Portfolio | Antonella Branizza

ARCHITECTURE

PORTFOLIO

ANTONELLA BRANIZZA MACCERA

ABOUT ME

Passionate architect and urban designer with a Master’s in City Design & Social Science, specialising in crafting socially impactful and sustainable spaces through integrated social research. Proven track record in diverse projects across housing, education, and public realms. Proficient interdisciplinary problem solver, dedicated to collaborative solutions for spatial challenges. Welcome to my ongoing process.

Graphics | Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, PSD); Plans and mappings | AutoCAD, ArcGIS; 3D Modeling | Rhinoceros (Grasshopper), Revit (BIM360), Sketchup, Lumion; Management | Microsoft Project, Notion

EDUCATION

2023 | MSc City Design and Social Science (2:1), LSE

• Modules: City Design Studio, Cities by Design, City Making: The Politics of Urban Form, Social Life of Infrastructure.

• Dissertation: Reclaiming Urban Beaches - Mix-Method Research on user-experience patterns in urban beaches as a strategic tool for public space design in the Global South.

• Year-long City Design Research Studio:

• Urban regeneration: Led a multidisciplinary team of 6 to decrease social disparities in the canal through a site-specific policy and spatial intervention by conducting social research, observations and analysing large datasets graphically using GIS.

• Presented the proposal to 40 planning members of the Westminster Council, achieving distinction.

2021 | BIM User and Lumion Certificate

2019 | Architecture and Urban Planning (first class), PUCP

• Modules: Architectural Design Studio, Urban Planning Studio, History of Urban Development, Public Space.

• Research Studio: Analysis on the impact of autoconstruction in the Global South development.

• Dissertation: Revitalised a deteriorated urban beach by crafting a three-stage Masterplan, integrating expert interviews and community engagement. Selected project and award-winning Studio in the Barcelona International Landscape Biennial 2023.

EXPERIENCE

2019 - present | Independent Design Consultant, Peru & London

Provides freelance architectural guidance from planning and conceptual design through construction and project management.

• Delivered the successful completion of over 10 refurbishment projects (£250K) by designing and managing end-to-end processes

• Consolidated strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration, driving repeat business and referrals

• Finalist in a “The Golden Sand Waterfront” Masterplan Competition 2024, contributing to conceptual design, diagrams, technical drawings, and renders within a multi-disciplinary team of four.

2022 | Project Architect, We Arquitectos Studio, Peru

Specialised in sustainable projects, from concept to technical design (RIBA stages 2-4).

• Designed and produced the technical documentation of a resort masterplan (£2 M) and 3 housing projects within 6 months, meeting project deadlines and client expectations.

• Achieved a 30% reduction in energy consumption in resort bungalows by implementing innovative sustainable design strategies including the integration of energy-efficient prefab walls and floors.

• Built strong client relationships through regular communication, delivering successful projects on time, aligned with their vision.

2021| Project Architect, Peruvian Ministry of Education, Peru

Led design optimisation for government school modules in post-disaster reconstruction (RIBA stages 2-4).

• Achieved a 20-hour module implementation reduction by streamlining design details and meeting specific bioclimatic needs.

• Achieved a 30% reduction in module costs through collaborative efforts with structural engineers, optimising concrete usage to meet essential structural requirements.

• Secured 60% community approval and reduced safety concerns by 30% through inclusive engagement and transparent design sharing, despite initial community preferences for solid concrete as a symbol of protection.

2020-21 | Project Manager, Peruvian Ministry of Education, Peru

£920M Project to optimise the school design and implementation process on a national scale.

• Achieved a 6-month reduction in project timeline by effectively coordinating and optimising a 20-member cross-disciplinary team in rapid BIM revision (RIBA stages 3-4).

• Ensured on-time delivery through effective organisation and efficient project and people management, showcasing strong leadership. This success facilitated the construction of 75 Peruvian schools by the UK’s Koulu Consortium.

• Successfully negotiated a 10% fee reduction (£240K) between the private consultant and the government by influencing effectively and managing stakeholder relationships.

• Cut project timelines by 3 months through pioneering and developing a virtual platform for technical file delivery, now serving as a centralised hub for all institution-managed projects.

• Secured 90% approval rating for the project and continued funding (£1M) by graphically communicating and presenting concepts, strategies, and results to senior government officials in Peru, the UK, and Finlandl

2019-20 | Architectural Assistant, Peruvian Ministry of Education, Peru

• Supported senior architects in the conceptual design stage of the Bicentennial Schools Project

• Produced 5 technical guides, one per bioclimatic zone, within 3 months. Designed, researched and communicated the climateresponsive specifications effectively through graphics and texts.

