Equipped for the challenges of building culture

The Department of Architecture at Alanus University is moving into the future with a new dean's office.

A generational change has taken place in the leadership of the Department of Architecture at Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences in Alfter near Bonn. Following a successful term as dean under Prof. Dr.-Ing. Florian Kluge and an impressive 19 years of service as dean by Prof. Benedikt Stahl, Prof. Willem-Jan Beeren and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Wackerl will assume responsibility from the autumn semester 2025/26.

Under the leadership of Florian Kluge, the department has seen continuous growth in recent years. “Thanks to our joint efforts, we are in a better position today than ever before. We have increased student numbers and are delighted to have around 180 students in the bachelor’s and master’s programs. At the same time, we have succeeded in expanding our faculty and launching important projects such as the Workshop and Think Tank with third-party funding,” emphasizes Kluge. The department also once again received top ratings in the CHE university ranking and on StudyCheck, confirming the high standard of teaching and support.

At the same time, Benedikt Stahl shaped the development of the department for almost two decades. Since his appointment in 2006, he was also responsible for leading the department as dean or vice dean, represented the university in the building committee for Campus II – Villestraße, and was actively involved in numerous committees. “I have always been interested in what brings people to Alanus, what drives them, and how we can create an inspiring environment for teaching and research together. Teaching and experiencing architecture in the context of art and science has been and remains a central task for me,” says Stahl.

With Willem-Jan Beeren and Wolfgang Wackerl, a new team is now taking over the leadership. Beeren brings many years of experience as chair of the senate and vice dean, while Wackerl stands for expertise in public-interest-oriented urban and project development. “We would like to expressly thank Florian Kluge and Benedikt Stahl for their prudent and collegial leadership in challenging times. Our goal is to further sharpen the department’s profile together with our faculty, strengthen student recruitment, and expand networking through research and practical projects in the region and beyond,” explains Beeren.

Several appointment procedures are planned for the coming years, which will expand the department’s staffing and incorporate current topics. These include questions of the circular economy, sustainable conversion, and the role of artificial intelligence in architecture. With these focal points, the department is addressing the key challenges facing building culture and society.

Photo: Prof. Dr. Florian Kluge (left) symbolically hands over the trophy representing the dean’s office leadership to Prof. Willem-Jan Beeren.

Contact for press inquiries:
+49 (0)2222 9321-1944
presse@alanus.edu

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