Matthijs Degraeve

Matthijs Degraeve is a postdoctoral researcher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, affiliated with the Departments of Social History of Capitalism and Architectural Engineering. His work focuses on urban history, construction industries, and historical governance of sanitation infrastructure. He holds a PhD in History (2021) from the same institution and a master’s in Conservation of Monuments and Sites.

• Education:
  • PhD in History (2021)
  • Master’s in Conservation of Monuments and Sites

His research explores the interplay between urban development and business history, particularly through projects like Plumbing the City (2022–2025) and Building Brussels (2016–2021). His work examines topics such as plumbing trade regulations, construction enterprises’ spatial strategies, and the historical evolution of urban infrastructure. These projects have been supported by grants including the FWO postdoctoral fellowship and the EUTOPIA Mobility Grant.

Key research interests include the socio-economic dynamics of urban sanitation systems, the role of artisans in shaping urban landscapes, and long-term transformations in construction sectors. His publications span peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, and edited special issues on topics like domestic water governance and urban resilience.

• Grants & Projects:
  • FWO Postdoctoral Researcher (Plumbing the City, 2022–2025)
  • Building Brussels: Urban Space and Construction Enterprises (2016–2021)
• Awards:
  • Best Dissertation Prize (EBHA, 2022)
  • EUTOPIA Researcher Mobility Grant (2023)

He actively engages with public audiences through media contributions and lectures, addressing topics like Brussels’ urban evolution and construction sector challenges. His interdisciplinary approach bridges historical analysis with contemporary urban policy debates.