Conrad Kickert

Conrad Kickert is an Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo's School of Architecture and Planning, and Director of Programs for the Rudy Bruner Center for Urban Excellence. His research focuses on urban form, design, and economic dynamics, with a particular interest in retail districts and city reinvention. He holds degrees from TU Delft (Netherlands) and a PhD from the University of Michigan.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Architecture, TU Delft
• Master of Science in Urbanism, TU Delft
• PhD in Architecture, University of Michigan

Research Interests: Kickert explores how cities evolve through their physical form and socio-economic interactions. His work emphasizes urban retail dynamics, historical urban development patterns, and the role of cities as hubs for human interaction. He advocates for cities as essential to human progress, blending academic rigor with public engagement.

Publications: Kickert has authored/co-authored award-winning books such as Palgrave Handbook of Bottom-up Urbanism (2019) and Streetlife: Urban Retail Dynamics and Prospects (2022). His recent work investigates post-pandemic urban retail adaptation and the future of commercial streets.

Awards: Recognitions include the Koos Bosma Prize (2020), Hines Urban Design Competition finalist (2020), and Reed Mallik Award (2014). His research on Detroit's downtown revitalization in Dream City (2019) was widely acclaimed.

Advising & Grants: Kickert supervises student teams in urban design competitions, supported by funders like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mellon Foundation. He emphasizes experiential learning through urban design studios and global conferences like the International Seminar on Urban Form.

Labs & Impact: As Director of the Rudy Bruner Center, he leads initiatives promoting urban excellence. His work bridges academia and practice, influencing policies in Buffalo and beyond through media features in the New York Times and Bloomberg.