- Selection of Work
House along the Danube, Architectural Design, Research. The research involves archival studies (a.o. the Bing and Harrington Balkan Archives at MIT), observations, on-site explorations, and conversations with regional experts, 2024-ongoing
Strito Studio, Architectural Design, Research & Development. New building and concept, ongoing (prototype completed 2021). Design execution by Alexandra Sonnemans, concept by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), development in partnership with client strito dev.
Time Tower, Spatial Installation and Exhibition Space combined, in the garden of Sonneveld House, Museumpark Rotterdam, on the occasion of 100 years Museumpark and Rotterdam Architecture Month 2024. Comissioned by AIR Rotterdam, OMI and Nieuwe Instituut, 2024, completed. Concept, design and execution by Alexandra Sonnemans, execution with OMI, Team Thursday, Paul Groenendijk, Titus Verheijen, Dutch Steigers, LENN, Suze van der Markt. Thanks Hetty Berens, Tijn van de Wijdeven, Alfred Marks, Joost de Munk, Stichting Volkskracht, Nada Kojadinovic, Catja Edens, Jolanda van Dinteren, Quintus Belichting
Huis Werengouw, Architectural Design. Transformation and extension. Private client, Amsterdam (NL), 2024, completed. Concept by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), design execution by Alexandra Sonnemans, structural advice by Erwin Weenink
Groen van Prinstererstraat, Architectural Design. Transformation and new use. Private client, Amsterdam, 2023, completed. Design execution by Alexandra Sonnemans, concept by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), technical execution with Eulàlia Martin, structural advice Erwin Weenink, construction Rafal Bouw
Apartment Kasernestrasse, Architectural Design and Furniture/Objects. Transformation and new use, private client, Zurich (CH), 2023-24, completed. Concept by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), design execution by Caterina Viguera, technical execution with Eulàlia Martin
House Oil Mill, Architectural Design. Transformation and New Use. Private client, Lefkada (GR), 2021-23, completed. Concept by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), design execution by Caterina Viguera, technical execution with Eulàlia Martin
Pavilion Encounter Iced Sound, Spatial Installation in Public Space, Schiffbauplatz Zurich (CH) and Dutch Design Week Ketelhuisplein (NL) 2023, completed. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) in collaboration with musician and composer Ramon Landolt, construction with Bildhauer Werkstatt Andreas Lindegger, structural advice by Richard Felt
Fragment Encounter Iced Sound, Spatial Installation and Sonic Route through the city, on the occasion of Model Barcelona Architectures Festival 2024, completed. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) in collaboration with musician and composer Ramon Landolt, curated by Fundació Mies Van der Rohe and Eva Franch, coordination by Eduard Fernàndez
Conditions for Growth, Selected Proposal for the Ministry of Make, an initiative by ZUS, MANN and IABR. Exhibited with 100 other sites at the 10th International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam, 2022, completed. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
House Gashouderstraat, Architectural Design. Transformation. Private client, Rotterdam (NL), 2020-21, completed. Design and execution Alexandra Sonnemans, execution with Joseph Meurs
Glasfabriek, Architectural Design and Strategy. Transformation and new use. Public function, Schiedam (NL), 2022. Proposal by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Redevelopment Place du Marché Aigle, Urban Design. Invited competition (MEP) Municipality of Aigle (CH), 2021. Proposal by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), with Pauline Revaz, Kevin Merino, Olivier Company, Julien Eneichen, Rachel Mullon
St. Pere Mitjà, Architectural Design. Transformation and New Use. Private client, Barcelona, 2021, completed. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), technical execution with Eulàlia Martin
Three Pavilions, Architectural Design and Public Space. Place du Marché, Municipality of Aigle (CH), 2021, completed. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), construction Guarnaccia Constructions, structural advice Álvaro Romera Martínez
