Session Partners: Curtin University, University of Notre Dame and the University of Western Australia
Architect, Urban Sociologist and Partner, 51N4E
Dieter Leyssen is architect and urban sociologist. He is a partner at international Brussels-based practice 51N4E, where he co-founded studio Acte in 2019 focussing on projects in civic design, adaptive infrastructure and performative landscapes. At 51N4E he has been responsible for several adaptive re-use projects and studies, such as the re-use of the submarine base in Saint Nazaire, the viaduct B401 in Ghent or the former military base of Asiat in Vilvoorde. Through projects and writings, Dieter Leyssen investigates how the transformation of existing structures can contribute to the strengthening of communities. He contributed to several publications, books and exhibitions such as Architectural Review, Oase, Joelho, A+, Arch+, How Not to Demolish a Building, the International Architecture Biennal of Rotterdam and The Things Around us at the Canadian Center for Architecture. Dieter Leyssen holds a master’s in architecture from KULeuven and one in City Design and Social Sciences from the London School of Economics. He currently teaches at the KU Leuven and Hasselt University.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.