Ulrich Königs

Ulrich Königs serves as Professor of Construction and Design at Bergische Universität Wuppertal (BUW) since 2004, following his role as Deputy Professor (2002-2004) and prior research assistantship at RWTH Aachen (1996-2001). His academic work integrates with Königs Architects, the Cologne-based practice he co-founded in 1996, which executes projects ranging from residential conversions to institutional buildings like Berlin's Petriplatz Visitor Center.

His educational foundation includes:

• Architecture Diploma at RWTH Aachen (1984-1991)
• Erasmus scholarship at Bartlett School, London (1990)
• Postgraduate studies at Architectural Association London (1993-1995)

Research centers on urban transformation (DIVERCITY project on 21st-century urbanity, NOSPOLIS Village Atlas for multifunctional neighborhoods), sustainable reprogramming (energy renovation of Bilbao's German School), and advanced construction (self-organizing systems with ARUP, UV-permeable glass, free-form masonry). His methodology emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration between academia, government, and industry to address real-world spatial challenges.

Publications from 1997-2013 reveal consistent exploration of material-performance relationships, with recent works focusing on practical applications in glazing and masonry technologies. These bridge theoretical frameworks like adaptive systems with tangible construction solutions, reflecting his dual commitment to scholarly innovation and built outcomes.

Major grants include IFG Ulm funding for DIVERCITY (1999-2003) and Federal Ministry support for Bilbao School renovation (2012-13). His advisory role extends through project leadership rather than listed students, with research teams frequently partnering with ARUP across London, Berlin, and Düsseldorf offices.

Collaborative networks define his work, particularly with engineering firm ARUP on material-systems projects (SS-CC, BRICK, GLASS) and civic organizations like Wir sind Dorf e.V. for NOSPOLIS. These partnerships enable testing theoretical concepts—such as reprogramming as a design tool—in actual buildings including Estonia's National Museum and Chemnitz's Sportstadium.