Beatriz Romero Architecture Portfolio by Beatriz Romero

beatriz romero PORTFOLIO

This is a compilation of academic and personal works made by Beatriz Romero Colomer during the years 2011-2018. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any way without prior permission of the author. all rights reserved ÂŠ 2018, Beatriz Romero Colomer

"Indeed, I see architecture as collective service and as poetry" Lina Bo Bardi

CONTENTS PAGE 06-07 Resume: Personal Details Education Proffessional Experience Skills About

08-13 Frau Gerolds Erbe, culinary center in Zürich: Project: Final Thesis, ETSAB Date: July 2018 Location: Zürich Intervention: Public, urban and architectural Prof. : J. Ros, I. Bachs, E. Terradas + Andrea Deplazes

14-17 Street and square, drone center in Gavà: Project: 5th grade, ETSAB Date: January 2017 Location: Gavà Intervention: Public and private, urban and architectural Prof. : O. Linares + J. Ros, I. Bachs

18-21 Living in Athens, co-housing building in Athens: Project: Master degree, TU Darmstadt Date: February 2016 Location: Athens Intervention: Private housing, architectural Prof. : Elli Mosayebi + P. Gaub, J. Kucera, E. Mitterwieser

22-25 Verticality, office building in Barcelona: Project: 4th grade, ETSAB Date: June 2015 Location: Barcelona Intervention: Private, architectural Prof. : F. Solaguren + C. Gastón

26-29 Skin under skin, business incubator in Igualada: Project: 2nd grade, ETSAB Date: June 2013 Location: Igualada Intervention: Private, architectural Prof. : J. Sanjosé

30-37 Graphics, photography and engraving: Project: personal photographs and academic egravings Date: 2014 - 2018 Photographs: personal views and details of elements Engravings: project "Tapete", Linolschnitt 2016, TU Darmstadt Prof. of engraving: K. Immekus

COVER LETTER

When I was a child, I used to go to exhibitions in my hometown. I remember my fascination because every time I went to visit one it seemed to be a different place. I wondered how could it be possible every time I went to the museum to discover new paths and hidden places according to each exhibition. Later, an admiration grew on me about those spaces, that someone transformed understanding what they should convey to the public. Years later, I visited the Jewish Museum from Daniel Libeskind in Berlin. It changed for me the view I had about what architecture meant. I discovered a building was not only a place to harbor something, but a place which says something itself. The corridors and the empty spaces inside capted my attention and I decided I wanted to create things for the people, to help them, to convey and generate feelings to them. In 2011 I decided to move to Barcelona to study Architecture. In the first class we were asked what architecture was, what architecture meant to each one and why we wanted to be architects. At the time I did not know what to answer, and these questions have accompanied me throughout all my formative years. I learned over the years an architecture that was not only formed by "volumes under the light" but by a great humanist component, which is nowadays for me the main element when it comes to start projecting. In 2015 I moved to Darmstadt, Germany, for an Exchange Program. I learnt different ways of approaching a project and it helped me to obtain my first professional experience. In Waechter & Waechter I did intensive practices in which I participated in different projects. Teamwork and the need to generate ideas continuously motivated me every day. In this study most of the works were public buildings and I learned a lot from their philosophy despite the short time I was working there.

Once you discover how much you learn outside the classroom there is a need to continue knowing the different branches that the profession offers. I started working as an intern in January 2017 in the Department of New Technologies of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. I found it very interesting to understand the project from within and spent my months there learning new softwares and ways to streamline construction. It was also very formative to work in the construction site and to be able to follow the construction process every day and thus check each element in-situ. Then I was working on a studio of house refurbishment and interior design. This experience helped me to keep track of each job and get more responsibilities. I discovered that it really matters each scale, from the largest to the smallest. All these years and experiences have helped me to begin to answer those questions that were asked when I started my studies and have given rise to new reflections that I have tryed to capture in every project. I can conclude by saying that there is no architecture without volume, but neither is there without social activism and experimentation. For me it is important that the craft and human experience come together to develop a project, just as the building must help urbanism and vice versa. My desire is to continue being able to train and apply a philosophy that encompasses the social architecture, which adapts to time, environment and resources, consider the pre-existences and humanize the space.

