CHARLES GRETAS

MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE universit laval, quEbec, canada winter 2013

P O RT FO L IO
architecture and urban design projects

LODGE
HOUSING ARCHITECTurE

Berthier-sur-mer, qc

GOAL: Design a little house in the middle of the countryside evoking the experience of the poetical home.

EXTERIOR TERRACE

ARRIVAL

KITCHEN AND CORRIDOR

backside (with little terrace)

living room

PROPOSAL:

This project is located on a site away from the downtown and close to a river. The concept on which the project was based can be described as a vertebral column from which different spaces were created. The massive stone wall is the representation of the vertebral column and tends to follow the direction of the river. A functional division is created by the positioning of the different spaces from either a side or the other of the central wall. 'Public spaces' are placed on the side facing the river while the private spaces are located on the other side. The connection with the river within the public spaces gives the occupants peacefulness.

SOFTWARE USED:

Google SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop

TEAM:

Individual project

project context:

Studio 2, Architecture School - Universit Laval

intervention on a monastery
HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE

Sainte-anne-de-beaupr, qc

goal: Understand, evaluate, interpret, highlight and

requalify an heritage building.

PLAN R-D-C
new removed preserved

PROPOSal:

The building on which the intervention occurs is an old monastery with no use nowadays. The program chosen is divided in two parts; housing and artists studios are placed in the perpendicular section while the central body of the building becomes a hotel with a restaurant. The architectural proposal takes part of the site by offering a sensible relationship with it. The slope next to the building is used to create footbridges that allow people to access the building a different way. These footbridges act as a unifier for the overall building because they are felt all around the building and because they create spaces and elements outside and inside.

SOFTWARE USED: TEAM: project context:

Google SketchUp, Illustrator, Photoshop, Autocad, V-Ray Charles Gretas Andr Saito (help with section) Studio 3 and Construction 3 (section), Architecture School Universit Laval

FLEXIBLE OFFICE BUILDING

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

ste-foy rd, qc

goal: Design a showcase building made of wood

for a design firm consisting of architects, engineers and other professionals.

STE-FOY RD

Offices
Mechanical room

Offices

WC

Exit Vestibule Balcony Meeting room

Shaft

Exit

Chilling space Balcony Meeting room

BOURLAMAQUE STREET

building center

Offices

Offices

exterior view of the back

PLAN lvl 2

PRE MARQUETTE STREET

intersection BOURLAMAQUE/CHEMIN-STE-FOY

PROPOsal:

The richness of the project lies in the quality of its exchange spaces, the flexibility of its working spaces and its strong image. The building adapts to the urban context by proposing two new remarkable main facades. All facades form a unity while allowing variability depending the orientation. On Ste-foy roads side, a double envelope can also serve as a showcase for the companys projects. The atrium at the center of the building facilitates natural ventilation and the access to natural light. Its in the center that meeting spaces for employees are found. Finally, there is a rooftop terrace accessible to workers.

SOFTWARE USED:

Google SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Autocad, V-ray

TEAM:

Individual project

project context:

Studio 4, Architecture School - Universit Laval

Documenta(13) COMPETITION
EVENT ARCHITECTURE

Kassel, GERMANY

goal: Propose a new information and communication center for the Documenta (temporary art exhibition) that
will serve as a meeting point for visitors. It must be possible to dismantle and reuse the construction.

