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New Solution-Oriented Head of the School of Architecture

Date
23.10.2017
Category
Insight

Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen, the newly appointed Head of KADK’s School of Architecture, is a highly experienced architect and teacher with a burning passion for architecture.

Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen is a Teaching Associate Professor in KADK’s School of Architecture. He is also the head of the postgraduate ‘Architecture and Extreme Environments’ course, which focuses on tackling major challenges such as climate change and global health through architecture. 

the newly appointed Head of KADK’s School of Architecture, Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen

As the proprietor of the architectural practice, Ingvartsen Arkitekter, Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen has pursued his interest in the capacity of architecture to tackle specific problems and issues. In recent years the practice has won major international acclaim for its projects: for example, the creation of architecture in Tanzania that can counteract malaria. Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen studied medicine before starting his studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Architecture, and has since worked with doctors on his malaria-related architectural projects.

The Rector of KADK, Lene Dammand Lund says: “Jakob has solid roots in the practical aspect of the architecture industry plus many years’ experience of teaching in KADK’s School of Architecture. He is interested in every aspect of Danish and international architecture and in all the important tasks that architects can help to tackle: particularly in collaboration with other disciplines. So I am in no doubt that Jakob will be the perfect person to head KADK’s School of Architecture, and will help make the relevance of architects even clearer in the eyes of society and the business community.”

Enhanced professionalism and interaction with the outside world

According to Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen, Danish architecture is founded on strong traditions, which permeate our culture, our attitudes and our society. That is why it is vital to uphold the KADK School of Architecture’s high quality and the great international acclaim, which the School has achieved. It is a unique position to start from. But he also believes it is important for the KADK School of Architecture not to turn in on itself.

“We must continue to have the courage to think innovatively and to challenge our thinking habits with systematic methods, which are based on the context. It is also vital to look at the interaction between the technological and aesthetic aspects of architecture, which will very probably become even more important in the years to come. The School must reach out even more to the outside world, other educational institutions and the business community.”

For Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen, collaboration and the well being of both staff and students will also be top priority. “I love the diversity of serious professional competencies in the School. These professional competencies make up the core of the School. We must cherish and safeguard that core, while evolving in tandem with the many changes that are taking place in the world around us.”

Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen will take up his position as new Head of School on 1 November 2017.