• Designed and prototyped a web platform for external dissemination of the 5 different bioclimatic requirements in 1 month

• Achieved increased stakeholder engagement by creating graphic presentations of the strategy. Promoted to support Executive Direction in the production of presentations for high-level governmental positions.

ACHIEVEMENTS, SKILLS AND INTERESTS

• Languages: Spanish (native), English (fluent), French & Italian (beginner

• Volunteering | Construction with community projects 2010, 2011, 2021 at Lima, Peru; 2016 at Pucallpa, Peru

City Design & Public Space

La Herradura: Landscape & Urban Life

Urban and landscape design | Social Impact Reseach | Architectural Thesis

International School Landscape Prize finalist

Location: Chorrillos, Lima, Peru

Project Type: Public Space & Landscape design

Project Size: 500 Hta

Team Size: 1

Consultants: Structural engineers, oceanographers, geologists, landlords.

Software Used:

- AutoCad

- Rhinoceros

- Adobe Suite

- Lumion

Thesis Tutors:

- Susana López

- César Tarazona

- Luis Rodriguez

2017-2018

La Herradura is a beach landscape architectural design project in Lima, Peru’s capital city. Once a popular spot, it suffered from human interventions, losing its sandy expanse and becoming abandoned. The project aims to revitalize this public space, emphasizing its natural beauty and city proximity. The Masterplan consists of three phases: a endemic forest implementation, the restoration of the beachfront, and the creation of connecting infrastructure. It’s a project dedicated to crafting a public haven where people can momentarily escape the bustling city, revel in the landscape, and pause urban life.

Masterplan

City Design & Public Space

La Herradura: Landscape & Urban Life

Design | Social Impact Reseach | Architectural Thesis

Antonella Branizza Maccera

Forest

Antonella Branizza Maccera

City Design & Public Space

La Herradura: Landscape & Urban Life

Design | Social Impact Reseach | Architectural Thesis

Stage 1 | Forest (Renaturalization)

A very spacious area in La Herradura represents a void left by an unrealized construction, resulting in an abandoned, untouched excavation. The initial phase of the project aims to reclaim this space by re-naturalizing it, thereby infusing La Herradura with a new character. This transformation includes the introduction of a significant natural shade through the use of native vegetation. Furthermore, the vacant area will be activated with temporary and mobile activities. Ultimately, the goal is to seamlessly blend this forest with the sea, adorning the pathways with lush greenery.

Vegetation layers

Forest Renaturalization Beach Recovery Waterfront Articulation

Antonella Branizza Maccera

City Design & Public Space

La Herradura: Landscape & Urban Life

Design | Social Impact Reseach | Architectural Thesis Stage 2 | Beach (Recovery)

The project’s second phase involves beach restoration. In the 1980s, an urban development strategy undertaken by the mayor of Chorrillos resulted in the destruction of a section of the hillside, leading to the loss of 250 meters of beach and its natural sand. To address this, the project aims to reclaim the natural sand deposition process. This involves the removal of rocks hindering the entry of sand and reshaping the beach slope by relocating the infrastructure. Consequently, the coastal edge is pushed back, expanding the beach area

Forest

City Design & Public Space

La Herradura: Landscape & Urban Life

Design | Social Impact Reseach | Architectural Thesis

Stage 3 | Waterfront (Articulation)

The third phase focuses on landscape integration, connecting the forest to the sea through a grand staircase. This monumental staircase not only facilitates the existing program but also accommodates user needs within La Herradura. It incorporates restaurants, sports shops, and, above all, public spaces for leisure - sea-view terraces where people can relax, socialize, and revel in the unique scenery.

Forest Renaturalization

Beach Recovery

Antonella

Maccera La Herradura: Landscape & Urban Life

City Design & Public Space

Design | Social Impact Reseach | Architectural Thesis

Stage 3 | Waterfront (Articulation)

City Design & Public Space

La Herradura: Landscape & Urban Life

Design | Social Impact Reseach | Architectural Thesis

3 | Waterfront (Articulation)

Antonella Branizza Maccera

Stage

City Design & Public Space

La Herradura: Landscape & Urban Life

Design | Social Impact Reseach | Architectural Thesis

Independent Design Consultant

VITAMARINA

Urban design | Masterplan

Finalist in The Golden Sand Waterfront Competition 2024

Location: Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy

Project Type: Masterplan competition

Project Size: 100 Hta

Team Size: 4

Tasks Performed:

- Environmental Research

- Masterplanning + Mapping

- Conceptual development

- Urban Design

Software Used:

- AutoCad

- Rhinoceros

- Adobe Suite

- Lumion

At the heart of Marina Vita CoastBridge lies a commitment to three fundamental principles: Connection, Protection, and Enjoyment. Our vision begins with fostering a seamless integration between the city and its coastal surroundings, transcending scales to create a unified experience. We prioritise safeguarding both urban and natural landscapes from potential threats, ensuring their longevity and vitality. We also aspire to cultivate a vibrant, year-round destination that caters to the diverse needs and pleasures of local communities and visitors alike, inviting them to explore and embrace the rich tapestry of the coastal environment.

