Kees Christiaanse, born in Amsterdam in 1953, established his professional footprint by evolving from a partner at OMA to founding his own influential practices. Educated at Delft University of Technology, he transitioned into a significant figure in urban planning, bridging the gap between large-scale civic developments and the theoretical framework of social architecture in the Netherlands.
Professional Evolution
After completing his education, Christiaanse worked at Rem Koolhaas' firm, OMA, where he served as a partner from 1983 until 1989. Following this tenure, he launched Kees Christiaanse Architects and Planners (KCAP) in Rotterdam in 1989. Simultaneously, he co-founded ASTOC Architects and Planners in Cologne in 1990, maintaining this partnership until 2002. His leadership extended into the public sector, where he acted as the artistic director of the Dutch Building Department from 1993 to 1996.
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Christiaanse served as a professor of architecture and urban planning at Technische Universität Berlin from 1996 to 2003. Subsequently, he held the position of Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the Institute for Urban Design at ETH Zurich from 2003 until 2018. His scholarly output includes several monographs and edited collections, such as 'Campus and the City' and 'Open City', which examine urban design strategies in contemporary societies.
Architectural and Urban Design Philosophy
His work emphasizes the concept of the 'socializing machine,' aiming to counteract the prevalence of gated communities by fostering mixed-use, walkable environments. Drawing on Christopher Alexander’s theories, Christiaanse warns against the fragmentation of cities into isolated branches, advocating instead for fine-grained public space grids and active street fronts. His major projects range from residential high-rises like The Red Apple in Rotterdam to the 2012 Summer Olympics legacy masterplan.
Fast facts
- Born: 1953, Amsterdam
- Education: Delft University of Technology
- KCAP founded: 1989, Rotterdam
- ASTOC co-founded: 1990, Cologne
- Artistic Director, Dutch Building Department: 1993-1996
- Professor, Technische Universität Berlin: 1996-2003
- Professor, ETH Zurich: 2003-2018
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
Questions readers ask
What core principles define his urban planning approach?
He advocates for walkable, mixed-use communities with active street frontages to prevent urban segmentation and social isolation.
Where did he hold academic teaching positions?
He taught at Technische Universität Berlin and the Institute for Urban Design at ETH Zurich.
Achievements
- Trained at Delft University of Technology
