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

IMCL Cortona, 2024

01/11/2024

At the 61st edition of the IMCL conference, held in Cortona, Italy, Ruben presented about the importance of communication of ideas of beautiful urban design and planning
https://www.imcl.online/events/cortona-italy-2024-imcl-conference

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.