RESUME RESUME PERSONAL DETAILS

SOFTWARE SKILLS

Name: Beatriz Romero Colomer

AutoCad 2D, 3D:

Born: Zaragoza, Spain, 26.04.1993

Rhinoceros:

Nationality: Spanish

Grasshopper:

Address: Gran de Gràcia 7, 08006, Barcelona

Revit:

Contact: Phone Number: 0034 690 78 00 31 E-Mail: b.romerocolomer@gmail.com

Photoshop: Indesign:

Driving license: B since 2011 Others: Ms Office,Vectorworks, Artlantis, Sketchup

EDUCATION

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Jul 2018: Architect by Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura de Barcelona

Spanish: Native or Bilingual Proficiency

2011 - 2018: Architecture and Urbanism Master and Bachelor's degree at Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura, Barcelona

Catalan: Full Proffesional Proficiency

2015 - 2016: Architecture Master's degree at TU Darmstadt FB15 Exchange Programe

English: Advanced Proficiency (C1 courses) German: Advanced Proficiency (C1 - C2 courses)

1999 - 2011: Education at German School S. Alberto Magno, Zaragoza

PROFFESIONAL EXPERIENCE:

ABOUT:

Sep 2017 - May 2018: Estudi Sarrià Arquitectura i Interiorisme Intern [House refurbishment and interior projects. Range: architectural design and drawing, software modeling, technical details design and drawing. Site supervision.]

Jan 2017: Linolschnitt "Tapete" Engraving exhibition at Galerie Parkhaus, Darmstadt

Jan 2017 - Sep 2017: Junta Constructora SAGRADA FAMILIA Intern, academic agreement [Sagrada Familia. Range: architectural drawing, software modeling, project documentation. Site supervision.] Aug 2016 - Sep 2016: Waechter&Waechter Architekten Intern [Public Buildings. Range: architectural drawing in different projects. Project documentation, physical modeling and architectural design for a competition. Site visiting.]

Feb 2016: Luminale Frankfurt "Animate Matter", 3D Zoetrope project exhibition "New Centrality", urban lighting project with Zumtobel Group exhibition Mar 2016 - May 2016: Hiwi Tutor Tutor in Exchange Program at TU Darmstadt 2009: Photography Award International Heritage Photography Experience, Strasbourg 2004 - 2011: Formal Music Studies Piano

FRAU GEROLDS ERBE CULINARY CENTER IN ZÜRICH

Project: Final Thesis, ETSAB Date: July 2018 Location: Zürich Intervention: Public, urban and architectural Prof. : J. Ros, I. Bachs, E. Terradas + Andrea Deplazes

To understand the urban context and the city's needs it was important to me to analyze the historical past of Zurich. The city of Zurich was built on the Lindenhof, the hill which faces the Zürichsee, and then it grew radially in districts, taking other neighboring municipalities. The construction of an enormous mass of railway tracks facilitated the industrial development of the city, creating "Kreis 5" (district 5) or Industriequartier, delimited by the two main arteries of transport, the Limmatt river and the Gleisfeld. It is during this process when it becomes a need to connect the center of Zurich with the district, giving rise to the construction of the Viaduktbogen in 1875, separating the neighborhood into two zones, industrial and residential. The history and consolidation of this district takes place in 1893, when it stops being the independent municipality called Aussersihl (outside the Sihl River) to be part of the city. During the 20th century, series of sociological and urban changes ended up leaving the Kreis 5 and the entire area of Zürich West apart, becoming a residual neighborhood. At the end of the 20th century it is decided to revitalize the neighborhood. The rise of the city and the need to provide a financial zone in the urban context made "Kreis 5" to become a new nerve center. Different offices of architecture and urbanism begin to build what are today the "skyline" characteristic of the city. Little by little, all the old quartier's plots that remained as an echo of the industrial past of the district were transformed into commercial centers, technology centers, office buildings or public spaces, except the Geroldsareal. For some reason, this site facing the roads and delimited by the Viaduktbogen and the infrastructure of the Hardbrücke, remains oblivious to the change. All these characteristics, peculiar and contrary to the aesthetics of the city, are the reason that attract all walkers who roam the neighborhood: Geroldsareal is the "anti-Zurich".

