Portfolio Ana Brum / 2024

ANA BRUM

Graduation

Professional

Professional

cultural center

2020/1 - Vitória - ES, Brazil

4th year Project studio at Centro Universitário Salesiano UNISALES

In collaboration with Nathália Gratz

Project supervised by Prof. Msc. João Sayd (jsayd@salesiano.br)

INTRODUCTION

Situated amidst a transitional zone linking both a commercial hub and a residential area in Serra, Brasil, lays an underutilized parcel of land with exceptional potential for hosting a cultural center. Positioned with a vantage of the grand Mestre Álvaro mount, and nestled within the safeguarded expanse of the Atlantic Forest, this particular scenario presented an unparalleled opportunity not solely for

the development of a cultural hub, but also for the start of a biodiversity center. Such an initiative aimed to underscore the imperative of protecting the native biome. The establishment, titled “Cultural and Biodiversity Center Von Martius”, pays homage in name to Carl Friedrich Philip Von Martius, the pioneer German botanist renowned for cataloging Brazil's rich assortment of flora. Since early conceptualization stages, all plans adhered to the principles of energy efficiency and climate design, in an effort to diminish the ecological footprint arising from both its construction and ongoing maintenance

THE AREA (site)

An integral aspect in analyzing the site involved the strategic relocation of the existing trees to preserve the original species. These trees underwent meticulous cataloging based on size, root proportions, and deciduous nature.

Furthermore, another critical consideration in this project was the deliberate creation of substantial openings oriented towards the Mestre Álvaro mount, situated on the western side of the site.

DESIGN PROCESS (covered plaza)

In the initial stages of development, the team contemplated the idea of housing three distinct blocks within a transparent "box". However, this approach was dismissed due to its lack of harmony with the surroundings and little energy-efficiency. Nonetheless, the principle of distinct blocks was maintained.

Given the necessity to accommodate two disparate programs within a unified project, a decision was made, primarily for logistical reasons, to segregate solely the cultural and biodiversity center blocks. The new design concept envisioned their integration through a 900m² covered central plaza strategically positioned to host cultural events and community-based activities.

Picture of Mestre Álvaro mount by Terra Capixaba

Implantation site by Nathália Gratz

DESIGN INTENTIONS (cultural and biodiversity centers)

Implementing a covered plaza to seamlessly integrate both the Cultural and Biodiversity centers, while establishing a new aperture within the city block;;

Designating a permeable park area with recreational amenities to reallocate the existing flora;

Incorporating a central tree pillar serving a dual purpose: supporting the metal roof structure and channeling rainwater into an embedded cistern to irrigate vegetation and supply flush systems; Designing a atrium within the biodiversity center block, illuminating it by natural light from skylight openings; Shielding the double-glass walls on the building's western side from excessive sunlight using adjustable louvers; Efficiently accommodating an Italian theater for 500 attendees and a cinema auditorium for 80 within the cultural center block (Eastern section); Allocating space within the biodiversity center block (Western section) for seasonal and contemporary art galleries, a versatile room for 80 individuals, a library, three commercial outlets, and a restaurant.

INTEGRATION

Landscape design tailored to address the diverse needs of the local community

SUSTAINABILITY

Biodiversity Center linked to the cultural complex, utilizing sustainable resources

EDUCATION

Advocacy for environmental research and, consequently, the conservation of natural resources

DEVELOPMENT

The building could serve to promote the appreciation of the neighborhood and contribute to its future development

Tree Pilar by Ana Brum

Dock leveller by Blue Giant

PROPOSALS (floorplans)

In this project, the anticipated high volume of foot traffic on the ground floor posed challenges for surrounding establishments, such as a hospital and a school. To address this concern, our strategy involved maximizing open spaces and transitional areas to disperse this flow during peak hours

With the theater situated on the second floor, accommodating the other various levels became imperative. This necessitated the inclusion of dock levellers for the backstage entrance of props and multiple access points to the foyer. The staggered, descending structure of the theater on the ground floor was purposefully integrated into the design, doubling as an acoustic shell for smaller presentations.

commercial multipurposeroom library restaurant theater artgallery sculpturesgarden technicalarea

2021/2 - Vitória - ES, Brazil

Graduation Project for the bachelor in Architecture at Centro Universitário Salesiano UNISALES

Project and thesis supervised by Prof. Msc. João Sayd (jsayd@salesiano.br)

INTRODUCTION

Seeking to address multiple issues in my hometown, the deserted Vita Shopping in Cariacica, Brazil presented an ideal structure for a retrofit project Formulated as a culmination of my final graduation thesis, this project delves into concepts of social housing, mixed-use spaces, and full access to the city in contemporary society.

