Theorie docent- specialisatie architectuur

For the Bachelor Interior Architecture & Furniture Design of the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) we are looking for a

Context (architecture theory) Tutor (0.1 FTE)

Vacancy number: 25-043

What will you do?

The Interior Architecture & Furniture Design department (IAFD) is in full thrust to further develop the interaction of theory (Context) and practice within the curriculum and to recalibrate its position within the disciplines and beyond. The primary research focus of the programme is Cohabitation, addressing relational dynamics between the planet, human beings, and more-than-human agencies.

Within a curriculum framework with specifically defined horizontal and vertical educational links, you will be responsible for developing and teaching several first-year courses. These will range from lecture-based classes (addressing themes and histories in Architecture, Building, Urban and Landscape Design discourse) to workshops within the Alchemy series. You will also teach in the form of design studios, developed in collaboration with a design practice tutor, to help integrate theoretical components into the design process. In addition, you will participate in assessments and collective feedback sessions, and support the overall coordination of the Context programme together with your colleagues in design and architectural theory.

You bring a research-driven teaching approach and are eager to coach students through both their research and design processes, sharing your expertise and experience. You are also motivated and curious to follow the students engaging with less familiar topics and issues that may arise from technological, social, environmental, artistic, media, gender, race, and activist perspectives.

Key responsibilities

• Teaching lectures and workshops that explore the past, present and future of architecture, through the lens of materials, production, social and economic contexts, collaboration, and communal practices;
• Co-teaching in the first-year team;
• Supporting a learning by doing ethos: encouraging students to develop into critical and independent thinkers and makers;
• Collaborating with the team of theory teachers in shaping and maintaining the vertical learning line of theory and research within the curriculum.

 Your profile

• Education to at least BA level in a liberal arts discipline relevant to the contemporary architecture discipline, either from a theoretical or historical angle, with a demonstrated knowledge base in historical, philosophical, or theoretical writing;
• Previous teaching experience at BA level or higher;
• Excellent command of spoken and written English;
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to engage meaningfully with a diverse community of learners from varied backgrounds, social identities, and gender expressions;
• Ideally, you bring a theoretically grounded practice that informs the design of your courses and brings a valuable perspective to enhance students’ work.

About us

The Royal Academy of Art (KABK) forms with the Royal Conservatoire (KC) the University of the Arts, The Hague. We offer HBO bachelor and master education, as well as preparatory courses. There is an intensive collaboration with Leiden University: students can take electives on both sides; there is a PhD program. The KABK is in the center of The Hague.

The Bachelor program Interior Architecture & Furniture Design offers a four-year English-language education program covering the full breadth of the spatial domain by focusing on the spatial conditions that determine how we experience our daily living environment. We use the department as a research laboratory and in-situ experimental space for interaction in the social field, materials, techniques, and various forms of knowledge. We emphasize that the essence of design and design processes lies in the everyday and is nourished by routines, exercises, and tests. We see design not as a control mechanism but as a companion in developing environments that meet our desires and needs; for ourselves and society. 

What we offer you

The KABK offers you an international, inspiring, and informal working environment. This appointment will start in November 2025 on a one-year contract with a possible extension after this first year. The salary amounts to a maximum of € 6,359.47 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 11), depending on education and work experience. The cao-hbo has a generous leave scheme, 8% vacation allowance, and 8.3% year-end bonus. You can also participate in a health insurance and/or disability insurance on favorable conditions.

Interested?

For further information about the position, please contact Ernie Mellegers, heading the IAFD-context tutor group; e.mellegers@kabk.nl, or Herman Verkerk, head of the IAFD department; h.verkerk@kabk.nl.
If you are interested in the position, please send a cover letter with CV to: werving@hdkdenhaag.nl no later than 31th of August, 2025. The interviews are planned to take place around the mids of September.

This vacancy is open internally and externally at the same time. In case of equal suitability, internal candidates will have priority for placement in this position. 

Within the Royal Academy of Arts, we are working to create a community in which diversity and inclusion are the basic principles. We want the uniqueness of each individual to be recognised and welcomed within the school. We therefore invite you to apply and are curious to know who you are.