Samenvatting

This thesis explores how independent editorial formats—specifically “Ich will nicht nach Berlin”—
can be used to challenge dominant perceptions of urban spaces and resist the cultural narratives
that often accompany gentrification. Using the Ruhrgebiet in Germany as a case study, the
project takes the form of a fictional insert for the magazine 032c, aiming to highlight emerging
artists and local identities that are typically overlooked in mainstream representations of
metropolitan culture. By repeating this insert format across different issues or contexts, the
concept proposes a sustainable and adaptable model for cultural storytelling that can shift
attention away from established “creative capitals” like Berlin. Through visual and editorial
experimentation, the insert functions as both a platform and a form of resistance—creating space
for alternative voices and resisting the cultural homogeneity often tied to urban development and
gentrification.