As if it were an authentic Dadaist painting, the old buildings are reoccupied and painted by young people, artists, entrepreneurs who bring all the unique eclecticism of Areal. The construction based on cointainers of the Freitagtower, the particular "skyscraper" of the site, establishes a war of symbols with the new buildings. Another important icon is the terrace's set of Frau Gerolds Garten. However, all this fanfare of buildings is hidden by the scrapyards of the workshops and metal warehouses, making the connection between the viaduct walkway, the terraces and the station impossible. After a few interviews with workers of the areal, the main objectives of the project are the longitudinal connection between the Hardbrücke station, the Frau Gerolds Garten terraces and the viaduct walkway; the transverse communications between Geroldstrasse and the railway front (Gleisfeld); the conservation of all buildings of factory or emblematic works and, consequently, the elimination of scrapyards and sheet metal warehouses. In response to these objectives arises the need for the construction of a building for the neighborhood that respects the pre-existing solar and generates a new front and public space between Geroldstrasse and Gleisfeld. A building to walk through, for cooking, eating and visiting. Analyzing the heights of the adjacent buildings, only the Freitagtower exceeds the height of the Viaduktbogen, 11m, so that the project, to be fully integrated into the urban scene, will be erected below this limit. On the other hand, it was important to make as little constructive footprint as possible, since it is a site subject to change. Therefore, a prefabricated structural system is chosen to facilitate its rapid execution and, if necessary, dismantling. In addition, in order to provide a homogeneous language to the chaos that characterizes the area, it will be chosen a material that encompasses the diversity of textures found in the Areal. 08

STREET AND SQUARE DRONE CENTER IN GAVÀ

Project: 5th grade, ETSAB Date: January 2017 Location: Gavà Intervention: Public and private, urban and architectural Prof. : O. Linares + J. Ros, I. Bachs

The city of Gavà is a very important industrial hub in the Baix Llobregat. It has a particular geography, delimited by the sea and the mountain, the old town of the city was located next to the mountain and the industrial area in the line of the coast. Over the years and the expansion of the roads, an attempt was made to improve the connection between the two urban textures of the city. But, after the fall of industrial activity, there is a need to revitalize the industrial zone and boost the activity and development of the city. The old factories coexist face to face with small shopping centers, as well as vacant lots with companies in use. The existing line between the mountain and the coast has to be revitalized.

The materials were chosen to respond to the energy demands and climatic conditions of the Mediterranean coast. Being a building that houses elements of new technologies, it was necessary to find some textures that coexisted with the use, such as wood, metal sheet or glass. In addition, the flight of drones is interfered with by metallic materials, so the chosen structure should have no such elements or be protected instead. The whole building creates a space for work, food, research and leisure, a new neuralgic axis for Gavà.

As a strategy, the main objective was the creation of a center that involved the need to increase its research capacity and welcome a new trend object: drones. An attractive place for workers, specialists in drones, curious or tourists. The place chosen for the project is the old site where the bowling was. Being the limit between the factories and the commercial areas. This place has a characteristic element that must be preserved: a pre-existing bi-directional prefabricated grid slab. The building will be located on this slab, taking advantage of the original structure of the old parking of the bowling alley as its own structure. The concept is simple, the areas of private use and rental are configured as prefabricated wooden boxes and are arranged under the slab, embedded between the structure. The large central street created between them provides the private path to each box, illuminated by a set of courtyards. On the other hand, public buildings are located on the slab. As the negative of what is happening below. They are located around the perimeter of the slab and creating a large central plaza access to each building that crosses the lot longitudinally. 14

