CENTRINNO-Living Archive: Desin research for circular urban transformation
The problem:
How might we communicate local industrial history and identity in an engaging, human-centered way that connects the past with the future of sustainable production and creates new value for citizens, businesses, and decision-makers by translating complex material into accessible storytelling?
The challenge was to connect the past with the future of sustainable production by mobilizing local residents and businesses into a mutually beneficial network that shares resources and knowledge.
About
An EU-funded project exploring circular production and urban transformation across nine European pilot cities. In collaboration with the City of Copenhagen and local actors in Nordvest, I contributed to the Copenhagen pilot’s Living Archive, a subproject focused on documenting and sharing the area’s industrial heritage and present activities, transforming them into inspiration for other communities seeking to foster creative and social renewal in former industrial areas.
My role
Conducted design research, including stakeholder interviews and contextual documentation.
Developed content structure and concept for the Living Archive platform.
Produced both visual and written material for exhibitions and digital channels.
Supported facilitation of a community workshop bringing together local stakeholders.
After my internship, I was re-hired by the City of Copenhagen to independently finalize project deliverables.
Result
Documented over 15 local stories of production, craftsmanship, and innovation in Nordvest.
Strengthened collaboration between the municipality, DDC, and local creative networks.
Delivered visual and written content for the communication and dissemination of project results.
Learnings
The power of combining research and storytelling: insights gain impact when they are made relatable.
How to build value in partnerships across public institutions, creatives, and communities.
The importance of connecting facilitation and communication: a good process should be both visible and understandable.
Experience balancing creative exploration and structured delivery within an international consortium.
