Alessandro Gess

Alessandro Gess is a University Professor for Design, Space and Building Theory at HafenCity University Hamburg, appointed in 2024. He simultaneously maintains an active architectural practice as partner at l'AUC in Paris. His academic career includes teaching positions at EIVP - Université Gustave Eiffel in Paris, Institut Méditerranéen de la Ville et des Territoires in Marseille, and he served as Guest Professor at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology during 2023/24.

Professor Gess's research critically examines how architectural spaces can adapt to societal changes, challenging traditional boundaries between buildings and their environments. His work focuses on:

• Designing buildings for long-term adaptability
• Spatial qualities facilitating user appropriation
• Reconciling architectural determinism with societal fluidity
• Extending transformations beyond individual buildings to urban relevance
• Challenging conventional notions of building lifecycle and typology

He approaches architecture as an urban discipline engaging with social, ecological, and economic challenges through transversal, multi-scalar methodology. His research examines the interplay of context, society, and space both discursively and through design practice.

Professor Gess has received significant recognition including:

• Patrick Abercrombie Prize for Urban Planning and Design

His selected projects demonstrate practical application of his theories across Europe, including the Transformation of the World Trade Center in Brussels, Extension of French National Archives, Urban plan for Cergy-Pontoise, and Cancer Research facility for Institute Gustave Roussy. He has also authored 'How to Not Demolish a Building' published by Ruby Press, reflecting his philosophy on architectural transformation.

At HCU, Professor Gess leads research on transformation processes, neutral-use spaces, and collective spaces as social infrastructure. His team includes research associates Giulia Biondi, Felix Schuschan, and Antonia Lembcke who contribute to projects exploring architectural adaptability and urban potential.