With the appointment of Jacob van Rijs and Tom Frantzen, the Architecture, Urban Design and Engineering (AUDE) unit has gained two new professors. Dean Theo Salet: “Looking at the quality of these two new additions, we are extremely proud. This will help us chart the path forward.”

The arrival of the two prominent architects follows a period of escalating distrust. The conflict arose in early 2023 due to a breach of trust between five professors, the then-unit chair, and the Department Board over the department’s vision. According to the professors, the results of an investigation into the breach of trust were disregarded. As a result, three of the professors decided to resign.

Crisis of trust

“We’ve gone through a difficult time,” Salet reflects. “When there is a conflict as serious as this, with three respected professors resigning, it leaves deep wounds. You want – and need – to find a way forward quickly, but that can only happen once trust has been restored.”

To repair relationships, intensive conversations took place between the Department Board and the unit. Those conversations have led to an improved atmosphere between the unit and the Department Board. “AUDE colleagues went through a period of heavy workloads due to capacity shortages. Now, I find that there is perspective again and the atmosphere has improved.”

Recovery

As such, Salet is optimistic about the unit’s future. The path forward is not limited to the addition of two new professors. “Our ultimate goal is to work towards five architecture chairs focusing on education, design, and research. We want to add to that three part-time design-oriented positions without a research component, including the current roles of Van Rijs and Frantzen.”

Currently, three of the five chairs are filled by Juliette Bekkering, Masi Mohammadi and Daniel Barber, who recently succeeded Bernard Colenbrander after his retirement. A hiring process is in progress to further strengthen the unit.

This new structure for AUDE was created in consultation with the unit, senior management and the Department Board. “It’s a direction we all agree on. I can confidently say that a shared vision is emerging. And it’s by no means complete, because with the addition of three new professors, it will continue to evolve.”

Urgent letter

“The alumni’s words have provided support,” says Salet, referring to the urgent letter from prominent Built Environment alumni. At the time, they called for the preservation of the characteristic ‘Eindhoven School’ and for a say in education policy. “Their advice was to prioritize spatial design. They were also concerned about the disappearance of the Eindhoven School, which distinguishes our education: bringing together design, architecture and engineering. “You have to hold on to that,” they said. And I fully recognize that; this is what sets our department apart from many others worldwide.”

The Eindhoven School has been safeguarded, Salet emphasizes. “It’s reflected in the work that Van Rijs and Frantzen bring with them and in the key fact that we can link Frantzen to the Habraken Chair of Open Architecture. Named after our first dean, who shaped the Eindhoven School.” Frantzen was also one of the signatories of the urgent letter.

In addition, the alumni called for more involvement in education policy. “It’s too early for that,” says Salet. “Our current focus is on finding the right people for the remaining open positions, but I look forward to starting the dialogue with our alumni about education,” says Salet. “For now, the focus is on hiring new professors.” A new vacancy will be posted online soon.