House LS, Architectural Design. New building. Private client, Ebe-Emael (BE), 2020. Design proposal for a modular house by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Space in-between, Exhibition and Publication for London Festival of Architecture 2020. The publication was also part of the Reading Room by Itinerant Office, New Generations Festival 2021-23. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Textile factory, Architectural Design and Strategy. Transformation and New Use. Private client, Balgach (CH), 2020. Strategy and design proposal for reconversion of a former textile factory by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Apartment STS, Architectural Design. Transformation. Private client, Amsterdam, 2020. Optimising unused space within an existing home. Proposal by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Evidence of the Absent, Research Project and One-Year Residency. Self-initiated, invited by Kultufolger Zürich, 2019, realised. Developed, shared and presented through a curated public program of eight public events with exhibitions, site-specific installations, five round table sessions and dialogues with five invited guests from different disciplines and cities in Europe. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera). Invited guests Pavle Stamenovic (architect PhD, Belgrade), Emma Hoette (dancer, London), Ravian van den Hil (performance curator, Rotterdam), Elettra Carnelli (architect, Zürich), Ramon Landolt, and David Meier (musicians, Zürich)
On-Site Explorations, Method developed in 2019 by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Tandoor 16 / Marseille Kitchen and Bar, Architectural Design and Furniture/Objects. Transformation and New Use. Private client, Rotterdam, 2018-19, completed. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), with Niek Mager, Breedveld Staal (Marc Gouwens, Maurice Hennekens), Janek, Erné, Van Dijken Glasbeleving, Kwarts en Co, Frans van Hooijdonk
Bouwmeester Scan Zele, Research on sustainable transitions. Commissioned by Teams Vlaams Bouwmeester, 2020. At Blauwdruk Stedenbouw Antwerp in collaboration with Palmbouw Landscape
Grote Brogel, Urban Design. Commissioned by Municipality of Peer (BE), 2017-2020. At Blauwdruk Stedenbouw Antwerp. Design team: Els Nulens, Margot Proesmans, Alexandra Sonnemans
Pastoor Ceulemansstraat, Urban Design study. Private client, Merksplas (BE), 2019. At Blauwdruk Stedenbouw Antwerp. Design team: Els Nulens, Alexandra Sonnemans
Perceel Krijgslaan/Boomsesteenweg, Urban and Architectural Design study. Commissioned by AG Vespa Antwerp, 2018. At Blauwdruk Stedenbouw Antwerp. Design team: Els Nulens, Alexandra Sonnemans
Tramsite, Urban Design study. Commissioned by Muncipality of Wingene, 2018. At Blauwdruk Stedenbouw Antwerp. Design team: Els Nulens, Caterina Rosso, Alexandra Sonnemans
Visually Walking Towards, Spatial Installation at the former prison Le Modelo, on the occasion of Architecture Week Barcelona, 2018, completed. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), curated by Anna Ramos - Fundació Mies van der Rohe
Urban Transformation as Event, Research Project and Experimental Publishing. Self-initiated, in multiple cities, 2018, realised. Interactive research project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) with 30 invited contributors from different disciplines and cities in Europe, on one topic we put ‘on the table’, on collective research, and on experimental publishing. Curated and published throughout the year on ‘rr-dialogues.org’ and physical workshops in Rotterdam and Zürich. Invited contributors Bonell+Dòriga (Barcelona), Delany Boutkan (Rotterdam), Ana Buljan (Zagreb/Rotterdam), Elettra Carnelli (Zürich/Milan), Jazmin Charalambous (Rotterdam), Oskar van Eeden (Rotterdam), Carla Ferrer + Marco Jacomella/ ITER (Milan), Frank Hanswijk (Rotterdam), Henrik Hentschel (Zürich), Ravian van den Hil (Rotterdam), Rosa Maria de los Heros + Manuel Julià (Barcelona), Emma Hoette (London), Michiel Huijben (Rotterdam), Ramon Landolt (Zürich), Eulàlia Martin (Barcelona), Anne Mikoleit (Zürich), Maite Moreno (Barcelona), Piet Nieder (Berlin), Stich & Oswald + Dominique Jehle (Zürich), Ioanna Piniara (Athens/London), Hannes Rutenfranz (Zürich), Anna Sala Giralt (Barcelona), Pavle Stamenovic (Belgrade), Josh Stevenson (Rotterdam/London), Maro Tsagka (Zürich/Athens), Jorn de Vries (Rotterdam), Kasia Zareba (Rotterdam)
L’eau à la rencontre de la ville, Urban Spatial Installation and Event Series, on the occasion of 150 years Jura water corrections, Yverdon-les-Bains (CH), 2018, completed. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), curated together with Margaux Genton, invited artists Collectif Necto, Sophie le Meillour, Simon Rouiller, Ramon Landolt, Tapiwa Svovse
