Francis Kéré

Prof. Francis Kéré is a Professor of Architectural Design and Participation at the TUM School of Engineering and Design since 2017. He is a globally recognized architect known for socially engaged and sustainable design, emphasizing community participation and ecological principles. Kéré’s career includes founding Kéré Architecture (2005) and teaching roles at Harvard Graduate School of Design and Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio. His work integrates local materials and cultural context, as seen in projects like the Gando Primary School (Burkina Faso) and the 2017 Serpentine Pavilion in London.

Education:

• Architecture studies at Technical University of Berlin

Research Interests: Sustainable architecture, participatory design processes, and the intersection of culture and ecology. His award-winning projects prioritize community well-being and environmental adaptability, such as rainwater harvesting systems and natural ventilation strategies.

Awards:

• Pritzker Architecture Prize (2022)
• Praemium Imperiale Prize (2023)
• Thomas Jefferson Medal in Architecture (2021)

Teaching & Outreach: Leads the Architectural Design and Participation program at TUM and co-founded the Kéré Foundation to promote sustainable architecture in West Africa. Collaborates with the 'Simply Build' research group on innovative construction practices.

Labs/Teams: Kéré Architecture (Berlin-based practice) and the TUM research group, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to design challenges.