In Memoriam Johan Verbeke

(23 July 1962 – 6 August 2017)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of our colleague and dear friend Johan Verbeke.

Johan Verbeke was one of the founding members of ARENA in 2013. He was professor at KU Leuven, former head of the Department of Architecture at Sint Lucas Hogeschool voor Wetenschap & Kunst, head of the PhD school at Aarhus School of Architecture, honorary adjunct professor at RMIT University in Melbourne, vice-president of eCAADe, council member and one of the founders of the EAAE Research Academy as well as board member of ELIA.

As an outstanding teacher, highly respected scholar, and pioneer in research by design, Johan has started and lead several crucial initiatives for the cause and advancement of doctoral-level research in architectural design and of training in design research, among others ADAPT-r, ARM, PRS, and CA2RE.

It was his mission to build networks, bringing together people and turning original ideas into successful projects. We are all grateful for his tremendous efforts into establishing and advancing architecture and artistic research in the European framework – and for his being such an inclusive, inspiring and passionate person.

He will be deeply missed.

With our most heartfelt condolences to his family.

Members of ARENA