Karen Steukers
Karen Steukers (°2000) is a doctoral researcher at Ghent University. In 2024, she received a research grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) to study the reuse of building materials and components in public procurement. Her research focuses on the implementation of circular construction, renovation, and demolition principles in tendering procedures and the role of public commissioners in promoting the reuse sector. As a designer, she examines how architecture is not only captured in plans, but also prescribed through language. Particular attention is given to the influence of specification texts on local building cultures and their potential for administrative innovation. This joint doctoral research is supervised by Professor Lionel Devlieger (UGent) and Stephanie Van de Voorde (Vrije Universiteit Brussel).
In 2023, Karen obtained a Master of Science in Engineering: Architecture with a master's thesis on the possibilities for reuse within UGent's building portfolio. This was done in collaboration with the Real Estate and Campus Facilities Department (UGent) and as part of the Circular Construction trajectory of the STADSACADEMIE. She then joined Rotor vzw, where she gained practical experience in advising public clients on reuse strategies in construction projects. Since starting as a research assistant at the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning in 2024, she has been involved in teaching architectural design and supervising research seminars and master's theses.
- Contact information and research profile of Karen Steukers
- Theory and History of Architecture research group
