Bio

I am the founder and principal architect of AMi. I graduated in 1997 from the University of Technology in Eindhoven (TU/e) NL, faculty of building engineering and specialized in architecture and urbanism. To gain experience I was employed for several years to work on large scale projects such as Ypenburg urban plan of 14.000 dwellings, infrastructure and facilities in The Hague; University Hospital Entrance building in Groningen; University main building renovation in Eindhoven; Urban plan with 400 dwellings in Dordrecht.

Previously I worked as a physiotherapist. Working and living abroad for almost five years I discovered the beauty of landscapes and urban structures. Architecture creates our environment and influences the behaviour of people, how they feel and move through life. I imagine the movement of people, where they go, how they sense, how and what they do. Through a haptic perception a work of architecture is created.

The idea for the architectural design is derived from the site. For me, art, literature and history are important sources to gain understanding of the nature of things. The integration of program, technology and all knowledge from and to a site charges the intuition of what the site needs. I like to bring forth work that liberates the experience of space. I like to see that as the main purpose of sustainability.

I started an independent practice in 2001. At present I am challenged by the urban implementation of site specific architectural design and the revitalization of existing buildings.

-- Brigitte van Bakel