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. In addition I teach, judge and publish on architecture and urban design.
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 experience 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 contribution of people, 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 site specific design, always architectural and including urban scale demands next to the revitalization and implementation of existing buildings and urban structures.
-- Brigitte van Bakel
COURSES
1992-1997
Diploma University of Technology Eindhoven TU/e _ Faculty of Architecture & Urbanism. Components: Spatial Planning, Implementation and Management, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Architectural Theory and History, Design Projects.
1978-1983
Diploma Academy of Physiotherapy, Arnhem.
1972-1978
Boschveld College Venray _ Gymnasium B, Subjects: Dutch, English, Latin, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING (selection)
1998‐present
Professional training, including energy concepts, renovation and reuse, green roofs and landscape design.
2002
Legal Skills for Architects.
1997
Project Managment TU/e.
1991‐1992
Contract course Art History Radboud University Nijmegen. Art and Cultural History of the Middle Ages.
1985
Open University UK course "Nature & Industrialisation".
ENTREPENEUR with the multiple identities of Isis Architectuur, Anna Logos, Brigitte F.S.A. van Bakel and B.F.S.A. van Bakel / AMi.
2001‐present
Office tasks
EMPLOYMENT as an architect and urbanist
1999‐2001 (2 years)
Urban planning at Projectbureau Ypenburg, The Hague. Mandate 'welstand' and supervision of the public-private cooperation of the urban development. Urban design and spatial planning through all scale levels.
1995-1998 (1 year)
Urban planning & architecture at Kuiper Compagnons, Bureau for Spatial Planning Rotterdam. Various large-scale urban projects.
1999 (< 1 year)
Urbanism & architecture at VHP Urbanists and Landscape Architects, Rotterdam. Project Almere Water Houses.
1998-1999 (<1 year)
Jeanne Dekkers Architecture, Delft. Urban design proposal for the Ypenburg Centre.
SIDE ACTIVITIES
1999‐2009
(Vice) chair / member of committees for aesthetics and spatial quality
2005 - 2006 (1 year)
2005 - 2012 (7 years)
2000 - 2012 (12 years)
LANGUAGES AND SKILLS
INTERESTS
Reading and writing, publishing, dancing and walking, cooking, listening to music, art, gardening, taking care of (small) animals, therapeutic activities.