The European city is a nucleus in a network of approximately 500 cities with an average population of 50.000-1.000.000 inhabitants and anaverage distance of 100 km. In-between, there is a cultural landscape which has many qualities despite its dense population. This cultural landscape is pervaded by efficient transport infrastructures. Despite some deficits, this centuries-old constellation has a high quality of life and urbanity compared to most other urban areas on earth. Above all, it is important to optimize this constellation and not just focus on individual compact cities. 

Kees Christiaanse studied architecture and urban planning at TU Delft. In 1980 he joined the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) and was appointed partner in 1983. In 1989 he founded his own company, now KCAP Architects&Planners, in Rotterdam. In 1990 he co-founded ASTOC Architects and Planners in Cologne and was partner until 2002.

Kees focuses in his work on urban assignments in complex situations and on guiding of urban processes. He is an expert in the development of university campuses and in the revitalization of former industrial, railway and harbor areas and is a supervisor of several international urban developments.

This lecture will close this year's Doctor of Design Conference, Urban [Re]Form: Emerging Forces and Paradigms in Urban Theory. Aside from this keynote lecture, the rest of the symposium will take place in Stubbins Room 112 in Gund Hall.

Learn more about Kees Christiaanse “Inversion and Subtraction in Urban Design”