The Department of Architecture is part of the Science and Technology Group at KU Leuven and coordinates the research on (interior) architecture, urbanism and spatial planning at the Faculty of Architecture (Brussels and Gent) and the Faculty of Engineering (Leuven). The Department enjoys an international reputation and currently has more than 150 (international) PhD students.
This doctoral scholarship is part of the broader research project “International Exhibitions and Changing Discourses on the Home and Design Consumption. The Case of the Interieur Biennale in Kortrijk (1968-2018),” funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). The project is hosted at the KU Leuven Department of Architecture, HTC Research Section on History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture. More precisely it will be developed within the context of the A2I (Architecture Interiority Inhabitation) research group and the KU Leuven Faculty of Architecture, which is located on two campuses: Campus Sint-Lucas Ghent and Campus Sint-Lucas Brussels. The project is led by supervisor Prof. Fredie Floré and co-supervisor Prof. Caroline Voet.
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Project
Since the mid-19th century, international exhibitions in the West have facilitated the exchange of ideas on design for domestic spaces. This phenomenon reached a new phase in the second half of the 20th century, when the house functioned as vehicle for larger political and ideological ideals in the context of post-war reconstruction and the Cold War. Since the 1960s, home discourses gradually took on a less normative tone, giving more space to narratives that celebrate consumers’ choices. Nonetheless, they remained ideologically charged. How did this phenomenon evolve towards the end of the 20th century and into the 21st, as issues like overconsumption and consumer accountability gained prominence?
This FWO research project tackles this question through the case of the international design biennale Interieur in Kortrijk, organized between 1968 and 2018. Catalyzed by the formation of an open European market, the biennale was established by a group of Belgian industrials and combined the concept of a trade fair with that of a cultural manifestation. Through a threefold methodological approach this project aims to gain insight in the international network of Interieur, to analyze the debates on the home that surfaced throughout time and to assess the interplay of the exhibition's discourse and its spatial scenography. As such it will develop new strategies to more systematically include and acknowledge commercial voices in the study of debates on design and domesticity beyond the 1960s.
The project will be realized through a collaboration between the two supervisors, a postdoctoral researcher and the PhD student recruited through this vacancy. In addition the following external partners are involved for particular aspects of the project: Design Museum Gent (archival research, conference, exhibition), Politecnico di Milano (research stay), VU Amsterdam (workshop).
The job of the PhD student will include:
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following the doctoral training program at the Arenberg Doctoral School;
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developing a PhD dissertation;
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making a clearly defined contribution to teaching, including thesis guidance, and course assistance;
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publishing your research in academic journals and books, presenting at international seminars and conferences, while aiming to disseminate your work also on non-academic platforms;
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engaging in general services for the Department of Architecture (including for example surveillance of exams, assisting the organization of events, etc.);
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organizing activities related to your research topic (e.g. international workshop or research meeting, conference, exhibition).
Profile
We are looking for an outstanding candidate who is passionate about the history and theory of architecture, interiors and design since the mid-20th century.
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Holds a diploma in the field of architecture, interior architecture, engineering-architecture, architectural history, design history, art history, or equivalent;
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Obtained a Master degree in one of the above or related domains, and at least distinguished from other fellow students with excellent academic results and/or recognition of excellence through awards, publications, or other achievements;
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Preferably has sensitivity for topics related to domesticity, exhibition design and design consumption;
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Meets the requirements to begin the doctoral training and engages to complete a PhD within the above mentioned collaborations;
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Is interested in scientific research and driven to publish and co-publish in relevant international scholarly journals;
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Is a good communicator and enjoys working in a team, including regular presence on campus, in particular Campus Sint-Lucas Ghent;
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Is eager to work proactively, with a high level of autonomy and in respect of mutually agreed deadlines;
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Is able to show proof of excellent writing and communication in both English and Dutch, or committed to significantly expand language skills;
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Is capable and prepared to conduct extensive archival research in particular in the archives of the Interieur biennale (Design Museum Ghent), to conduct oral history and to do a research stay of one month at the Politecnico di Milano.
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Graphic and visual skills in drawing and mapping are an asset.
Offer
- We offer an appointment as a full-time PhD researcher. You will be appointed for the duration of 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 4 years in total (depending on positive interim evaluations). The net amount of a PhD scholarship is equal to 100% of the salary of a member of junior academic staff with the same qualifications, age and family status (net wage scale 43). You will be based at the Faculty of Architecture, campus Sint-Lucas Ghent and Brussels.
- The starting date of the position is envisioned on October 1, 2025, or on the earliest alternative date agreed on together.
- KU Leuven opts for hybrid working, whereby a combination of on campus and working from home is possible. Other benefits include: eco vouchers, end of year bonus and holiday pay (for scholarship holders subject to full social security), hospital insurance and reimbursement of commuting costs.
- Within this position, you will be part of KU Leuven, a university where 13,000 colleagues together make top-level teaching and research possible. This includes an exciting work environment that offers opportunities to build your experience and develop your skills. In addition, various initiatives are taken, locally and centrally, to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of colleagues in this work environment. The Department of Architecture (www.architecture.kuleuven.be) is part of the Science and Technology Group at KU Leuven and coordinates the research on (interior) architecture, urbanism and spatial planning at the Faculty of Architecture (Brussels and Gent) and the Faculty of Engineering (Leuven). The Department enjoys an international reputation and currently counts more than 150 (international) PhD students.
Scale 43
Working conditions
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Fredie Floré ([email protected]) or Prof. dr. Caroline Voet, ([email protected]).
Candidates are invited to apply online before by July 10, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on August 7, 2025.
Please include in your application file (in English):
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a cover letter with a clear motivation (1 page max);
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a CV;
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a portfolio and/or sample of relevant research work (a paper, article, book chapter, thesis, …);
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the names, function and contact information of two referees whom we might contact during the selection process.
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