Nikolaj Schultz to become assistant professor of social theory and ecological thinking at Aarhus School of Architecture

Sociologist Nikolaj Schultz assumes an assistant professorship in a permanent position at Aarhus School of Architecture, where he will contribute to strengthening the school’s efforts in the ecological field.

22.02.2024

The school aims to strengthen the knowledge base within the humanities that intersect with architecture, with a particular emphasis on what could be termed ‘the intellectual history of ecology.’ Therefore, the new assistant professorship is titled Social Theory and Ecological Thinking.

Nikolaj Schultz tiltræder et adjunktur på arkitektskolen Aarhus. Foto: Privat.

“The monstrous changes in our society and life terrain compel all disciplines, including architecture, to rethink themselves. I have studied and researched these earthly and societal processes for approximately 10 years, and I look forward to providing students with a theoretical background that can complement their practice development as architects,” says Nikolaj Schultz.

He is known, among other things, for his collaboration with the late French sociologist Bruno Latour, with whom he co-authored the book On The Emergence of The Ecological Class (2022). Most recently, Nikolaj Schultz’s critically acclaimed book Landsickness (2023) has been published and has quickly gained a broad readership – it has also been translated into seven other languages.

“I am very pleased with the appointment of Nikolaj Schultz because it emphasizes the future needs for changes in how we educate architects and develop architecture during a necessary green transition,” says Torben Nielsen, rector of Aarhus School of Architecture.

Nikolaj Schultz is currently completing his PhD thesis at the Department of Sociology at the University of Copenhagen. His appointment at Aarhus School of Architecture will take place when this work is completed – likely in the middle of the year.

“I envision a collaboration at Aarhus School of Architecture that will offer me influence and insight into a culture-changing academic institution and a range of artistic-aesthetic practices that are essential to me on the path towards a sustainable society,” he says.

Facts

Nikolaj Schultz describes his latest book, which received five stars in Politiken, as an “auto-ethnofictive essay.”
He was born in Aarhus in 1990.
The position is a tenure track assistant professorship.
As announced last Tuesday, the school’s efforts in the ecological field are further strengthened by the appointment of Søren Nielsen, a partner at Vandkunsten, to a professorship.