P O R T F O L I OCHARLES GRETAS

MASTER OF ARCHITECTUREuniversité laval,quEbec, canada

january 2014

architecture and urban design projects

Tunis, tunisiaWORLD SOCIAL CENTER1

software used: Rhinoceros 3D, Google Sketchup, Adobe Photoshop

team: Charles Gretas (design, modelling) Mathieu Grenier (renderings) Philippe Barrière Collective (PB+Co) (design, modelling) PROJECT CONTEXT: Collaborative work within PB+Co

PROPOSal: 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 enfor-ced authority with its misalignment.

symbolic architecture and urban intervention

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

Program

level 1 - observatory

levels 2 to 5 - a/v installations

level 6 - digital art exhibition

levels 7 to 10 - media library

level 11 - coffe shop

level 12 - observatory

modules morphogenesis heights

25 m

40 m

14 m

5m

79 m84 m

11ARCHITECTURE of transition

ste-foy, qcintermodal and exchange node2

software used: Rhinoceros 3D, Autocad, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Maxwell Render

team: Individual project project context: End of Studies thesis/project, Architecture School - Université 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 (Université 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 trans-portation (bike and walk). In the more intagible virtual sphere, the project creates new rela-tions between the University and the shopping mall by creating spaces encouraging exchange, dissemination and development of new ideas. The proposed spaces are nume-rous: Conference rooms, coffee shop, coworking, exhibition room, dynamic displays, tram and bus stop, sheltered bicycle racks.

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

inter

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University

Shopping mall

external

external

UNIVERSITY / RESEARCH

COWORKING

PUBLIC

visibility$

products

and services

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fund($)

innovation

Laurier boulevard

Robert-Bourassa highway

Shopping malls

University

flow of ideas within the project

MUTUAL CONTRIBUTION

general perspective

project location integrated transportation

coffee shop and footbridge

coworking

tram stop

MOUNTAIN ARCHITECTURE

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RESTAURANT / bar

snack bar / rest area

massif de charlevoix, qcinterstation 3

software used: Autocad, Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Maxwell Render

team: Charles Gretas (design, autocad, modelling, renderings) Érik Lebrun (design, autocad, modelling, photoshop) Marie-Eve Hudon (design, autocad, photoshop) project context: Studio-Laboratory Master, Architecture School - Université 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.

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

site analysis

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

8: OFFICE

9: REFRIGERATOR

10: FREEZER

11: TERRACE

12: belvedere

green axis

park street

shared street

lebourgneuf boulevard

pierre-bertrand boulevard

green axis

park street

shared street

lebourgneuf, quebecNew neighborhood in lebourgneuf4

software used: Autocad, Google SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Artlantis

team: 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) project context: Urban design laboratory, Architecture School - Université Laval

PROPOSAL: The planned neighborhood is located near the intersection of Lebourgneuf boule-vard and Pierre-Bertrand in a place where recent constructions generate huge par-king 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.

urban design

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

town square

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1. TOWN SQUARE2. OFFICES AND LIBRARY3. amphitheater4. COMMUNITY CENTER5. PRIMARY SCHOOL6. SHOPS at GROUNDFLOOR + DWELLINGS ABOVE 7. SHOPS8. OFFICES9. parkade10. parc entrance / nature reserve11. schoolyard

parc entrance / nature reserve

lebourneuf, quEbecHEART OF NEIGHBORHOOD5

software used: Autocad, Google SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Artlantis

team: Charles Gretas (design, autocad, modelling, plan rendering) Kevin Sylvain (design, autocad, modelling, plan rendering and perspectives) project context: Urban design laboratory, Architecture School - Université Laval

PROPOSal: The design of the neighborhood’s 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.

