Jacob van Rijs

In 1993, together with Winy Maas and Nathalie de Vries, he founded MVRDV (an acronym of the initials of the names of the three founders), which produces designs and studies in the fields of architecture, urban studies and landscape design. The studies on light urbanism for the City of Rotterdam, the headquarters of the Dutch Public Broadcasting Company VPRO and the Wozoco's senior citizens' residences in Amsterdam, which won the A.J. van Eck Prize of the Dutch Architects' Association, have brought MVRDV to the attention of a vast collection of clients, giving the studio international renown. Today, the studio is actively involved in numerous projects in various parts of the world. MVRDV designed the Dutch pavilion for Expo 2000 in Hanover, the Logrono Eco-City in Spain, the Gyre building in Tokyo and many others.

Professor Jacob van Rijs Ir. FRIBA (Amsterdam, 1964) is architect, urban planner and one of MVRDV’s three founding partners. Besides giving lectures Worldwide van Rijs is also professor Entwerfen und Baukonstruktion at the Technical University of Berlin. Moreover, he regularly lectures and takes part in student juriesat universities and institutes Worldwide. His teaching experience comprehends TU Munich, TU Delft, University of Wismar, ETSAM University Madrid, Royal Academy of Arts Copenhagen, Tokyo Institute of Technology and Rice University, Houston, amongst others. Within the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects (BNA) he is chairman of the International Programme, creating a better support and stimulation for Dutch architects in their activities across the border Worldwide. He also holds a position in the Dutch Trade and Investment Board (DTIB) from where he represents architects an international trade and investment level.