"W3 Professorship "Circular Design and Construction" Universität Kassel"

W3 Professorship “Circular Design and Construction”

The Faculty of Architecture, Urban and Landscape Planning at the University of Kassel invites applications for the following position at the Institute of Architecture to be filled as soon as possible:

This professorship is dedicated to advancing architectural design in both research and teaching, with a particular focus on the principles of circular construction. These principles encompass spatial, functional, technical, material, and aesthetic dimensions. Emphasis is placed on conserving resources through material-appropriate construction, the reuse of existing materials and components, and approaches to designing buildings for circularity throughout their entire life cycle.

Possible areas of focus include:

• Development of innovative construction methods aimed at the transition toward circular and climate-resilient building;
• Holistic consideration of design, construction, and building processes, especially with regard to reversible joining techniques;
• Material compositions and energy flows over the full life cycle of buildings.

In research, the professorship is expected to develop innovative circular building methods and construction systems, and investigate sustainable material use and circular building technologies. Integration into interdisciplinary research projects at the University of Kassel is encouraged.

As part of the curriculum, the professorship will teach methods, content, and tools related to circular design and construction. It will provide instruction in the fundamentals of building construction and supervise design projects and final theses in both the Bachelor's and Master’s degree programs.

Collaboration with other subject areas in research and teaching—especially with the departments of Structural Design, Sustainable Building Design, and Building Physics—is explicitly expected.

Profile of the Candidate: We are seeking architects with proven excellence in design and construction, who have demonstrated distinguished work in at least one of the aforementioned focus areas, either in research or practice. Candidates have several years of qualified professional and design experience beyond the academic context. Particular emphasis is placed on an independent body of architectural work and on applied knowledge in integrating aspects of circular construction.

Requirements:

• Research and practical experience in circular construction topics;
• Outstanding academic or practice-based contributions that have led to significant progress in construction or design research, evidenced by relevant scientific publications;
• Exceptional design and technical skills, especially in the areas of material use, construction and detailing, and the development of a new aesthetic of sustainability;
• Strong professional and academic network;
• Teaching experience and the ability to teach foundational lectures in the Bachelor's program in German.

Additional Qualifications (Preferred):

• International experience in architectural practice;
• Experience in acquisition and implementation of externally funded research projects;
• Strategies for reducing technical systems in buildings;
• Innovative approaches to dealing with existing buildings (renovation, restoration);
• Design and construction with (new) regenerative materials;
• Ability to teach selected courses in English.

Applicants are requested to submit their application including a CV, portfolio, list of publications (scientific and project-based), records of externally funded projects and research activities, as well as copies of academic certificates.

The appointment requirements are based on §§ 67 and 68 of the Higher Education Act of the State of Hesse (Hessisches Hochschulgesetz).

For further information please contact Prof. Heike Klussmann, Tel.: +49 561 804-3632.