GOAL:Develop the heart of the neighborhood proposed previously (Project 4) while taking into account the same issues

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1- Steel Tube ø 800mm

2- Steel Section 925 x 625 mm

3- BCOMS sandwich panel

4- Hanging lighting

5- Aluminium circular section

6- Steel cable

7- Ventilation pipe

8- Architectural Glass:

Stackwall®/Vision Vue®

9- Concrete foundation slab

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FACTORY

1 - Plastic material Warehouse2 - Metal foil Warehouse3 - Products Warehouse4 - Engine and Details Warehouse5 - Casting material Warehouse6 - Testing and QC7 - Pressing Shop8 - Painting Shop9 - Stamping Shop10- Welding Shop11 - Polishing Shop12 - Final Assembling13 - Frame Assembling14 - Engine Assembling15 - Processing Shop16 - Casting Shop17 - Truck Garage18 - Security check19 - Women WC + Changing Room20 - Men WC + Changing Room21 - Storage22 - Storage23 - Testing Room24 - Meeting Room25 - WC26 - Office27 - Storage28 - Polishing29 - WC30 - Resting Room31 - Meeting Room

hanoi, vietnammotorcycle factory6

software used: Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, Adobe Photoshop, Autocad, KeyShot

team: Individual project

Project context: Architecture Studio, National University of Civil Engineering - Hanoi

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 struc-ture 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 factory’s 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.

industrial ARCHITECTURE

goal:

arrivée des travailleursararaaraarara riririririvévévévévéeeeee dededededesssss trtrtrtrtrtrrtraaaavavavavavavvvaavaaaaaaaiiaaaaaaiaiaiaaillllllllllllleueueueueueueueuursrsrsrsrsrsworkers arrival working space

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

jacmel, haitiHOUSING FOR A NEW CENTER7

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 Barrière Collective (PB+Co) (design, modelling, renderings) PROJECT CONTEXT: Collaborative work within PB+Co

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 mate-rial allows thin components which remain resistant. Regarding the climate constraints, we opted for many perforations, the chimney effect and sha-ding 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.

ARCHITECTURE

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

da nang, vietnamWELCOMING GATE AND EXIT gate8

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) project context: Internship at Inros Lackner Vietnam LLC

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 percei-vable on both sides so that messages and ads can be seen by travellers.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE OBJECT

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

unfolding mechanism

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

unfolding PRINCIPleHoberman sphere

entrance

interior lvl 2

PTFE membraneAluminium pipes Ø 40mmAluminium joints Ø 66mmSteel cable Ø 8mm

Wood flooring 25mmAluminium I-Beam @ 2000mm c/cAluminium beams @ 1000mm c/c Aluminium I-BeamNeoprene sheets

Winch to tense the membrane

Wood planks

Winch to tense the cables

section detail

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ROOF

FLOOR / GROUND CONNECTION

Kassel, GERMANYDocumenta(13) COMPETITION9

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

team: Individual project

project context: Studio 5, Architecture School - Université Laval

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 unfol-ding. 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.

EVENT ARCHITECTUREEVENT ARCHITECTURE

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.

ste-foy rd, qc

exterior view of the back

intersection BOURLAMAQUE/CHEMIN-STE-FOY

building center

FLEXIBLE OFFICE BUILDING10

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 road’s side, a double envelope can also serve as a showcase for the company’s projects. The atrium at the center of the building facilitates natural ventilation and the access to natural light. It’s in the center that meeting spaces for employees are found. Finally, there is a rooftop terrace accessible to workers.

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURECOMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

PLAN lvl 2

Offices

ExitExit Shaft

Vestibule

Mechanical room

WC

Offices

Offices Offices

Balc

ony

Meeting room

Meeting room

Chilling space

Balc

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goal:Design a showcase building made of wood for a design firm consisting of architects, engineers and other professionals.

SOFTWARE USED: Google SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Autocad, V-ray

TEAM: Individual project

project context: Studio 4, Architecture School - Université Laval

PLAN R-D-Cnew removed preserved

intervention on a monastery11 Sainte-anne-de-beaupré, qc

SOFTWARE USED: Google SketchUp, Illustrator, Photoshop, Autocad, V-Ray

TEAM: Charles Gretas André Saito (help with section)

project context: Studio 3 and Construction 3 (section), Architecture School - Université Laval

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.

HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE

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goal: Understand, evaluate, interpret, highlight and requalify an heritage building.

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Berthier-sur-mer, qcLODGE12

SOFTWARE USED: Google SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop

TEAM: Individual project

project context: Studio 2, Architecture School - Université Laval

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 represen-tation of the vertebral column and tends to follow the direction of the river. A func-tional 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.

HOUSING ARCHITECTurE

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

EXTERIOR TERRACE

KITCHEN AND CORRIDOR

living room

ARRIVAL

backside (with little terrace)