Situated across a 23,000m² site, the program encompassed two residential

towers, a handcraft gallery, and multiple cultural amenities The objective centered on addressing the absence of cultural facilities, enhancing social housing quality, and reducing the commute for remote communities.

By introducing leisure, employment opportunities, and entertainment to residents, the initiative aimed to restore a sense of belonging within marginalized communities.

3D model of final design

THESIS

To justify the preference for a retrofit over total reconstruction, I embarked on an exploration of the implications of demolition, while delving into prevailing ideologies surrounding social housing and urban housing deficits. This inquiry drew heavily from governmental data and the insights of influential architects such as Jan Gehl, Pablo Benetti, and Nabil Bonduki.

My research uncovered the profound social impact of urban dynamics on our daily lives, underscoring how commuting remains ingrained in societal behavior. Expanding on this, I also explored the concept of dynamicity within cities and the built environment. This research highlighted the significance of mixed-use buildings and their correlation with social housing through several historical case studies in Brazil.

In conclusion, the thesis culminated in an essay proposing a retrofit project for an abandoned city center building. The aim was to reintroduce leisure facilities to overlooked areas of the city and provide housing for vulnerable populations. The central tenet of this proposal was fluidity a space designed for diverse family typologies while concurrently serving the broader community through its public areas.

Lack of investors in civil construction

Little housing offer Expressive migratory flux

Favelas in outlying subdivisions

images from diverse sources retouched and added to illustrate the thesis

CONTEXT

This project was primarily driven by the the profound disparities stemming from social segregation, as well as its expressions within cultural and economic aspects. The most densely populated areas in Grande Vitória reside in the outskirts, characterized by an absence of basic urban infrastructure—lacking even paved streets or a sewage system. These regions are primarily delineated by favelas, housing the marginalized parcel of the population, with an average income as low as R$450/month (less than €100). Commuting from these areas to the city center, where essential facilities and jobs are concentrated, can take up to 2 hours.

Culturally, the city exhibits a expressive imbalance in distribution. Cinemas, theatres and cultural centres are clustered around central and affluent districts, neglecting the peripheries. This unevenness extends to essential amenities such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and banks

Consequently, this retrofit project focused on a diversified mixeduse approach, incorporating social housing alongside cultural equipments such as a library, an open-air theater, and a covered pavilion In an attempt to promote city-access, the project also integrated essential services like banks, a post office, and a pharmacy. Additionally, the design catered to local artisans and seamstresses through a dedicated marketplace and facilitated access to fresh produce with a food market.

Pictures of the object of study

TYPOLOGIES

deserted site spans 23,000m² and ures a four-story pavilion (mall) alongside towers, each standing at seven stories tall. nally designated for an office building and a ersity, the different typologies posed enges for its alteration. The primary cture being concrete meant that I had to fully consider the existing pillars in the l floorplans. Finally, I repurposed the two rs into residential buildings, creating nct housing types made to accommodate rent family sizes and needs. I also designed units to be flexible, allowing the merge of units into one if required.

orporated metal balconies fixed to the cture into each apartment in order to nd their indoor space and to delineate the nal structure from the new additions. tionally, I designed cobogós, a hallmark of lian architecture, on the corridors to tate airflow while preventing excessive ght from entering the space.

Tower1before

Tower1after

Tower2before

Tower2after

REMAINING STRUCTURE

Originally intended as a conventional shopping mall, the ground floor and its additional four levels were already equipped with the necessary infrastructure for such a setup. However, this project aimed to generate financial growth within the local community. Hence, the mall was repurposed into the "Capixaba Gallery," serving as a platform to empower self-employed entrepreneurs by providing them access to a proper space.

DISCUSSION

Upon presenting my project, the evaluating professors were pleasantly surprised by the depth of exploration I undertook within this theme. They noted the significant proportions of the project, considering its initial conception as merely a conceptual endeavor.

