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Prof. Jan Kampshoff

The architect asks how spaces can facilitate interaction, highlight conflicts, and open up new perspectives. They view architecture as a medium that reveals how we aspire to live in the future.

© Thomas Müller
Portrait Prof. Kampshoff

My professorship is titled:
Design and Conception of Space (Faculty II)

This is what my research is about:
Our society is undergoing major ecological, technological and social changes. I am interested in the role that architecture can play in this context. I see spaces as a means of communication; they reveal how we want to live, and they can facilitate discussion, experimentation and shaping of social change.

That’s what fascinates me most about my field of research:
I am fascinated by the fact that architecture produces buildings and organizes relationships between people. Spaces can facilitate exchange, highlight conflicts or open up new perspectives. It is precisely this potential that interests me.

Why I chose to come to the University of Siegen:
The N_AS – Neue Architekturschule Siegen is in an exciting phase of renewal. I particularly like the combination of institutional reorientation, conversion of the former printing hall, and a stronger presence of architecture in the city center. This is unique in Germany and could establish Siegen as a center of excellence for architectural education!

That’s what students learn in my courses, e.g.:
To me, design is an open and experimental process. Students develop their own projects and methods, and often work together. The focus is not only on form and function, but also on the social role that architecture can play.

My most interesting previous career stations were:

  • Co-founder of the architectural practice modulorbeat in Münster (established in 2005), with projects at the intersection of architecture, art and urbanism
  • Architectural installations for the Skulptur Projekte Münster in 2007 and 2017
  • Visiting professor at TU Berlin (2017–2024)
  • Visiting professor at the Peter Behrens School of Arts Düsseldorf (2024–2026)
  • Co-initiator of Freihaus MS – A city is when people talk about it
  • Involvement in the Westfälischer Kunstverein, Ruhrmoderne, and the Architects for Future network.

In my free time I like to: 
When I’m not thinking about spaces, I enjoy making music. With my band SNAKATAK! – a multicultural groove collective from Münster – I’m regularly in the rehearsal room or on stage. Our music ranges from funk, jazz and soul to hip-hop, with plenty of improvisation.