Hannes Langguth

Hannes Langguth is a Visiting Professor for Urban and Neighborhood Development at HafenCity University Hamburg since April 2025. As an interdisciplinary urban researcher, planner, and architect, he combines academic research with design and planning practice at the interface of critical urban theory, transformative research, and spatial design. His work addresses socially and ecologically just spatial development in the context of global climate crisis and societal polarization.

His academic background includes:

• Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) in Urban Planning (summa cum laude) from HafenCity University Hamburg (2025)
• Diploma (Dipl.-Ing.) in Architecture and Urban Design from Technical University of Braunschweig (2014)
• Erasmus studies in Geography, Landscapes, Cities at Academy of Fine Arts Vienna (2009-2010)

Langguth's research focuses on large-scale energy transition projects, co-productive approaches to urban and regional development, and circular expansion of existing buildings, with particular emphasis on peripheral regions and small towns. His doctoral work examined Chinese green technology investments in Eastern Germany, analyzing implementation processes and their impacts on regional development.

His recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong thematic continuity around transnational green technology projects in Eastern Germany, examining how these investments affect peripheral regions through complex power dynamics, temporal dimensions, and urban-rural relations. The research consistently challenges city-centered perspectives and develops alternative frameworks for sustainable regional development.

His notable recognition includes:

• BDA Prize of the State of Thuringia (2024)

Langguth has coordinated significant research projects including the BMBF-funded 'Urban-Rural Assembly' (2019-2022) and currently leads an applied research project on circular construction in peripheral rural regions. Through transdisciplinary collaboration, his work develops practical approaches for municipalities to implement circular principles in construction. He co-founded studioetcetera in 2017, maintaining an active practice that bridges academic research with design implementation. His international scholarly network spans institutions including National University of Singapore, University of Amsterdam, Tongji University Shanghai, and Columbia University New York.