Along the Line, Research, Workshop, Walk, Lecture, on the occasion of 150 years Jura water corrections, Yverdon-les-Bains (CH), 2017, realised. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Simultaneity in Cities – an interchangeable and unrecognisable built environment, Research project. Self-initiated, in multiple cities, 2018. Interactive research project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) with 8 invited contributors from different disciplines and cities. invited contributors Lidija Burcak (London), Noortje De Leij (Amsterdam), Ramon Landolt (Zürich), Eulalia Martin (Barcelona), Hannes Rutenfranz (Zürich), Pavle Stamenovic (Belgrade), Ljuba Slavkovic (Belgrade), Simone Trum (Rotterdam)
Journey of Materials, Research project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), in multiple cities, 2018
The Image of Promises, Research project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), Belgrade Waterfront a.o., 2017
rotative research, Method developed in 2017 by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Choreography of Perspectives, Spatial Installation, at the smallest gallery of Rotterdam: de Aanschouw, nr 846, 2017, completed. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), curated by Catja Edens
Pavilion La Dérivée, Architectural Design and Public Space. For Association Ici, Yverdon-les-Bains, 2017-21, completed. The modular pavilion was built in a construction workshop together with the local community, and has been rebuilt every summer. Project by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) in collaboration with Myriam Treiber and Joshua Pereira
Pavilion La Dérivée, Circular exhibition on the transformation of the area and waterfronts, as part of Festival La Dérivée, Yverdon-les-Bains, 2017. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) in collaboration with Myriam Treiber
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Mon Cheri/Sjatzi, Architectural Design. Transformation and New Use. Public function, Rotterdam, 2016
House ZZ112, Architectural Design. New building. Private client, Delfgauw (NL), 2016 (completed 2021). Part of the project from the start. With Elma van Boxel at ZUS Rotterdam
De Nieuwe Stad Amersfoort, Urban Design and Urban Curator. Commissioned by Municipality of Amersfoort and SchipperBosch, 2012-16 (first part completed 2020). Part of the project from the start. With Elma van Boxel and Kristian Koreman at ZUS Rotterdam. Winner NRP Gulden Feniks 2020
Van Wie is de Straat?, Research, Exhibition and Publication, Van Abbe Museum, at ZUS Rotterdam, 2016
Kino Rotterdam, Architectural Design. Transformation. Public function, Rotterdam (NL), at ZUS Rotterdam with Studio Nauta, 2015
Negen Huisjes, Architectural Design. New building, private client. Design proposal for nine small-scale houses at Raboes (NL), 2015
The House, Set Design. For Wunderbaum and Veenfabriek, with Elma van Boxel at ZUS Rotterdam, 2014, completed
Pompenburg Park (part of Test Site Rotterdam / Luchtsingel Rotterdam), Urban Design. Self-initiated. Rotterdam, 2014, completed. Part of the project from the start. With Elma van Boxel and Kristian Koreman at ZUS Rotterdam. We built the park ourselves together with over 50 volunteers in a week-long scenography as part of ZigZagCity
Luchtpark Hofbogen (part of Test Site Rotterdam / Luchtsingel Rotterdam), Urban Design, Self-initiated. Rooftop former Hofplein station, Rotterdam, 2014-15 (completed 2018). Part of the project from the start. With Elma van Boxel and Kristian Koreman at ZUS Rotterdam. Urban Intervention Award Berlin 2013, Dutch Design Awards nominee Habitat 2016, Gouden Piramide Award 2nd prize, Rotterdam Architectuurprijs nominee 2013
DakAkker Pavilion (part of Test Site Rotterdam / Luchtsingel Rotterdam), Architectural Design. Transformation. Self-initiated. Rotterdam, at ZUS Rotterdam, 2012, completed
9th International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam DOWN TO EARTH
IABR–DOWN TO EARTH: Designing for the Endgame, Book. Published by nai010 pubishers, October 2023. Editors: George Brugmans (senior editor), Noortje Weenink, Alexandra Sonnemans, graphic design: Loes Claessens, print: Zwaan Lenoir, copy-editing and translations, InOtherWords translation & editing. ISBN: 978-94-6208-802-3
