The international architectural community has lost a great mind. John Habraken died peacefully on October 21, 2023, at the age of 95 years, in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. Few architect/scholars have so consistently and patiently pursued such a humane and professionally vital viewpoint relating to the stewardship of the built environment as John Habraken has. John Habraken’s theoretical perspective is leading to a better understanding of how the built environment works and regenerates and offers an inspiring vision for the future.

His pioneering work is enabling professionals to develop new modes of professional practice to overcome the current incoherence and dis-function in the field’s production and management. The growing worldwide emphasis on built environment sustainability and resiliency make his insights and proposals more important than ever. From the publication of his first book in 1960 and throughout his long career, Habraken has quietly helped redraw the map of architectural research, education, practice, design methods and theory. His record of accomplishments, and their seminal value, is remarkable and without match and is being recognized by an expanding worldwide network.

Stephen Kendall, October 2023

Remembering John Habraken

John Dale
This weekend, I was saddened to learn that my mentor and MIT thesis advisor, John Habraken, had died peacefully just a week before his 95th birthday. Throughout his life, he invented, investigated, challenged and inspired -seeking to give design professionals, agencies, developers and user groups a path to creating long lasting, adaptable buildings. His theories and methods were realized in thoughtful, visionary projects all over the world. I feel privileged to have been his student and collaborator and so glad to have been able to visit him with colleague Stephen Kendall in his home in Apeldoorn five years ago. He will be missed!!

Ann Beha
Stephen thank you so much. Its amazing, I was just thinking of John today, and always will cherish the gifts he gave me. Please keep me posted on any memorials or gatherings, it would be great to recall John among his many admirers.

Jan Wampler, FAIA
I too was thinking of John, he has left a strong memory of his time at MIT.  I think of him often.  I saw him last when I stayed with him and Marleen several years ago and have had conversations with him on phone since. He gave MIT a great gift when he came and provided a strong clear direction for the program. He will be missed by many. Peace

Paul Lukez
Thanks for sharing this sad news with us. I was thinking about him just this past week after our board meeting this week. We are all so lucky to have known him and learned so much from him.

Kazunobu Minami
Thank you so much for letting us know this sad news. I and my wife would like to express our sincere condolences on the passing of Professor John Habraken. I was fortunate to have Prof. Habraken as an academic advisor when I studied abroad at MIT in 1984. It was an irreplaceable treasure in my life to be able to have the opportunity to interact with him from time to time after graduation.

Mark Gross
I join the chorus. I'm so happy I knew John and the richer for it. And, literally, I was thinking of him as I went to work this past week.  I worked with John for nearly ten years, one of the most formative intellectual relationships I've had.  And he really did make a significant dent in the world.

Nabeel Hamdi
I share the same sentiments as all of you. He was my inspiration throughout my career, he made an amazing contribution to the field of housing and urban design. His impact will last forever.

Amira Osman
I receive this sad news while in Singapore en route to Surabaya. Indeed, it has been a privilege. Those that know me know how much his work and thinking inspires everything that I do architecturally and academically…it is sad, but I am honored to have known him. And honored to also have been taken on many journeys of exploration into Open Building by my mentor and friend Stephen Kendall – my condolences to Prof Kendall and Habraken’s family and friends and everyone that he influenced intellectually. We are privileged to have learned from him. Despite the star architects and what architecture continues to value and celebrate, John Habraken is my architectural hero. His work is the lens through which I view the world. May He Rest in Peace

Vishwanath Kashikar
Just last week we were hosting the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, TU Delft in Ahmedabad for our housing program, and we got into a long discussion of flexible/incremental housing in the Indian context. Needless to say, Habraken's theories came up multiple times in the conversation. It is heartening to see that he has sowed seeds of his thought in so many diverse contexts and in each, his legacy carries forward albeit in a locally modified context. I can't help but wonder whether the original theory is the support and its manifestation in different contexts are infills.

Denise Morado
I cannot find words to express my feelings. Very sad! I am so grateful I met John and all the opportunities we had Heinekens together. I will never forget what he told me about what he understood about architecture.The best [real] architect I ever met.

Jia Beisi
It is very sad to receive this message. My career life is built upon his guidance and thoughts. I share my deep sorrow, sentiment and condolence with you and all members of Open Building in China.

Mitsuo Takada
Thank you for informing us of Professor Habraken's passing. I'm very sad and disappointed. Professor Habraken has always encouraged me from the time I was an assistant at Kyoto University until now. I am deeply grateful to him. I would like to offer my sincere prayers for the repose of Professor Habraken's soul.

Nadya Koreneva
This is very sad news. My condolences to everyone who knew Professor Habraken. John Habraken made extraordinary contributions to the development of residential architecture and urban design. His life continues in each of us who were inspired by him.

Esko Kahri
We are very sad to hear John has passed away. He visited several times in our country. We founded over ten years ago architecture office to carry on his great visions. We are happy, this has succeeded in many projects. John has been the great figurehead for the housing in Finland.

Frank Bijdendijk
Thank you very much for sending us this sad information about our dear friend John. I offer you my sincere condolences with the loss of this great man with whom you have worked so much.