LIVING IN ATHENS CO-HOUSING BUILDING IN ATHENS

Project: Master degree, TU Darmstadt Date: February 2016 Location: Athens Intervention: Private housing, architectural Prof. : Elli Mosayebi + P. Gaub, J. Kucera, E. Mitterwieser

The project is located in a singular urban setting, the very center of Athens. The neighborhood, delimited by the Acropolis and the Parliament, perpetuates the old city qualities, but including a new and young way of living. Co-workings coexist with art galleries, ateliers, cafes and restaurants surrounded by an ancient urban grid. The proposal stands up to the height of the surrounding buildings but opens the block in the ground floor promoting the circulation of people: the "hard" square. The ground floor works as a two simple streets structure divided by the big hall. However, following the traditional greek architecture of cover gardens, the other urban intention is to transfer the "green" from the floor to the roof, directly connected with the view of the Acropolis: the "soft" square. The building is bitten on three key points of its volume: the neighbors and the middle, promoting in that way the penetration of light inside the building. The volume works as a double structure. One is horizontal, developed in both facades, opaque and strong. The second is vertical, two light transparent bridges. Both elements play in each floor an illusion of symmetry.

The advantage of these apartments is the possibility to separate them also in smaller spaces, creating in that way more privacy for the occupier. The two first floors are conceived as two different bodies. The first floor is an open gallery, a half public element, destined for coworking and directly connected with the entrance to the building with a double space. The second floor is a huge apartment where eight rooms can share all the living, as a way of community living. The building, in its exterior appearance, is made in clear and light concrete reminding the classical greek white houses. But inside is perceptible the game of contrasts, by using concrete, wood and other elements. Talking about living in Athens makes hard to forget the main material, the marble. Big surfaces of white marble on the floor reflect the dark and industrial concrete structure of the roof, both connected with the transparent surface of glass. This project provides the opportunity for the citizens and students of Athens to afford a house under the concept of living in community. A new way of living.

The first perception of the environment is the vitality of the neighborhood, all these young people going from one side to the other, mixed between the tourist but singulars. The main intention is to transfer this feeling of new community to the building. Two big and shared apartments grow along each floor. In the facades, concurring to the horizontal structure, are the bedrooms: private spaces equipped with bathroom for each occupier. In the bridges, the loggias, the common living is developed. Open corridor provided with a row of windows where cooking, eating, reading, relaxing or studying are the possibilities. These loggias remind the monastery life, the cloisters. 18

VERTICALITY OFFICE BUILDING IN BARCELONA

Project: 4th grade, ETSAB Date: June 2015 Location: Barcelona Intervention: Private, architectural Prof. : F. Solaguren + C. Gastรณn

Diagonal Avenue is one of the most important streets in Barcelona. The street divides the distinguished Eixample district on two sides. The whole street from its beginning to the end has multiple faces, showing the different uses of the city. One of the most characteristic buildings of Diagonal Avenue is L'illa, the horizontal skyscraper of Rafael Moneo. This building, which has a commercial and office use, reconnects Les Corts' district with Diagonal Avenue, as a recovery of an old urban plan. However, its surroundings have not had the same transformation and there is a need to revitalize the limits of Diagonal Avenue.

This facade tries to reflect the different faces of the surrounding buildings. The interiors have big open corridors for circulation, attending to the number of workers inside. Working spaces are located in the perimeter of each floor leaving a central space for the structural core, which houses the elevators, stairs and toilets. The structural system consists of concrete pillars, double T slabs and the structural core, able to withstand the total overload of the building.

