Amsterdam (Squatting culture)

Amsterdam's squatting culture involves the occupation of unused or abandoned buildings by individuals or groups, often as a form of social or political expression. Historically, during the 1960s and 1970s, many buildings were left vacant due to urban development delays, prompting people to occupy them for housing or communal purposes. This practice fostered a vibrant counterculture and challenged property laws, influencing movements for affordable housing and social activism. Although squatting is now technically illegal, it remains a significant aspect of Amsterdam’s history and urban landscape, reflecting themes of housing rights, autonomy, and resistance to commercial development.