View from the pedestrian pathway

Pedestrian connection between Forest and Unicef Park

Playground and social areas

Establishing a verdant corridor linking the forest to the sea, through the Unicef Park, prioritising pedestrian pathways. Introducing a new waterfront atop the existing wall to connect the city border and Paseo Barca seamlessly. Enhancing accessibility by connecting Piccanto paths to the main thoroughfare of Ricardo Riva, ensuring a cohesive urban fabric.

Unicef Park Masterplan

Pichicanto community gardens

Sand dune and picnic areas

City Design & Public Space

INCOMMON: People, place and power in the canal

Urban Design | Social Impact Research | Community engagement

Location: North Westminster, London

Project Type: Public Space & Social Science

Project Size: 100 Hta

Team Size: 6

Consultants: Stackholders and neighbours

Tasks Performed:

- Social Science based Research

- Urban Design

- Drawings

- Presentation

Software Used:

- AutoCad

- Rhinoceros

- Adobe Suite

- Lumion

2022-23

This interdisciplinary project examines socio-economic inequalities within London’s Westminster borough, marked by a stark contrast between affluent and deprived areas. North Westminster exemplifies this divide, evident in both socio-economic data and the spatial layout of its commercial and residential zones. To address these disparities, large-scale, state-private partnership regeneration initiatives like the Paddington Basin and Church Street projects were launched. While the Paddington Basin project aimed to enhance economic competitiveness and promote social cohesion, it appears that the latter goal of reducing socio-economic disparities remains largely unmet. Conventional regeneration efforts have often fallen short of improving conditions for local residents. Consequently, this study explores two critical questions: the origins of these socio-spatial disparities and the potential of the concept of “the commons” as an alternative approach to address these inequalities outside the traditional top-down regeneration model.

Section A - Paddington Basin

Section B - Little Venice

Section C- Lisson Grove

Thamesis River

Cross-section analyses were conducted at various points along the canal to understand its needs. The most critical area was Lisson Grove, where the social contrast is particularly pronounced, and where residents are largely disconnected from the water and the canal. To address both the social and spatial integration of this part of Westminster, a proposal was put forth for a boat and a platform that would connect people to the water level, serving as a communal space.

Proposal | Community Boat for the Lissson Grove neighbours in the Canal

Antonella Branizza Maccera

Programatic Flexibility | Cinema nights

Programatic Flexibility | Music Festivals at day time

Programatic Flexibility | Educational activities

The program is flexible, designed to encourage both indoor activities like dance classes or children’s workshops and outdoor events such as concerts on the boat or movie nights.

Additionally, the idea of establishing a café, with proceeds benefiting the local community, is included. This concept could potentially be replicated along the entire canal, utilizing different boats in the future.

Conceptual Utopia | Replicability of Communities along the canal activities for kids in the boat

City Design & Public Space

Reclaiming Urban Beaches: Exploring appropriation and urban acupuncture as design strategies for public spaces

Location: Chorrillos District. Lima, Perú

Project Type: Public Space & Social Science

Project Size: 100 Hta

Team Size: 1

Consultants: Stackholders and neighbours

Tasks Performed:

- Social Science based Research

- Urban design

Software Used:

- Adobe Suite

- Lumion

Thesis Tutors:

- Dena Qadumi

2023

The Costa Verde coastline, originally intended as a recreational public space, has failed to fulfill its purpose, becoming more of a highway with scattered beaches. The implementation of the original masterplan has been hindered by decentralized governance, corruption, and privatization, resulting in an unequal and fragmented space. Despite deficient infrastructure, people continue to extensively utilize this space, with a special mention to Agua Dulce beach. Yet, people have appropriated these spaces in particular ways, and certain behaviours have been socially criticized as “incorrect”. This research project aims to understand these specific behaviours in the context of urban beaches, viewing them as potential resources for design in highly unequal cities. Instead of relying on large masterplans, it aims to explore surgical low-cost, high-impact interventions based on the user’s appropriation of space as a way to bring back the sea to the city.

