
Public Appearances
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Previous public appearances
De Nieuwe Wereld Interview
04/02/2025
Why is modern architecture often so ugly? By far most people have a preference for classical, traditional buildings, but architects have their own taste. According to Ruben Hanssen, it’s time to change direction: “Build what people like, damn it!”
https://youtu.be/U4aC8e00fJk
Ruben Hanssen at Pakhuis de Zwijger
'Initially after I finished my studies I thought that it isn't possible to build beautifully anymore, until one day the thought hit me: what if it is still possible..?'
17/06/2024
Talk at Pakhuis de Zwijger on creating attractive cities. Read it here:
https://dezwijger.nl/programma/mooibouw
Or watch the full talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUd-ODDGKvs
Ruben Hanssen at the Boston Public Library, New Vitruvians
01/05/2024
Creating beautiful cities: a lecture by Ruben Hanssen at the beautiful Boston Public Library designed by McKim Mead and White. The event was organized by the New Vitruvians, he New England ICAA chapter for young professionals. Read more about it here:
https://www.classicist.org/calendar/events/creating-beautiful-cities-a-lecture-by-ruben-hanssen/
Ruben Hanssen on Architectenweb
'The Leidseplein belongs to the people of Amsterdam and not to the architect'
22/02/2024
Interview on Architectenweb about the Architectuur Omslag design competition winner for the Heineken Hoek. Read it here:
https://architectenweb.nl/nieuws/artikel.aspx?id=57612
Ruben Hanssen on AT5
'The goal is to show people that there is an alternative'
16/02/2024
Interview on AT5 about the Architectuur Omslag design counterproposal competition for Heineken Hoek. Read it here:
https://www.at5.nl/artikelen/225070/tientallen-architecten-ontwerpen-alternatieven-voor-ontzettend-lelijke-nieuwe-heineken-hoek
Ruben Hanssen on Het Parool
06/02/2024
Interview on Het Parool about the Architectuur Omslag design counterproposal for Heineken Hoek has received 32 entries. Read it here:
https://www.parool.nl/amsterdam/32-inzendingen-voor-ontwerpwedstrijd-heineken-hoek-het-kan-iets-ontwerpen-wat-bij-de-plek-past~b7ca05f8/
Ruben Hanssen on Het Parool
'The design does not fit the location and ignores the environment'
08/01/2024
Interview on Het Parool about the Architectuur Omslag design counterproposal for Heineken Hoek. Read it here:
https://www.parool.nl/amsterdam/het-ontzettend-lelijke-pand-op-het-leidseplein-is-nog-niet-af-of-er-is-al-een-prijsvraag-voor-een-nieuw-ontwerp~b7186fcb/
The Aesthetic City on ADATimeStamp
19/04/2023
Interview on Medium by AdaTimeStamp, exploring the theme of legacy, and what the relationship is between The Aesthetic City’s mission and how we as a society deal with long term vision, values and safekeeping of heritage for future generations. Read it here:
https://medium.com/@amalia.dragusin/ruben-hanssen-revisiting-the-past-for-present-solutions-at-the-aesthetic-city-2d928cb32992
Cave of Apelles podcast
February 2023
Ruben appeared in an in-depth interview at the Cave of Apelles
In the interview Ruben tells the full story behind The Aesthetic City – so if you’re interested in that, check it out. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the Cave of Apelles’ channel. The interview with Michael Diamant is excellent as well.
Lecture with Catesby Leight: Civic Architecture – Is classicism more appropriate?
25/02/2023
Ruben appears in a discussion with Catesby Leigh after his lecture on civic architecture.
Planning Forward Webinar Series
Beauty Strikes Back: The New Fight for Great Places
22/11/2022
Ruben, founder of The Aesthetic City, appeared on a panel in a webinar series organised by Create Streets and Street Level, called ‘Beauty Strikes Back: The New Fight for Great Places’.
Utrecht Summer School 2022:
Let’s Build a Beautiful City
17/07/2022 – 03/08/2022
Ruben was one of two full time teachers at the INTBAU NL summer school in Utrecht called ‘Let’s Build a Beautiful City’. This summer school taught 22 students from all over the world about traditional architecture and urbanism.