Theoretical alignment with the proposal and the seamless integration with the site and its surroundings were remarked upon. Additionally, it was seen as a wakeup call for the city council and governors, serving as a reminder of the potential transformation of this massive, abandoned construction, dormant for over fifteen years, into a societal asset.

professional work

2022 - Cariacica - ES, Brazil

Professional work as architect

Collaboration with Aline Leivas Arquitetura

Responsible architect: Aline Leivas (alineleivas.arq@gmail.com)

The ZEN House project marked one of the largest and most complex works I've completed within my time at Aline Leivas architecture firm. While the project entails extensive pages of drawings, this portfolio primarily focuses on highlighting my specific contributions to the whole collaborative design effort.

The clients, a young couple with two children, approached us with a broad desire for a more contemporary design in their new house. However, their precise vision was yet to be developed. They sought our expertise to translate their ideas into tangible architectural concepts.

3D model by Ana Brum | render by Studio Keen

CONTEXT

Situated within one of Espírito Santo's renowned upscale private residential estates, this two-story residence, tailored for a family of four and multiple social events, sought to maximize its privileged view of Mestre Álvaro mount in every possible manner. Making use of a mix of regional vernacular materials, such as Peroba Mica wood and Jeriba Blue stone, the outcome was an exceptionally sleek yet welcoming interior spaces.

PerobaMica

JeribáBlue

3D model by Ana Brum | render by Studio Keen

3D model by Ana Brum | render by Studio Keen

MY CONTRIBUITION

I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the lead architect, Aline Leivas, contributing to the façade and interior design solutions, while developing part of the 3D models. Furthermore, I was also responsible for the construction technical drawings This included various aspects such as interior walls materials, conceptual electrical and hydraulic plans, ceiling and lighting design, layout plans for tiles and general flooring, painting specifications and natural stone pieces (from countertops to full marble bathrooms.

Moreover, after obtaining municipalities's approval of all the technical aspects, during the construction phase I was in charge of all furniture design and their subsequent engineering. This included detailing all fixed furniture pieces, such as closets, kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, and other tailormade designs.

professional work

2023 - Hilversum, The Netherlands

Professional work as local architect on behalf of WeBuild Work, commissioned by Fox Group and Nike Inc. Company CEO: Eng. Joachim Stoker (joa@webuildwork.com)

During my period at WeBuild Work, I had the opportunity to undertaken site management roles and act as local architect for many globally recognised brands. Amongst them, I can highlight the Nike Ghent project, a pioneering store housing the exclusive Rise 10k concept, which provided me an extensive scope of key-responsibilities and complex coordination.

Acquired by Qrf Real Estate Group for redevelopment, the 1965 architectural masterpiece crafted by Belgian architects Léon Stynen and Paul de Meyer embodies the raw power of Brutalist aesthetics, presenting an imposing contrast to the adjacent early Flemish architectural styles.

Pursuing an objective of reorienting the structure towards the street, the initially recessed façade underwent a full revitalization, advancing forward to offer unobstructed views on both sides. While retaining the original character, the exposed concrete and brick elements remain visible, preserving the distinct identity of this remarkable building.

Perspective drawing of comissioned C&A building - Archieve Stynen & De Meyer, VAI Antwerp

MY CONTRIBUITION

My primary role centered on meticulously engineering the design package provided by the brand into a construction set. I’ve conducted thorough examinations of its all particulars, drawing new details whenever necessary and overseeing approvals for various elements within both front and back-of-house areas Beyond that, it was in my scope to request and integrate all complementary plans such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire safety, among others

Serving as the main point of contact for both the General Contractor and Nike designers, I maintained an active presence on-site, regularly requesting and attending multi-teams meetings in order to swiftly address and resolve any emerging challenges.

Detail drawing: flooring transition by Ana Brum

Interior render by Nike design team

To bring this project to reality was also necessary to obtain a multitude of permits. By overseeing all permit procedures for the brand, it was vital to entail adherence to local regulations, building codes, and fire safety prerequisites. This required extensive research and active communication with the local municipality.

This process involved providing a series of documents such as structural calculations for signage fixation methods and details of facade alterations.

Having the opportunity to collaborate closely with decision-makers, skilled designers, and resourceful general contractors has cultivated in me a even more proactive approach, always seeking for different solutions rather than assigning a culprit

Façade technical drawing by Ana Brum

Façade render by Nike design team