THOMAS RAU

RAU Architects, Amsterdam
Architecture and Design Breakout

Thomas Rau founded RAU here in 1992, with the philosophy is that “every building must emerge from interplay between the genius loci , the people who are going to use, manage and maintain it, and the possibilities the moment offers. And it should enrich its surroundings – nature and culture –, create a pleasant and stimulating working environment and contribute to the way we as human beings treat the earth we live on – oneplanetarchitecture .”

The structure of RAU and its portfolio shows social commitment, and so does the innovative nature of the architectural approach. RAU looks for low-tech solutions to high-tech questions. So the headquarters of the World Wide Fund in Zeist (2006) produces more energy than it uses. It is heated by the people who work there, offers shelter to animals and is CO 2 neutral. The next step is a completely autonomous building with a maximum ecological footprint of one: this is to be realized shortly in an office and housing project in Lyon .

Rau trained in fine art and dance at the Kunstacademie then studied architecture at the RWTH in Aachen.