Communities and Collective Heating

NOTE: This day is in Dutch. Deze dag is in het Nederlands.

The first day centres on local energy initiatives and the evolving role of heat communities in the energy transition. Through two panel discussions with representatives from KetelhuisWG and Thermo Bello, we explore how community-owned heat systems are shaped in practice — between policy ambitions, technical realities, and local commitment.

The first panel examines the future of heat communities within the changing policy landscape, asking what is needed to create fair conditions for their development and how their social added value — from neighbourhood anchoring and democratic legitimacy to technical innovation and volunteer engagement — can be better recognised and supported. The second panel shifts focus to the everyday work behind collective heat systems, exploring how trust-building, resident participation, and technical optimisation interact in practice. Together, the discussions reflect on the opportunities and tensions of community-led heating, from contracts and financing to questions of fairness, scalability, and long-term support, while highlighting how residents can play an active role in shaping a more inclusive energy future.

Energy, Inequality and Housing

NOTE: This day is in English. Deze dag is in het Engels.

The second day focuses on access to energy and housing justice. Researchers will present studies on energy infrastructures and housing conditions for migrants, followed by a creative workshop with students exploring everyday stories about housing and energy. The day concludes with a screening of the documentary De Verkrotte Droom and a discussion on housing and energy challenges in Amsterdam.

Research and Policy in Dialogue

NOTE: This day is in English. Deze dag is in het Engels.

The final day brings together researchers and policymakers. Presentations and roundtable discussions by scholars from, among others, the University of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences explore current issues such as housing affordability, urban infrastructure, and the energy transition. Key questions about fairness and inclusivity are central. These conversations aim to spark new connections and ideas for future research and collaboration.

Learning together across Europe

CORNER is designed as a travelling research installation. The insights gathered in Amsterdam will become part of a broader European research trajectory. CORNER will also travel to cities including Sofia, Thessaloniki, Karlsruhe, Barcelona, Copenhagen, and Tallinn (see map below). In this way, local experiences are connected to an international perspective and shared learning across Europe.

CORNER offers an inspiring space where science, art, and community initiatives meet. Whether you are a student, researcher, professional, or simply interested, you are warmly invited to visit, share ideas, and join the conversation about the future of housing and energy in Europe.

More information at prefigure.eu.