The High Ground, Assistant to the Chief Curator, 9th International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam DOWN TO EARTH, Dordrecht, 2020-21. Curator: George Brugmans, Atelier lead: Adriaan Geuze, Marco van der Pluym. Construction: Bart Cuppens Tentoonstellingsbouw. Model The Staart: West 8, Made by Mistake. Research by design IABR–Atelier Dordrecht: Donna van Milligen Bielke and Ard de Vries, VenhoevenCS, West8, EGM Architects, PosadMaxwan, TU/e
Waterschool M4H+, Assistant to the Chief Curator, 9th International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam DOWN TO EARTH, Rotterdam, 2020-21. Curators: Rianne Makkink, Jurgen Bey. Part of Test Site M4H+
Reclaiming the Commons, Assistant to the Chief Curator, 9th International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam DOWN TO EARTH, Keilezaal Rotterdam, 2020-21. Curators: George Brugmans, Thijs van Spaandonk. Including results of the research by design in IABR–Atelier Rotterdam III Phase 2 by OOZE architects & urbanists. Atelier lead: Joachim Declerck, Eva Pfannes
Whose energy is it, anyway?, Assistant to the Chief Curator, 9th International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam DOWN TO EARTH, Keilezaal Rotterdam, 2020-21. Curators: George Brugmans, Thijs van Spaandonk. Including results of the research by design in IABR–Atelier Rotterdam III Phase 2 by OOZE architects & urbanists and Architecture Workroom Brussels. Atelier lead: Joachim Declerck, Eva Pfannes
Drought in the Delta, Assistant to the Chief Curator, 9th International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam DOWN TO EARTH, Keilezaal Rotterdam, 2020-21. curator: George Brugmans. Including results of the research by design in IABR–Atelier Drought in the Delta by Studio Marco Vermeulen, and projects by Deltaris, Vitens, de Urbanisten, H+N+S Landscape Architects, Buro Sant en Co, FABRICations. a.o. Atelier lead: Marco Vermeulen
SDGs as Tool for Design, Research on including all Sustainable Development Goals as a tool for an integral design process. For the 9th International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam DOWN TO EARTH, integrated in the commissions of the IABR–Ateliers, 2020-21
PUBLICATIONS – WRITING
Een onvolledig verhaal / Vrouwen in Architectuur. Essay for de Witte Raaf, 2023
To Interact, to Play, to Appropriate, Article for Thymos Books - Glifi ‘On Public Space’, edited by Marianna Ascolese (coming soon)
On-Site Explorations, Article for Lila Strauss Magazine
Space in-between, Publication, part of the exhibition for the London Festival of Architecture LFA, 2020. by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), graphic design Studio Nomad (CH)
Imagine the Volume, Publication, part of Evidence of the Absent. Presented at Volumes Independent Art Publishing Fair Zürich, 2019. by rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Drawings on-site, Publication, part of Evidence of the Absent. Presented at Volumes Independent Art Publishing Fair Zürich, 2019. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Urban Transformation as Event/rr.dialogues.org, Publication, 2018. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) in collaboration with Pavle Stamenovic
EDUCATION – WORKSHOPS
Graduation mentor, Everywhen - Daan de Jong, Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design, 2023-24 (selection Archiprix)
Visiting critic, studio Academiegebouw, Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design, 2023. Tutors Aura Luz Melis, Alba Tavares Vanhoutte
Guest tutor, ArtEZ Zwolle Corpo-Real Interior Architecture MA, September 2022. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Tutor wildcard studio ‘Learning from Venice – anticipating a constantly changing landscape’, Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design, Spring Semester 2021-2022. Tutors: rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera). Invited guests conversation series: Estel Figueras Saborit (meteorologist, Barcelona), Ramon Landolt (composor, musician, Zürich), Suze Milius (theatre director, Brussels), Alberto Potenghi (architect, Milan), Pavle Stamenovic (architect, Belgrade), Daniel Fuchs (architect, Zürich)
Workshop tutor ‘Path of Play’, International Design Workshop Week IDW2022, University of Antwerp and Royal Academy of Fine Arts, March 2022. Tutors: rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
External critic Graduation, Eens een Eiland - Hidde van der Grind, Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design, 2021 (selection Archiprix)
