Prof. Dr. Maarten Delbeke serves as Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Architecture and Deputy Head of the Institute for the History and Theory of Architecture. His academic career spans Ghent University, where he was appointed Full Professor in 2014, and University of Leiden, before joining ETH Zurich in 2017. At ETH, he leads the Chair for History and Theory of Architecture with a focus on examining architectural history c.1400-1900 and its relevance to contemporary architectural practice. Delbeke received his PhD from Ghent University in 2001 after studying Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture and Engineering. His academic development included fellowships at the Belgian Historical Institute in Rome, Worcester College in Oxford (2001-2003), and the Canadian Centre for Architecture. His career progressed from Assistant Professor positions at Ghent University (2005) and University of Leiden (2006), where he secured a Vidi-grant from NWO for 'The Quest for the Legitimacy of Architecture in Europe, 1750-1850' (2010-2015). His research centers on early modern art and architecture across Europe, particularly examining the interface between religion and aesthetics, architectural representation in literature and print media, and origin myths. Delbeke has made significant contributions to Baroque studies through publications on Bernini, Algardi, and Sforza Pallavicino, and has investigated architectural theory from the 17th-19th centuries through works on the Perrault brothers, Fischer von Erlach, Piranesi, and Victor Hugo. His current work increasingly focuses on Swiss and German Rococo architecture and identity formation in architectural discourse. Delbeke's extensive publication record shows a clear trajectory from focused Baroque studies toward broader investigations of architectural identity, legitimacy, and character across European contexts. His recent works demonstrate growing integration of digital humanities approaches, while maintaining his core interest in how architecture constructs meaning through historical narratives and aesthetic concepts. He has secured significant research funding including current Swiss National Science Foundation projects 'Building Identity: Character in Architectural Debate and Design, 1750-1850' and 'Swiss Rococo Cultures: Idioms of ornament and the architecture of East Switzerland.' As founding Editor-in-Chief of 'Architectural Histories' (EAHN), he has shaped scholarly discourse in architectural history. Delbeke actively contributes to research infrastructure as board member of SARI (Swiss Art Research Infrastructure) and international core member of Copenhagen's Centre for Privacy Studies. His 'Graph' project with Benoît Seguin and ETH Library exemplifies his commitment to methodological innovation in architectural history, while his upcoming Herbstsemester 2025 courses demonstrate his active engagement in architectural education.