1 ROOF PTFE membrane Aluminium pipes 40mm Aluminium joints 66mm Steel cable 8mm

2 FLOOR / GROUND CONNECTION 1

Wood flooring 25mm Aluminium I-Beam @ 2000mm c/c Aluminium beams @ 1000mm c/c Aluminium I-Beam Neoprene sheets

3 Winch to tense the membrane 4 Wood planks 5 Winch to tense the cables
Hoberman sphere

entrance

unfolding PRINCIPle

3
SOURCE: Design and Analysis of a Universal Scissor Component for Mobile Architectural Applications par Lara Alegria Mira.

interior lvl 2

unfolding mechanism

section detail

PROposal:

The formal aspect of the project arises from the desire to make the friedrichsplatz more dynamic (the friedrichsplatz is the site of the project). The need for a light and temporary construction inspired the development of a key principle: the unfolding. The principle is concretized in the series of scissor structures. The variation of joints positions creates the fluid evolving shape that adjusts to the different spaces needed underneath. The overall shape appears due to the induced tension produced by the winch on the steel cables that goes across the aluminium tubular structure. In general, the project offers many unique spaces promoting exchanges between people while offering new viewpoints of the place.

software used:

Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, V-Ray, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Autocad

team:

Individual project

project context:

Studio 5, Architecture School - Universit Laval

WELCOMING GATE AND EXIT gate

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE OBJECT

da nang, vietnam

GOAL: Design an exceptional object/display that will serve as a welcoming gate and an exit gate for the
city of Da Nang.

PROPOSal:

The design of the object/display is inspired by the context of the city of Da Nang in order to create a rich and relevant meaning fo the inhabitants of the city and for those who are just passing by. The project look refers to the surrounding moutains, the bridge and the airport (the resemblance with airplane wings). The airport is one of the destination of the passersby. The ground contact only lies at the center of the street in order to emphasize lightness and minimize the footprint. A billboard is integrated and perceivable on both sides so that messages and ads can be seen by travellers.

software used:

Rhinoceros 3D, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Autocad

team:

Charles Gretas (design, modelling) Torsten Illgen (Inros Lackner Vietnam LLC) (supervision) Inros Lackner Vietnam LLC employees (renderings and structure validation) Internship at Inros Lackner Vietnam LLC

project context:

HOUSING FOR A NEW CENTER

ARCHITECTURE

jacmel, haiti

goal: Develop a prototype of Modular Transitional Growth Houses in Haiti with a high quality architecture
while meeting the different needs of local inhabitants.

PROPOSal:

The Haitian context requires strong constructions, bioclimatic efficiency and flexible organisation. Therefore, the proposition consists of the use of high performance concrete provided by Lafarge. The efficiency of the material allows thin components which remain resistant. Regarding the climate constraints, we opted for many perforations, the chimney effect and shading devices in order to produce a lot of shadow. Different types of habitats were developped (1, 2 and 3 stories) with the same principles so as to maximize flexibility.

software used:

Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, Google Sketchup, Adobe Photoshop, Autocad, V-ray

team:

Charles Gretas (design, modelling and some renders) Mathieu Grenier (general perspective) Philippe Barrire Collective (PB+Co) (design, modelling, renderings) Collaborative work within PB+Co

PROJECT CONTEXT:

motorcycle factory
industrial ARCHITECTURE

hanoi, vietnam

goal: Design a motorcycle factory prioritizing flows within the factory to maximize the production
performance.

arri ar workers riv ve v e de des arrival s tra tr ra av vai va ai ill ll lleu leu urs arrive travailleurs

working space

F ACTORY 1 - Plastic material Warehouse 2 - Metal foil Warehouse 3 - Products Warehouse 4 - Engine and Details Warehouse 5 - Casting material Warehouse 6 - Testing and QC 7 - Pressing Shop 8 - Painting Shop 9 - Stamping Shop 10- Welding Shop 11 - Polishing Shop 12 - Final Assembling 13 - Frame Assembling 14 - Engine Assembling 15 - Processing Shop 16 - Casting Shop 17 - Truck Garage 18 - Security check 19 - Women WC + Changing Room 20 - Men WC + Changing Room 21 - Storage 22 - Storage 23 - Testing Room 24 - Meeting Room 25 - WC 26 - Office 27 - Storage 28 - Polishing 29 - WC 30 - Resting Room 31 - Meeting Room