City Design & Public Space

PUCP UNIVERSITY PUBLIC SPACE

Design | Public Space Module

Location: San Miguel,Lima, Perú

Project Type: Public Space & Landscape

Project Size: 10 Hta

Team Size: 2

2018

This project served as the final assignment for a Public Space II elective at the university. The course involved surveying existing infrastructure, layouts, current buildings and vegetation, potential central spaces, activities and existing uses and behaviors. Based on this, a proposal for a public space for the university was developed.

Antonella Branizza Maccera

1 | Uses

4 | Secondary connections

7 | Cyclepath

2 | Main spaces

5 | Terciary connections

Design Proposal

Base Plan

3 | Main connections

6 | Surfaces

Design base

Main vegetation

FLOATING PAVILION

City & Public Space Design | Architectural Studio 5

Location: Iquitos, Lima, Perú

Project Type: Anfitheatre

Project Size: 1000 m2

Team Size: 1

Softwares used:

- Rhinoceros

- Grasshopper

- Autocad

2015

This project is a workshop on organic forms and parametric design. Grasshopper was used to propose the curved wooden shape. The workshop is inspired by the Peruvian jungle, so there was a field trip to comprehend the environment and its needs. The wooden structural proposal leverages the underutilized natural resources of the region. Starting from structural details, the project evolved into this floating pavilion. Weight and structural calculations were also thoroughly examined to ensure the design concept floated

PIEZA

Institutional | Public Education

ESCUELAS BICENTENARIO

Project Management

Location: Peru

Project Type: Private-public educational infrastructure consultancy

Team Size: 20

Consultants: Architecture, structures, electromechanical and sanitation engineers

Status: Completed

Tasks Performed:

- Managed the revision and approval of the 5 construction manuals, directing a 20-member interdisciplinary team to accelerate BIM Model LOD 300 technical file reviews.

-Elaboration of graphics

Software Used:

- Revit (BIM LOD 300)

- AutoCad

- Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign

- Microsoft Project

- Notion

Basic Unit

Structures

Architecture

2019-2021

Escuelas Bicentenario is a strategy to standardize the design and construction of peruvian public educational infrastructure, in all specialties (architecture, structures, electromechanical and sanitation facilities) through five Manuals, one for each bioclimatic region.

Mechanicals

Electricals

Safety

Gas

Bugdet and meters

Module 09 - Class Room BIM Model Lod 300

Antonella

The 5 design and construction manuals that were created are now allowing the creation of technical documents for schools across the country, with a standardized high-quality design, in less time, making efficient use of public resources, and promoting more transparent management. The catalogs are openly accessible for use by local and regional governments.

a. Javier Perez-Cuellar - Costa Catalogue

Institutional | Public Education Project Management

Location: San Juan De Lurigancho, Lima/Peru

Project Type: Education

Project Size: 6,500 m2

Team Size: 20

Consultants: Architecture and structures

Status: In construction

Tasks Performed:

- Architectural Design

- Compatibilization between BIM model and working CAD.for the production of final drawing package

Software Used:

- Revit (BIM LOD 300)

- AutoCad

- Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign

S/.

4.5 million GBP 1247 benefited students

Institutional | Public Education

b. 19 de Abril - Sierra Catalogue

Project Management

Location: Chupaca, Junín

Project Type: Education

Project Size: 15,598.69 m2

Team Size: 20

Consultants: Architecture and structures

Status: In construction

Tasks Performed:

- Architectural Design

- Compatibilization between BIM model and working CAD.for the production of final drawing package

Software Used:

- Revit (BIM LOD 300)

- AutoCad

- Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign

9.9 million GBP 1061 benefited students

Antonella Branizza Maccera

Retail Visualisation

LEINSTER SHOP

Location: Leinster Terrace, London, UK

Project Type: Retail

Project Size: 60 m2

Number of Floors: 1

Team Size: 1

Tasks Performed:

- 3D and visualizations

Software Used:

- AutoCAD

- Sketchup

- Lumion

- PSD and Adobe InDesign

2023

Step into a revitalized space—a former exchange hub transformed into a cafe seamlessly merging boutique charm with the comfort of a living room. The preserved exchange area at the core pays homage to its history while embodying a fresh concept. Crafted with warmth from carefully chosen woods and materials, the design invites exploration, offering cozy corners and reading nooks for patrons to engage with a curated selection of magazines and design books. Balancing historical significance with contemporary aesthetics, the layout celebrates the past, embraces the present, and envisions the future. More than a place to acquire reading materials, this destination is where stories unfold, ideas flourish, and memories are made—a haven transcending the ordinary, inviting visitors to experience a new era of thoughtful design and shared moments

CASA PUNTA SAL

Residential Sustainable Design

Location: Punta Sal, Tumbes, Perú

Project Type: Residential

Project Size: 500 m2

Number of Floors: 1

Team Size: 3

Consultants: Structural Engineering

Status: Construction in progress

Work Stages: 1-6

Tasks Performed:

- Architectural design and distribution of spaces.