Guest critic, Premier Studio Seebach - Sensing Space, Newrope ETH Zurich, Design in Dialogue Lab, 2021. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Tutor ‘Architectural Positions - Practices’, TUDelft Faculty of Architecture, Chair of Methods of Analysis and Imagination, Msc1 Fall Semester 2021. Tutors: rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Workshop tutor ‘New Constellations’, International Design Workshop Week IDW2021, University of Antwerp and Royal Academy of Fine Arts, 2021. Tutors: rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Visiting critic, Drempelgesprekken, Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design, 2020
Visiting critic, Summer School Ticino ‘Re-activate the neighborhood’, Institute Internationale di Architettura i2a, 2020. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Workshop tutor ‘Intercultural Bench’, International Design Workshop Week IDW2020, University of Antwerp, 2020. Tutors: rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Workshop ‘Along the Line’, la Dérivée Festival, Yverdon-les-Bains, 2017. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) in collaboration with Myriam Treiber
Construction workshop ‘Pavilion La Dérivée’, Yverdon-les-Bains, 2017. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) in collaboration with Myriam Treiber and Joshua Pereira
PARTICIPATION
Exchange in Practice, Antwerp, 2024. Invited by Nieuwe Instituut and Vlaams Architectuur Instituut
Practice Place, IABR, 2024. ‘Naar een Bioregionale Bouw’ and ‘Building Feminist Practice’. Invited by International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam
Driving Dutch Design, Netherlands, 2024. Selected by BNO, Stokroos and Dutch Design Foundation
De Toekomst van Ruimtelijk Ontwerp, 2024. Invited by Nieuwe Instituut
Next Step Program, BNA, Netherlands, 2022
DISTINCTIONS
ArchDaily Building of the Year 2024, Pavilion Encounter Iced Sound nominated in the category Small Scale & Installations
Swiss Arc Award 2023, Three Pavilions Aigle shortlisted in category ‘Spezialobjekte’, 2023
ArchDaily Building of the Year 2023, Three Pavilions nominated in the category Small Scale & Installations
ARC20 Young Talent Award, Nomination, de Architect (NL), 2020
TALKS – LECTURES
Architecture City #14 Museumpark, on the occassion of the Time Tower, Catja Edens, Jorn Konijn and Teun van den Ende for Operator Radio x AIR, Rotterdam Architecture Month, June 2024
Dag van de Architectuur 2024, guided tours in the Time Tower, Rotterdam Architecture Month, June 2024
Encounter Iced Sound as part of Helsinki Design Week 2023. Presentation and discussion on the collaboration and convergence of architecture and sound, 16.09.2023, 15h. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) in collaboration with Ramon Landolt
Tracing Postmodernities, 6 questions, Architecture Foundation, curated by Job Floris. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Lecture at Estonian Academy of Arts Tallinn, November 2022. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Lecture at ArtEZ Zwolle Corpo-Real Interior Architecture MA, September 2022. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
On-Site Explorations, lecture on the method developed by rotative studio, as part of the Stramoenia Research Seminar, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, May 2022. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera), seminar curated by Marianna Ascolese
Urban gestures, lecture at 6th Summer School Ticino ‘Re-build common spaces’. The lecture took place at the Cima Norma Fabbrica del Cioccolato in Dangio and virtually in Taiwan, 2021. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
rotative studio x transformation, lecture at Summer School Ticino (i2a), 2020. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
rr-dialogues.org, Nische Zürich, 2018. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera)
Zürich, les cooperatives reinventent le logement social/Genossenschafts, lecture and round tabel at cultural festival La Dérivée, Yverdon-les-Bains, 2017. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) in collaboration with Myriam Treiber, invited guest Martin Lepoutre
Waterfronts – Cities worldwide are rediscovering and reengaging with the water’s edge, lecture at cultural festival La Dérivée, Yverdon-les-Bains, 2017. rotative studio (Alexandra Sonnemans & Caterina Viguera) with Myriam Treiber
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