ATAMA is an architectural practice working on transformative projects with pressing social, cultural and ecological challenges. We design spatial transformations that are simultaneously autonomous and mediating in an often complex, urban context where change to the human environment can be supported in multiple ways. Our designs are inspired by history and enable repurposing in the future. We clarify what is essential in a project and allow it to emerge. Each project aims to be a generous backdrop for life.
ATAMA – formerly TRANS – was established in 2011 by Bram Aerts and Carolien Pasmans. In a short time, the practice has built a strong reputation at the forefront of a much acclaimed generation of Flemish design practices.
Major competition wins include the Royal Institute for Theater, Cinema & Sound in Brussels, the Cultural Center De Felix in Ghent, the transformation of a high-rise in Brussels’ European district and a stacked citydepot for Ghent. Past projects include Ryhove Urban Factory, the Leietheater and the Deelfabriek.The practice is working on serveral large scale masterplans in Flanders. Together with Carmody Groarke and RE-ST the office was selected as the winner of the international design competition for the Design Museum Ghent, which is currently under construction. Together with a broad team we developed the Ghent Waste Brick for Ding, a low carbon alternative to traditional fired bricks.
Bram and Carolien are committed teachers and led studios at the Catholic University of Leuven, the University of Antwerp and the Rotterdamse Academie voor Bouwkunst. Both lecture internationally on architecture and urbanism.
ATAMA was shortlisted for the EU Mies van der Rohe Award 2019, 2021 and 2023, was winner of the Belgian Buildings Awards 2019 and BigMat awards 2019. In 2019 ATAMA was selected as a finalist for the Jo Crepain Awards for most innovative practice in Flanders.
The work of ATAMA is published internationally. In 2018, ‘City Made’, a first monograph on the practice’s work was published by nai | 010. In 2019 ‘As a Theatre’ was published by Borgerhoff & Lamberigts.