Anna Klingmann

Anna Klingmann (born 1965) is a German architect, author and academic who specializes in branding. She is the founder and principal architect of Klingmann Architects and Brand Consultants,[1] and author of Brandscapes: Architecture in the Experience Economy.[2] Klingmann coined the term "brandism" which describes how architecture can communicate a company's brand to the public.[1] Her description of brandism can also be used not just to describe single structures; entire cities can have a unique brand or "expression of identity."[3] She also has described the concept of a "brandscape" which describes corporate value systems embodied into the physical landscape.[4] Klingmann believes that branded landscapes "effect lasting, meaningful changes that draw upon the dormant or explicit potential of particular cultures and places."[5]

Klingmann moved to New York City in 1984 and went to the Parson's School of Design.[2] She earned her architecture degrees from Pratt Institute, the Architectural Association in London and the Berlin University of the Arts.[6]

Klingmann's main influence is Louis Kahn.[2] Other influences include Zaha Hadid and Rem Koolhaas.[6] In 2007, she worked for the architecture firm, Gensler, to help on two large-scale projects.[7] In 2014, she began a collaborative project with the University and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) which looks to connect artists, scientists, curators, and others with the history and culture of Asir.[8]

Klingmann is currently the architecture department chair at Dar Al-Hekma University.[9] She has previously taught at Cornell University and Columbia University.[10]