The story behind the name
Quite often, we are asked to explain the “Gladys” part of our name, so we gladly say it here. It carries a story that moves across time and continents — a tribute to a life lived with curiosity, empathy, and the courage to cross boundaries.
Holger in A Glance
Architect, researcher, and teacher whose lifelong commitment to critical urban practice and human-centred design forms the intellectual foundation of Bureau Gladys. His work and ideas continue to guide the organisation’s values and direction.
1962
Holger Helmut Gladys is born — carrying the maternal family name Gladys, which would later inspire Bureau Gladys.
1980s–1990s
Studies architecture at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences, followed by postgraduate studies at the Berlage Institute in Amsterdam, developing a strong foundation in research-based architectural design.
2003–2016
Serves as Associate Lecturer at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture, guiding and mentoring architecture students through design and theory courses.
2010–2016
In parallel, becomes a Research Associate at the Bauhaus University Weimar, contributing to the Institute for European Urban Studies.
2013
Appointed Guest Professor at Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Washington–Alexandria Architecture Center (USA).
2000s–2010s
Over a span of fifteen years, Holger serves as a Master Thesis Committee Member in Amsterdam, Weimar, and Leuven; a Guest Critic in design studios across Delft, Stuttgart, Innsbruck, and Washington DC; and a Visiting Teacher in international summer schools in Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Porto.
2017
Invited as Scientific Committee Member of the CAUMME PAUMME 2018 Symposium on Contemporary Architecture and Urbanism in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, organized by Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul.
2022
Holger passes away, leaving behind a profound intellectual and human legacy — remembered for his honesty, enthusiasm, and compassion.
Celebrating His Legacy
In his memory, his family, friends, colleagues, and students established Bureau Gladys not only to preserve his archive of books, lectures, and maps, but to make it accessible. Through our publications and research platform, visitors can engage directly with his work, ensuring that his ideas continue to be read, questioned, and carried forward.