10

20

50 m

1- Steel Tube 800mm 2- Steel Section 925 x 625 mm 3- BCOMS sandwich p anel 4- Hanging lighting 5- Aluminium circular section 6- Steel cable 7- Ventilation pipe 8- Architectural Glass: Stackwall/Vision Vue

21 27 16 22 9

7
28

9- Concrete foundation slab

15

23 10

29

16
30

24 12 25

14

11

31

2 3 3 7
m

26

13 20 19 18 17

9
10

6 4
5 2 1

PROPOSAL:

Considering the magnitude of the space required to insure a proper operation of the factory, it was necessary from the start to take position concerning the kind of structure to use. The space frame appeared to be a very good option. The use of cables and a heavy structure permit to reach even longer span and in this case the structure even becomes a remarkable element of the landscape and therefore reinforce the factorys image. The flows are an efficient answer to the needs of the factory by ensuring a good movement of the material from its arrival, through its transformation and up to its departure. The administration and break areas are located outside the factory and are separated from it by a vegetation filter because of the pollution inherent to the factory.

software used:

Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, Adobe Photoshop, Autocad, KeyShot

team:

Individual project

Project context:

Architecture Studio, National University of Civil Engineering - Hanoi

New neighborhood in lebourgneuf

urban design

lebourgneuf, quebec

goal: Develop a new residential neighborhood in Lebourgneuf that takes into account the impact of climat
change and residential preferences of the futur inhabitants.

green axis

park street
rd eva pier re-

o leb

urg

neu

ul f bo

ber tra nd bou ard lev

gre

en a

xis

PROPOSAL:

The planned neighborhood is located near the intersection of Lebourgneuf boulevard and Pierre-Bertrand in a place where recent constructions generate huge parking lots and low quality urban spaces. The proposal is in direct relation with the significant green space at the center of the area that is currently threatened. The project is composed of numerous environmental strategies such as flood plains, a buffer zone of at least 300m between houses and the highway that ensure the air quality for residents. Three types of streets have been developed in order to meet the variety of residential preferences of the future inhabitants.

k par str eet

re sha

d st

ree

shared street

software used: team:

Autocad, Google SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Artlantis Charles Gretas (design, autocad, modelling, plan rendering) Sophie Carrier (design, autocad) Fay Roy Langelier (design, autocad) Kevin Sylvain (design, autocad, modelling, plan rendering and section) Urban design laboratory, Architecture School - Universit Laval

project context:

HEART OF NEIGHBORHOOD
9 8

lebourneuf, quEbec

GOAL: Develop the heart of the neighborhood proposed previously (Project 8) while
taking into account the same issues

PARK STREET

7 1 2 7 7

GREEN AXIS

3 10 10

town square

11 1 1

1. TOWN SQUARE 2. OFFICES AND LIBRARY 3. amphitheater 4. COMMUNITY CENTER 5. PRIMARY SCHOOL 6. SHOPS at GROUNDFLOOR + DWELLINGS ABOVE 7. SHOPS 8. OFFICES 9. parkade 10. parc entrance / nature reserve 11. schoolyard

25 2 5

50 0

100M 10 100

parc entrance / nature reserve

software used:
Autocad, Google SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Artlantis Charles Gretas (design, autocad, modelling, plan rendering) Kevin Sylvain (design, autocad, modelling, plan rendering and perspectives) Urban design laboratory, Architecture School - Universit Laval

PROPOSal:

The design of the neighborhoods heart was guided by the desire to enjoy the proximity of the preserved green space. The main square (Town square) is facing the nature reserve and offers an entrance to it. Higher density housing is located near the parc so as the institutions and the new shops in order to benefit to more residents. The new neighborhood is also a pleasant experience for pedestrians and cyclists because of the numerous sidewalks and cycleways.

team:

project context:

10

interstation
MOUNTAIN ARCHITECTURE

massif de charlevoix, qc

goal: Design a rest area near a ski lift situated on Le Massif de Charlevoix

site anal ysis

circulation flows

visual clearance

proximity to the lift

continuity and flow

LEVEL 1 (ABOVE THE MECHANICAL LIFT)

