Dr. C H C F Kaan

Biography

Kees Kaan is a professor of Architectural Design - Complex Projects at Delft University of Technology. His research focuses on the architectural building type, program, and scale, with the theme 'The PROJECT' at the core of his studio's work that takes the contemporary city and region as a point of departure. His studios and seminars emphasize critical thinking and constructing narratives in practice. The projects he engages with often involve rapid urban development in BRIC countries as well as states facing slow transformation in Europe, and the simultaneous decline and growth in the USA. Kaan advocates for strategic interventions over stable long-term master plans, emphasizing the importance of negotiating complex developments that encompass multiple public and private interests. He believes that architectural practices must reflect personal values within the societal context, showcasing the economic and political culture. Kaan is the founder of KAAN Architecten, an international office based in Rotterdam, and previously co-founded Claus en Kaan Architecten. His notable projects include the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, the Institut des Sciences Moléculaire d'Orsay in Paris, and several other internationally acclaimed works. Kaan's contribution to the field has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Rotthier Award and a shortlist for the Mies van der Rohe Award.

Research Interests

Experience