ANA BRUM
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.
Isometrics of the as-built
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 - Vitória - 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.
3D model by Ana Brum | render by Studio Keen
3D model by Ana Brum | render by Studio Keen
PerobaMica
JeribáBlue
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, analyze 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 Nike and 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 and ways to make the processes even more efficient
Façade technical drawing adjustments by Ana Brum
Façade render by Nike design team
professional work
2024 - Leidschendam, The Netherlands
Professional work as local architect on behalf of WeBuild Work, commissioned by Adidas.
Company CEO: Eng. Joachim Stoker (joa@webuildwork.com)
For this project, WeBuild Work was invited to serve as the local architect for Adidas, building on our experience with previous Adidas stores in the Mall of the Netherlands and other locations, such as Adidas Spuistraat in Amsterdam. The brand’s PM personally requested for me as their architect, and I had previously also worked on the last use of this specific unit for a Nike temporary unit and knew it well.
The project involved merging two separate retail units located on an angled section of the mall. These units had an unaligned upper floor that was not internally connected. One of our initial tasks was to advise Adidas on selecting the key consultants for the project, including specialists in staircases, elevators, civil engineering, and fire safety.
Store opening promotional photo - Archieve of Van Bruchem Staircases
MY CONTRIBUITION
We then collaborated closely with the brand's interior design team to determine the optimal layout and placement of the staircase and elevator, ensuring they complemented the overall store design and customer experience. Additionally, a crucial aspect of the project was defining the façade layout while adhering to the mall's strict regulations regarding height, materials, and the ratio of openings.
During the project's seven-month duration, I maintained close communication with the project manager, general contractor, MEP engineer, staircase supplier, and the brand’s designer. To ensure seamless coordination between design and execution, bi-weekly site visits were essential. Each visit led to small but crucial adjustments, ensuring that the final result was deeply aligned with the design intent.
Gebruiksmelding floorplan by Ana Brum
Since we received only a preliminary SketchUp model as the brand’s design intent, I was responsible for developing all technical construction plans and details to be shared with the site team and various project partners
One of the most time-consuming aspects of this project was the façade As mentioned earlier, the unit is situated on an angled section of the mall, meaning that to create a straight façade, a few meters of entrance space had to be sacrificed to establish a continuous line. To ensure maximum accuracy, multiple on-site measurements were taken at different levels.
The final result was a beautifully executed façade, achieved through the meticulous coordination of design, architect, engineering, glass supplier, metal craftsmen, local regulations, and the mall’s internal approval.
Façade technical drawings by Ana Brum
ANA PAULA BREMENKAMP BRUM