Yves Schoonjans

Yves Schoonjans (born 1960) is a Professor in architectural history and theory at KU Leuven's Department of Architecture, Belgium. He currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Architecture (2021-present) and leads the research group 'Urban Projects, Collective Spaces & Local Identities.' Previously, he held several leadership roles including Head of the education section 'History and Theory' (2002-2008), Program director of International Master programs (2008-2010), Vice-dean Internationalisation (2013-2016), and Chair of the Research Department (2019-2020).

His educational background includes a Master of Science in architectural engineering from University Ghent (1984) and a PhD on '19th century eclectic discourse – social and architectural strategies to cope with abundance and diversity' from the same institution. Before academia, he ran a private architectural practice with Gilles Van Bogaert from 1985 to 1995.

Professor Schoonjans' research focuses on two intermingled lines: (1) mechanisms of theory-building with attention to the relation between theory and daily practice, examining architecture as a wide cultural phenomenon through text, images, journals, and artifacts; and (2) 'modest heritage and local identities' examining how built environments construct cities and how local identities contribute to understanding urban fabric appropriation, collective spaces usage, and sustainable development. His work often involves international collaborations, particularly in Latin America.

He has been involved as partner and lead-coordinator in various international programs (Erasmus, Mundus and ALFA) and currently promotes research initiatives like the South Urban Research Lab (SURLAB) focusing on urban informality in Latin America and the SUMMER INTERNSHIP in Paraguay 2025 for sustainable urban redevelopment in Asunción Port Area.

Professor Schoonjans serves as co-promoter for PhD candidates including Hannes Van Damme, whose research examines 'Productive Sidewalks in New York City' and the changing role of collective spaces in dense urban environments. He has participated in numerous international projects, particularly in Ecuador, Bolivia, and Tanzania, focusing on urban informality, collective space appropriation, and sustainable development.