4: SNACK BAR / REST AREA 5: restaurant 6: bar 7: KITCHEN
10 8 10 8 9 9 9 10 9 10 8

8: OFFICE 9: REFRIGERATOR

RESTAURANT / bar

7 7

10: FREEZER 11: TERRACE

7 74 4

6 6

12: bel vedere

11 12

5 5

11

12

10

20

30

snack bar / rest area

software used:
Autocad, Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Maxwell Render Charles Gretas (design, autocad, modelling, renderings) rik Lebrun (design, autocad, modelling, photoshop) Marie-Eve Hudon (design, autocad, photoshop) Studio-Laboratory Master, Architecture School - Universit Laval

PROPOSal

The project lies directly on top of the existing mechanical lift and covers it up. This design decision was justified by the desire to preserve the trees on the site and therefore place the project where tress were already removed. There were other reasons such as benefiting from the astonishing view and hiding the existing construction that was not suitably integrated in the landscape. In doing so, the interstation becomes a unique place to eat a snack between two ski descent (at snack bar), to enjoy a gourmet dinner at the restaurant or simply to rest few minutes to savor a spectacular view.

team:

project context:

11

intermodal and exchange node

ARCHITECTURE of transition

ste-foy, qc

goal: Design an hybrid space encouraging physical transitions (means of transportation) and virtual transitions (of ideas) in the city of Quebec.

flow of ideas within the project

University

coffee shop and footbridge

external internal

general perspective
external

id

ea s

iv

in no va t

ro un

Robert-Bourassa highway

Shopping mall

coworking

MUTUAL CONTRIBUTION University

COWORKING
y it il ib is $ v ts s c ice du v o er pr s nd a

Laurier boulevard

te st i

Shopping malls

ng

fund($)

project location

integrated transportation

UNIVERSITY / RESEARCH

innovation

PUBLIC

tram stop
Rhinoceros 3D, Autocad, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Maxwell Render Individual project End of Studies thesis/project, Architecture School - Universit Laval

PROPOSal:

The location of the project, based on an analysis of the different flows of people in the city, is right between 2 of the 3 most popular destinations within Quebec (Universit Laval and Laurier boulevard where the shopping centers, government offices and the hospital are). The project then becomes a junction between the 2 sectors and redefines the existing means of transportation by providing spaces promoting public transport and active transportation (bike and walk). In the more intagible virtual sphere, the project creates new relations between the University and the shopping mall by creating spaces encouraging exchange, dissemination and development of new ideas. The proposed spaces are numerous: Conference rooms, coffee shop, coworking, exhibition room, dynamic displays, tram and bus stop, sheltered bicycle racks.

software used: team: project context:

12

WORLD SOCIAL CENTER

symbolic architecture and urban intervention

Tunis, tunisia

goal: Design a place and its surroundings in Tunis promoting innovation and perpetuating values of the
revolution.

level 12 - observatory level 11 - coffe shop levels 7 to 10 - media library level 6 - digital art exhibition levels 2 to 5 - a/v installations level 1 - observatory 84 m 79 m

25 m

40 m

14 m

5m

Program
PROPOSal:

modules morphogenesis

heights

The project actualizes the paradigm shifts that came with the revolution by creating serving spaces housing the development of values that inspired the revolution (Democracy, solidarity, dignity, transparency). The existing monument, symbol of authority, is replaced by a place that gives people the possibility to have a direct action on its history. The place is given back to the people because the center of the urban corridor becomes an open public space. Meanwhile, the project frees itself and destabilizes the enforced authority with its misalignment.

software used:

Rhinoceros 3D, Google Sketchup, Adobe Photoshop

team:

Charles Gretas (design, modelling) Mathieu Grenier (renderings) Philippe Barrire Collective (PB+Co) (design, modelling) Collaborative work within PB+Co

PROJECT CONTEXT: