Hello, I’m Chris Kievid, a Rotterdam-based designer and founder of ‘Interactivist,’ a practice best known for its unique, socially-engaged design experiences. My expertise intersects technology, art and architecture, specializing in creating large-scale, immersive spatial experiences that merge these fields to engaging audiences in unforgettable ways. My approach utilizes physical spaces as platforms for interaction, transcending visual aesthetics to forge designs with deep, enduring impacts. I am known for thinking expansively, and approaching projects with unwavering determination, curiosity, and creativity. My enthusiasm for experimentation and innovation fuels my desire to challenge conventional norms, constantly seeking the unconventional and the unexpected. This mindset reinforces my belief in the crucial role of design for societal progress, guiding my focus on tackling global issues through innovative and creative design strategies. My career has involved collaborations with various prestigious organizations, showcasing a portfolio that spans diverse genres, contexts, scales and media. This experience has established me as an expert in creating socially relevant and impactful design experiences.
Experience
INTERACTIVIST
Founder
2013 – present
With my design studio I imagine and build future worlds that can be experienced today. Integrating knowledge across domains to foster social activism and participation through impactful design. Our ‘interactivated’ spatial designs are conceived as speculative spatial environments, aiming to drive positive societal change. In collaboration with clients, research and educational partners, we transform bold visions into distinctive works that have earned accolades and recognition globally. Inspired by the power of a dream, we forge minimalist designs infused with futuristic innovations, striking a balance between functional efficiency and imaginative artistic appeal.
Currently working on:
• Passive illumination solutions by manipulating sunlight through integrated optics
• Bespoke micro-patterned functional surfaces for exterior designs with Scape Agency
• Custom printed optics and optographix solutions with Luximprint
• The design of interactive spatial environments in collaboration with Studiolab IDE, TU Delft
• What if Lab: Upcycled Turbines in collaboration with Vattenfall and Dutch Design Foundation
• A permanent light artwork for the Wilhelmina Park in Breda
DESIGN MUSEUM DEN BOSCH
Designer in Residence
2024 – 2025 | part-time
Engaging in a 1.5-year design research initiative in collaboration with Scape Agency, focused on interactive hybrid presentations within the museum setting. Actively collaborating with museum curators to integrate immersive storytelling techniques into exhibition projects. Conducting three experimental cases to evaluate their effectiveness and enhance visitor engagement.
STUDIOLAB
TU Delft | Industrial Design Engineering
Design Coach
2022 – 2024 | part-time
In the Interactive Environments Minor, I mentor an interdisciplinary team of students in exploring the design of dynamic, interactive spaces where people and buildings establish a reciprocal relationship. The program equips students with methods to create responsive environments, delving into advanced manufacturing techniques, digital twin approaches, and behavior-based programming.
STUDIO ROOSEGAARDE
Head of Design
2014 – 2021
As the head designer and creative leader at this social design lab, I propelled the studio to international recognition. My responsibilities spanned overseeing the entire development process of projects, from initial concept to completion. This involved setting the creative direction, establishing design principles, and hiring a team of raw talent. United by a shared vision to dare to think differently, I guided this diverse team through collaborative efforts, nurturing a culture of innovation and bold, unconventional thinking. Additionally, I built strategic alliances with research institutions and industry partners to drive innovation and foster breakthroughs in design and manufacturing. Together, we realised over 25 projects, each distinctively reflecting my design philosophy and achieving global impact. These projects showcased the harmonious integration of art, technology, and ideology, solidifying my dedication to reshaping the contemporary landscape.
iNSA FOUNDATION
Co-Founder
2013 – 2016
In the non-profit organization, we focused on translating academic knowledge into practical applications for the built environment. Emphasizing adaptability, we perceived architecture as a dynamic network of interactions. Our activities included applied research in DBFMO and the development of relevant methods and tools. Through collaborations with partners like Waag Society, Archis, and HiveSystems, we explored diverse projects, integrating cutting-edge technology, artistic expression, and cultural enrichment.
HYPERBODY
TU Delft | Architecture
Researcher
2001 – 2013
Applied Project Manager
2008 – 2013
Course Coordinator
2007 – 2013
In my role as a researcher, I focused on creating innovative and prototypical installations that offered a fresh perspective on real-time dynamic systems in architecture. This involved embracing the paradigm shift from standard to non-standard architecture, as well as transitioning from static to dynamic environments. To achieve this, I delved into novel applications of computational techniques and fabrication technologies. These pursuits culminated in noteworthy achievements, with findings being showcased at esteemed institutions like the Centre Pompidou and the MIT Media Lab. Beyond my foundational research, I oversaw the development and operations of the XR lab, protoSPACE, a cutting-edge transaction space that championed transdisciplinary collaboration across domains. On the educational front, I managed and led multiple undergraduate and graduate programs, addressing the multifaceted aspects of designing and fabricating interactive environments.
ONL | OOSTERHUIS_LÉNÁRD
Architectural Desiger
2001 – 2006 | part-time
As a junior designer at the innovation studio ONL, I actively participated in creating a range of groundbreaking interactive installations and experimental architectural projects. In response to the challenges posed, I created real-time design tools based on swarm intelligence, utilizing breakthroughs in computational technology, emerging materials, and advanced fabrication technologies, with a particular emphasis on parametric design principles. Through this work, I contributed to the studio’s mission of pushing the boundaries of design and technology, fusing art and architecture in both physical and digital dimensions.
Education
TU DELFT | ARCHITECTURE
HYPERBODY research group
Master of Science degree | cum laude
2006
Selected Publications
Snik, F. et al. (2019). Producing true-color rainbows with patterned multi-layer liquid-crystal polarization gratings. Optical Materials Express. 9. 1583.
Dulman, S.O. & Kievid, C. (2014). Applying Spatial Computing to Everyday Interactive Designs. Spatial Computing Workshop #7, AAMAS 2014, Paris, France
Kievid, C. (2012). Applied Research chapter. Hyperbody, first decade of interactive architecture (pp. 360-499). Jap Sam Books.
Kievid, C. (2011). Emotive playscape: A behaviourally enriched web interface. iA#4 : quantum architecture, Jap Sam Books
Kievid, C. & Hosale, MD. (2010). Modulating Territories, Penetrating Boundaries. Footprint Delft School of Design Journal, issue 6.
Selected Awards
MUSE Design (Platinum) | 2021 | Lighting design
Grow / Studio Roosegaarde
Media Architecture Biennale | 2020 | Spatial Media Art
Levenslicht / Studio Roosegaarde
Global Future Design | 2020 | Lighting Design
Gates of Light / Studio Roosegaarde
Dezeen | 2018 | Design project of the Year
Windvogel / Studio Roosegaarde
A’ Design (Platinum) | 2016 | Sustainable Products
Smog Free Project / Studio Roosegaarde
INDEX Design | 2014 | Community
Van Gogh path & Glowing Lines / Studio Roosegaarde
Deutscher Designer Club: DDC (Silver) | 2011 | Product
InteractiveWall / Hyperbody
Good Design | 2010 | Robotica / Bionica
InteractiveWall / Hyperbody
Dutch Archiprix | 2007 | nomination
Emotive PlayScape / Interactivist