The Research Center Henry van de Velde seeks multi-and interdisciplinary study, research and community service regarding processes of sustainable transition of the built environment. Its operations cover both the movable and the immovable assets and extends from the furniture, interior design and building of the city and the countryside. The activities involve design-based, cultural, historical, social, economic and technical aspects of the different spatial scales. In addition, it also aims to related issues on a meta-level, such as methodology of design, research and education, and assessment frameworks. This approach connects the various substantive aspects of the broad field of action and creates a well-founded structure with a significant return for the research and nexus with education.
The group's vision is to strengthen its strategic position as an international reference in architecture and interior architecture design research, with a focus on supporting the transition toward a socially and ecologically sustainable built environment.
To promote knowledge sharing and maintain focus within the large group, the Henry van de Velde research is organised into four research areas: Building Culture - History and Theory; Design Studies and Education; Social Awareness and Design; and Technology and Circular Design.
News and events
Publication of the Special Issue on Circular Economy in the Construction Sector
The journal Sustainability, based in Switzerland, recently published a book from the Special Issue on Circular Economy in the Construction Sector, co-edited by Anibal Maury-Ramirez (University of Antwerp) and Nele De Belie (Ghent University). This publication, which identifies the challenges and opportunities of implementing a circular economy in the construction value chain, includes thirteen contributions from researchers across Belgium, Spain, France, Canada, Colombia, Brazil, India, Serbia, and Montenegro.
This Special Issue on Circular Economy in the Construction Sector explores critical topics, including the development of eco-friendly concrete and hybrid cements using recycled materials, technological innovations such as 3D printing and chemical activation to optimize material reuse, environmental and economic evaluations of sustainable construction practices, durability and mechanical enhancements in concrete and mortars using recycled aggregates, implementation of sustainable building strategies in circular cities and communities, and the examination of circular economy models, regulatory frameworks, and global best practices.
This open access book builds upon previous publications on sustainable construction: Construction and Demolition Waste, Advanced Coatings for Buildings, and Photocalytic Coatings for Air-Purifying, Self-Cleaning and Antimicrobial Properties.
Call for Papers - Journal of Interior Design
We are pleased to announce a call for papers for a special issue of the Journal of Interior Design (JID) titled “Crafting Environments: The Impact of Digital Technologies on Interior Architecture and Design”. This issue, guest-edited by Sara Eloy and Els De Vos from the University of Antwerp, seeks to explore how digital technologies are reshaping the field of interior architecture and design.
Key Themes:
We invite submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following questions:
- How might digital technologies shape the design and representation of interiors?
- What roles do virtual and hybrid spaces play in redefining interior design and its practice?
- How does education in interior architecture and design integrate digital advancements and how do educators and students combine digital approaches with analog ones?
- How do interiors adapt to and influence user perceptions and emotions?
- How can user-focused and computational methods advance interior research?
We look forward to your contributions and advancing the discourse on digital technologies in interior architecture and design.
Submission information available here:
https://journals.sagepub.com/pb-assets/PDF/JID-DigitalImpact-CFP_final-updd-1742187083.pdf
REstructure REmaterialize REthink REuse — ICSA2025
Join the 6th International Conference on Structures and Architecture 8-11 July 2025 in Antwerp, Belgium.
This conference calls for a re-imagination of current practices regarding structures and architecture. As a response to the pressing global climate and energy crisis and with new settings and tools, the design and construction of our built environment should be reconsidered and extended. We invite all researchers and practitioners to contribute their research and expertise to the effort.
Website of the conference here:
University of Antwerp research group co-presence at The Community for Artistic and Architectural Research (CA²RE) international research conference at the Politecnico di Milano
The Community for Artistic and Architectural Research (CA²RE) hosts an international research conference each semester. The most recent edition took place from April 3–5, 2025, at the Politecnico di Milano. This vibrant gathering brought together scholars and experts from around the world to explore the theme of ‘Authorships’. The programme featured journal and book presentations, a wide range of workshops and seminars, and 41 paper sessions.
Our Research Group was proudly represented by Professor Johan De Walsche, who contributed as a panel member in several sessions, along with three Master's students in Architecture, Axelle Van Nuffelen, Paulien Van den Nest, and Ana-Clara Van den Berghe, and teaching and research assistant Nathan De Feyter.
Together, they co-presented their ongoing research, which centres on a design-driven participatory action research project focused on Ten Eekhovelei in Deurne. Their exhibition combined research photographs, a diorama, and video edits, offering a compelling exploration of how co-design can challenge and expand conventional notions of authorship by including residents, community organisations, governmental bodies, and academic stakeholders in the design process.
