prof.dr.A.D. Graafland
Architecture (A) | Interior Design
Chair of Theory of Architecture
Arie Graafland (born in 1946) has been a full professor of Theory of Architecture on the Anthoni van Leeuwenhoek Chair at the faculty since 1999. He carries out research into the formation of theory and method within the field of architecture and urban planning and is examining, among other things, how we understand reality. His background as a philosopher and sociologist plays an important role in this. For example, he is in charge of a research project entitled Urban Mapping that develops new ways of cartography, based on how people from different cultures interpret maps. He is also carrying out research into the extent that the human body is used as an imaginary ruler in current architectural practice. The findings of his research generally appear in book form - Graafland has many publications to his name and gives lectures all over the world. At the faculty he gives lessons on the theory of architecture among other things, in which he challenges students to explain systematically the conceptual aspects of their designs. He has been visiting professor in Tokyo and Budapest and is Head of the Delft School of Design.
Graafland studied sociology and philosophy at the VU University Amsterdam and gained his doctorate in the theory of architecture from TU Delft. He has been employed at the faculty of Architecture since 1978, first in the urban planning department and then the architecture department. Recently he was accepted as a partner by Kerssen & Lijbers, the firm of architects in Amsterdam. He has also occupied various management positions, including at the Studium Generale in Delft. He is responsible for some well-known publications, such as ‘The critical landscape’, ‘Cities in Transition’ and ‘Architectural Bodies’, which were published by the Stylos study association.
Secondary employment:
Advisory of office Kerssen Graafland (couple of weeks per year).
