The International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) has announced Maarte Hajer as the Chief Curator of IABR-2016-. Hajer, a professor of Public Policy at the University of Amsterdam and Director General of the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, was selected for his proposed theme, "The Next Economy." More on Hajer's appointment after the break.
Maarten Hajer's work focuses on the intersection of public policies, urban development and environmental design. As director of the PBL, he is an adviser to the Dutch Cabinet on issues ranging from land use, planning, environment and nature, to water and transport.
Commenting on his appointment, Hajer said: "We need new ideas, new visions. We do need smart urbanism. As curator of IABR–2016– I look forward to bring together the best of science, design, arts, politics, citizens, and business to jointly reflect on where we stand and where we’re heading, what possible alternative urban futures we may imagine."
CEO of IABR George Brugmans added "Maarten has collaborated on IABR–2014–, and his concept for IABR–2016– will no doubt reflect this work as well as his conviction that, in order to realize necessary sustainable transitions, we need smart urbanism in aggregation with great design."
Hajer will begin his work as chief curator this month, with the Biennale scheduled to open in May 2016.
