CRISTINA CĂTOIU
architect, urbanist
Alumna Technische Universität München (Dipl.-Ing. Architektur), Université de Montréal (B. Sc.)Based in Bucharest, open for interdisciplinary project collaborations.Cristina studied architecture and urban planning in Montréal and Munich. She later worked at 03 Arch. GmbH in Munich, where she learned to manage complex, integrated urban strategies in an interdisciplinary manner, always collaborating with expert teams from adjacent fields, and engaging with citizens and public administrations via participatory workshops.As a teaching assistant in Munich, under the guidance of Prof. Uta Graff, Cristina taught first-year students principles of architectural design and drawing. Until 2020, she was a member of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects.
In Romania, she founded Plan C and kept participating in international competitions in sustainable urban design and housing, spanning scales from 36 to 124 ha. She values an integrated planning approach and prioritizes understanding local contexts, inclusive planning practices, advocates for sustainability, while emphasizing both aesthetics and functionality for end users.She found out via trial and error that the work culture and planning approaches in Romania work differently than in Germany and is currently paving ways to blend the uniqueness and positives of both cultures - refusing to succumb to cynicism - in order to move things positively forward, plan, create and improve the built environment.Past remote work collaborations include 03 Arch. GmbH, NUWELA Büro für Städtebau und Landschaftsarchitektur, Mäckler Architekten GmbH, Studio Urban Empact Delft, Asociația Designers Thinkers Makers, Fabrica de Design, Asociația AMAIS, Atelier Bilc, Ambulanța pentru Monumente / Asociația Monumentum.She currently works on self-initiated picture book project(s) exploring the book as an art form and as a multisensory medium. Aimed at grownups and children alike, addressing themes such as multilingualism, moving house multiple times in a lifetime, repatriation after many years abroad and isolation in the city of the digital age, a common experience for many, not addressed or acknowledged enough.More information soon.