Architecture and Rehabilitation
Through his study and interest in building in complex topographies, architect Bruno Martins has attracted the interest of the global architecture community with nominated and award-winning projects, earning him a reputation as a member of a new generation of architects who combine research and analysis, formal experimentation, social responsibility and a strong sense of integration between architectural object and territory. Amongst many projects in the residential, hotel and industrial areas, his award-nominated projects include the "Alves Sardinha house", the "Francisco Gomes house", the "Cabeço do Resto house" and the "Casa Velha do Palheiro Spa".
A staunch defender of historical heritage, he has developed several projects in the field of rehabilitation, including the restoration of the old "Fabrica de Manteiga", which was a finalist in the prestigious "archdaily building of the year", and the "rehabilitation of Quinta GlicÃnia".
Modular Systems
Always designing in cost-containment scenarios, Bruno began his story in modular systems, having planned and subsequently coordinated an ambitious research programme with universities and institutes, such as IST-Instituto Superior Técncnico and LREC-Laboratório Regional Engenharia Civil, between 2012 and 2014, which resulted in the creation and development of an innovative high-rise construction system. The construction system, which was also awarded the "premio construir" in the area of innovation, has already been used in several houses, but also in the hotel sector.
The atelier's extensive background in construction technologies and modular construction allows it to have a number of house, building and hotel projects already built using various modular systems, such as the "Hotel Pestana Studios", the first modular high-rise project in Portugal, designed by architect Bruno Martins.
Councillor at Funchal City Council
Bruno Martins was also a councillor at Funchal Municipal Council with responsibility for urbanism, planning, mobility and urban regeneration between 2017 and 2021.
During his time in charge of the Spatial Planning Department, he was responsible for finalising and approving the main land management instruments, such as the new Funchal PDM and the first Madeira Mobility Plan (PAMUS). In the area of heritage, the classification of Funchal's historic bridges and the old walls of the Oudinot streams stood out, and he continued his work of excellence in the area of urban regeneration, helping to make Funchal one of the leading cities in regeneration projects. During this period, he coordinated urban regeneration projects in the public space, such as the upgrading of Rua Fernão de Ornelas, which has become a fundamental centre for activities in the urban space, the upgrading of Rua do Bom Jesus and Rua Zarco Sul, helping the municipality to win the EU award for "European City of the Year in Mobility".
The creation of 2 new "ARU - urban rehabilitation areas" in Funchal has created better conditions for the rehabilitation of more built heritage, helping to make Funchal the third city with the most projects approved under IFFRU.