The site of the proposal is in front of L'illa's project. Currently there is an empty and closed residual space that needs to be transformed. The objective of the project was to develop an office building that would offer a new use to the site. The main strategy is governed by two dimensions: the height of the characteristic buildings of Les Corts' district and the height of the important buildings of the Diagonal Avenue. Separating the plinth from the tower. A building that grows in height and decreases in width, giving each floor plan versatility and free circulation. Each facade works in a different way because of the orientation towards the sun. Verticality is the identity of the building, therefore, it has a double skin: The first glass layer works like a normal curtain wall, a transparent facade free of structure. The second skin is made of vertical panels of translucent glass and perforated plate, which acts as a protective solar and thermal shield. 22

SKIN UNDER SKIN BUSINESS INCUBATOR IN IGUALADA

Project: 2nd grade, ETSAB Date: June 2013 Location: Igualada Intervention: Private, architectural Prof. : J. Sanjosé

Igualada is a city in Catalonia with a very important industrial past, textile, paper and leather industry. The main neighborhood where these industries were located is “El Rec”, bounded by the river. Walking through the streets it is possible to find very old industrial buildings coexisting with new constructions.

The intervention and refurbishment of the building tries to be really respectful with its original architecture, recovering the great activity of the neighborhood and providing a new use according to the current times.

Many of the old factories are refurbished and become new uses. Also there are ephemeral transformations of the old industrial district, the old factories and tanneries become fashion pop up stores or music halls. The project involves rehabilitating an old tannery, to create a business incubator inside, trying to impulse the activity. The first floor acts as a public space, having a large hall for exhibitions and an auditorium. The main intention is to preserve the original building including improvements to enable a harmony between old and new. The facade and the old dyeing wells were the two principal elements to preserve, therefore arises the decision of creating new skins inside the building. Bringing the light to the interior was another important project decision, due to the small size of the facade openings, for which a large skylight is designed on the top floor. The double height spaces and the glass skins are the main features. The combination of industrial materials promote dialogue with the preexisting building. Glass, wood and metal are added to the old adobe walls. Each material is used for different areas of the building: glass for the floor (showing the dyeing wells) and the offices, wood for carpentry and the skylight solar blankets, and metal for elements of vertical mobility, as elevators and stairs or runways. 26

GRAPHICS PHOTOGRAPHY AND ENGRAVING

Project: personal photographs and academic egravings Date: 2014 - 2018

Photographs: personal views and details of elements

Engravings: project "Tapete", Linolschnitt 2016, TU Darmstadt Prof. of engraving: K. Immekus

PHOTOGRAPHY I take pictures since I was a child. Landscapes or every day scenes were my main objectives to photograph. Later I began to discover the approach and the symmetries, hidden is the most simple objects or buildings. This is a few selections of pictures and photographs I made during traveling. Each of them represents an element, material, space or building related to the architecture of the landscape. These photographs are for me an important part of what I first see or sense of the place where they belong.

I decided to get inspired by the biological environment to develop the engraving. I found the aesthetics of microscope images very interesting and surprising. I chose in particular to develop a pattern on mitochondria by observing how they move in their environment with the elements that surround it, like a dance, and reproduce it in the engraving. On the other hand, I wanted to develop a personal engraving. I called it "A Summer Night's Dream" because it is composed of images that I remember from the summers of my childhood in AlmerĂa. You can find three elements in this engraving, land, sea and sky, characteristic of the landscape of Cabo de Gata. The building represents an old farmhouse, in which Federico GarcĂa Lorca was inspired for his work "Bodas de Sangre". The mountain refers to "Los escullos" that stands as the silhouette of a camel on the sea and the corners are resolved by the symbolism of the Mudejar star.

In my opinion, taking pictures helps us to learn about what we are seeing and gives another view of it, revealing details that may be not be perceptible at the very first look, but suppose a leak in the total composition of the image. ENGRAVING I started with engraving as a child, I learned different techniques and I discovered how difficult this field of art was. During the studies at TU Darmstadt I found a subject of linoleum engraving and decided to try again this practice. The topic of this subject was to develop a wallpaper for the Darmstadt's Museum of Natural History. This wallpaper can appear floral, abstract, narrative, technical, modern or old-fashioned, but it needed to be a pattern to combine and repeat within an area. 30