- Furniture design of storage, consoles, kitchen cabinetry, bathrooms and closets.

- Preparation of drawing package and additional documentation required for construction application

- Coordination with client and structural consultant

Software Used:

- AutoCAD

- Sketchup

- Lumion

- PSD and Adobe InDesign

2021

Located in Punta Sal Beach, this project exemplifies sustainable coastal living. Despite height restrictions, it delivers four spacious bedrooms with private baths, prioritizing natural light and privacy. Through thoughtful integration of a large terrace and pool area, the design maximises ventilation and lighting efficiency, while also incorporating rainwater harvesting systems and renewable energy sources, making it a model of eco-conscious design. With a generous terrace and pool area seamlessly integrated, the design optimizes ventilation and lighting, creating a comfortable retreat that respects the environment.

10|

PLATERITOS

Residential Sustainable Design

Location: Punta Sal, Tumbes, Perú

Project Type: Residential

Project Size: 1,000 m2

Number of Floors: 2

Team Size: 3

Consultants: Structural Engineering

Status: Construction in progress

Work Stages: 1-6

Tasks Performed:

- Sustainable architectural design and distribution of spaces.

- Furniture design of storage, consoles, kitchen cabinetry, bathrooms and closets.

- Preparation of drawing package and additional documentation required for construction application

- Coordination with client and structural consultant

Software Used:

- AutoCAD

- Sketchup

- Lumion

- PSD and Adobe InDesign

2021

The Plateritos project in Northern Peru embodies sustainable living with a focus on comfort and eco-consciousness. Featuring passive solar design, the bungalows are oriented to maximise natural light and airflow, ensuring a cool interior even during warm, sunny days. High-efficiency insulation further enhances energy savings, keeping the spaces comfortable year-round. Additionally, solar panels provide renewable energy, reducing reliance on the grid. Outside the roof shape helpd the gathering of rainforest water, while inside, water-efficient fixtures help conserve water. The use of local materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. Energyefficient prefab walls and floors were used to minimise transport efforts, cost and implementation times.With drought-resistant landscaping, the project minimises water usage and enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings. Plateritos is a testament to sustainable living in harmony with nature.

Residential | Renovation

LAS DALIAS

Design, Project Management & Construction

Location: Miraflores, Lima, Perú

Project Type: Residential refurbishment

Project Size: 100 m2

Number of Floors: 1

Team Size: 1

Consultants: Structural Engineering

Status: Completed

Work Stages: 1-6

Tasks Performed:

- Architectural design and distribution of spaces

- Furniture design of storage, consoles, kitchen cabinetry, living room interior design.

- Preparation of drawing package and additional documentation required for construction application

- Coordination with client and structural consultant

- Bidding and contractor selection

- Construction administration and supervision

- Project closeout

Software Used:

- AutoCAD

- Sketchup

- Lumion

- PSD and Adobe InDesign

2022

Las Dalias is a flat reburshment project in the search for natural light. The client aimed to enhance the kitchen’s light, as it was previously a dark closed space with the only source of illumination being from the laundry area. The goal was to create a more inviting space. The design strategy involved integrating the kitchen into the main living area. This design approach was applied consistently across all three spaces. Even the laundry area was incorporated into the design to transform it from a hidden space into an integral part of the home, adding value and illumination. The result is a spacious, well-lit, and warm living space. A blue accent wall runs from the main living room, through the kitchen, and into the laundry area, seamlessly integrating all three spaces.

Construction Process

Final View

Antonella Branizza Maccera

CIENEGUILLA 12|

Residential | Renovation

Design, Project Management & Construction

Location: Cieneguilla, Lima, Perú

Project Type: Residential design and construction

Project Size: 500 m2

Number of Floors: 1

Team Size: 2

Consultants: Structural and sanitary Engineering

Status: Completed

Work Stages: 1-6

Tasks Performed:

- Architectural design and distribution of spaces

- Furniture design of storage, consoles, kitchen cabinetry, living room interior design.

- Preparation of drawing package and additional documentation required for construction application

- Coordination with client and structural consultant

- Bidding and contractor selection

- Construction administration and supervision

- Project closeout

Residential | Renovation

CIENEGUILLA

Design, Project Management & Construction

Antonella Branizza Maccera

NEXT PROJECT IN PROCESS...

ANTONELLA BRANIZZA MACCERA

LONDON, UK