CAROLYN ST MICHEL
PORTFOLIO
CONTENTS
1-7
8 - 17
MÉTIS COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL CENTRE
ALTER ECO RESTAURANT
18 - 23
TIP TOP TAILORS
24 – 31
ON THE ROCKS
32 - 36
JACQUEMUS
RESIDENTIAL LOFT
RESIDENTIAL COTTAGE
LUXURY RETAIL
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Métis Humber College | Fourth Year Project | 2023 Final Thesis | Community and Cultural Centre Toronto, ON Revit | Enscape | Photoshop
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Convergence Concept
MÉTIS
Métis culture emerged from the converging of the Indigenous people of North America and Western settlers. Their discrete traditions merged to create what is uniquely Métis. Indigenous connection to the land and Western innovation are at the forefront of Métis’ way of living. Inspired by the topography of Ontario’s natural landscape and Toronto’s structured grid, this project will converge the two polarizing topographies through intersecting organic and linear forms and biophilic and man-made elements.
“Lakes on a Grid”
“Trees on a Grid”
“Converging”
3 East Facing Entrance
“Growing the Forest”
City Grid
Métis culture’s deep connection to nature informs design decisions from the very beginning. Considering its urban location in the heart of Toronto, it was important to incorporate pockets of biophilic elements. A green garden adjacent to the east-facing entrance allows members to feel connected to nature, as their ancestors did. The garden is filled with local species that hold cultural significance, such as cedar, sage, sweetgrass, and tobacco. These biophilic elements will continue throughout the interior of the building to make the Métis feel at home in an urban environment.
Biophilic Elements
Central Hearth
Organic Form
Linear Shell
Local Species
Cedar
Sage
Sweetgrass
Tobacco
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These floor plans are reminiscences of the Traditional Métis folk home, a multi-functional single-room home centred around a hearth. In these homes, people would jig (a traditional Métis dance), where they slept and ate. The central floor space on the first floor of the community centre is named after the hearth, which extends to the second floor through an interconnected floor space. Immerse yourself in Métis culture as you enter through the east and navigate through the space, where you will find yourself drawn back to the hearth.
Second Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
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ADAPTIVE NATURE The Hearth is the hub of the centre, where all other functions revolve around. Its intention is to bring people together and instill the spirit of community we long for. Here there are no fixed walls or furniture, allowing people to eat, jig, and connect. The open central space with limited barriers allows the Métis users to enjoy the multi-functional space as their ancestors once did. Organic forms used are reminiscent of Ontario’s landscape, so dear to their culture. A central curvilinear staircase connects members to each other and to nature.
6
The community and cultural centre approaches biophilic design by using material from Ontario’s natural landscape. Locally sourced wood is used throughout stays true to traditional building practices. Eramosa Limestone is sourced from a quarry in Owen Sound, Ontario, taken straight from the Canadian Shield. Concrete is used around the interconnected floor space to mimic the rock found throughout Ontario. Colour is prominent in Métis artwork, and therefore the colour pallet is inspired by the bold Métis sash.
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FLEXIBLE IDENTITIES CALL FOR FLEXIBLE SPACES There is not one intended purpose for each space in the Métis Community and Cultural Centre. The flexible seating and accordion doors in this multifunctional space allow it to be an extension of the hearth. The bespoke tables made by a Métis craftsman are constructed in segments, allowing the table to be custom in size to accommodate the varying purposes it will serve.
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Alter Eco Humber College | Third Year Project | 2021 Restaurant Melbourne, Australia Revit | Enscape | Hand Sketch
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Alter Eco
The 12 Apostles Australia Concept
Along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria where the ocean meets the land, lies this organic formed shoreline of eroded rock. Some floating out in sea separated from the mainland, this area is known as the 12 Apostles. It’s the perfect example of the fusion of earth and sea.
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The floor plan takes on the form of the shoreline itself. From the custom millwork to the curvature of the walls, the interior mimics the organic movement. Lining the floor and ceiling are custom wood features to accentuate this form.
Exterior Isometric
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Natural materials such as wood and limestone cover the interior. The 12 Apostles, formed from eroded limestone, are mimicked by covering the structural columns in limestone of similar forms.
Mezzanine Balcony
Longitudinal Curtain Wall
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The exterior of Alter is simple yet sophisticated. Positioned along the Yara River, the patio is covered with a custom wood feature, to mimic the form of the Great Ocean Road Coastline.
14
First Floor RCP
15
Mezzanine RCP
16
Alter Eco, an up-and-coming sustainable Restaurant from Canada’s very own chef Justin Champagne. Sourcing local materials, this environmentally conscious restaurant wanted its love for nature to be apparent in the design.
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Positioned along the Yara River, Alter Eco diners can enjoy the view on Melbourne’s nature from all areas, including the mezzanine.
19
Tip Top Tailors Humber College | First Year Project | 2020 Loft Design Toronto Revit | Enscape
20 Main Level
A historic building in the heart of downtown Toronto, this converted Tip Top Tailors factory holds much industrial charm. Streamlining the architecture allowed this artist client to display their belonging as a work of art. The cohesive use of material throughout connects the rooms visible from nearly every corner of the space.
Loft Level
21
Elevation A
These elevations demonstrate cohesiveness throughout. The streamlined millwork in a warm wood finish gives a contemporary feel. Its neutral tones complement the bold artwork sourced from the owner’s gallery and creates the perfect backdrop for the everchanging collection on display.
Elevation B
22
Using custom walnut millwork throughout the loft elevates this luxurious space. The neutral tones of the wood pair well with any art the owners will display on their walls. The pops of colour in the seating throughout tie the colourful artwork and the neutral architectural features together.
23
The client’s passion for art is not exclusive to the art from his gallery. Sourcing furniture that enhances their love for the finer things in life, the clients can enjoy the view from their original Mario Bellini Camaleonda sofa or scrunch their toes into the bespoke wool rugs.
25
On The Rocks Humber College | Second Year Project | 2021 Cottage Design Georgian Bay Revit | Enscape | Hand Sketch
26
The site study of the property determined the position of the cottage, taking into consideration the sun path in both summer and winter. The positioning of the cottage allows the clients privacy and wind protection through the trees, to enjoy the sunsets from any area of the cottage.
27
This 1400 SQFT Georgian bay cottage merges contemporary design with the natural landscape of the Canadian Shield. Habitable for 3 seasons, this cottage is designed to fit the lifestyle of its adventurous owners. Second Floor
Eutierria Concept
Being one with nature. Not recognizing where nature ends and the built environment begins. This cottage takes the form of the surrounding pine, rooted in the linear fireplace acting as the trunk.
First Floor
3D Section
28
View From Road
View From Lake
29
While this cottage seeks inspiration from the natural landscape that surrounds it, it is contrasted by pockets of the client’s urban origin. Contemporary art and furniture perfectly contract, yet enhance the structure. Furthermore, large contemporary windows allow the clients to feel one with nature, allowing optimal views of the lake from within their cottage.
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31
33
Jacquemus Humber College | Second Year Project | 2021 Retail Distillery District, Toronto Revit | Enscape | Photoshop
34
The Floor plan takes the form of Picasso’s ‘Girl with Red Beret and Pom Pom’, Moving people along in a linear, deconstructed fashion. Starting out with the profiles of Picasso’s drawing, the final floorplan loosely follows this form. Housing all of the necessary amenities on one half of the building allows Jacquemus’ collection to be the focal point of the store.
Deconstruct Concept
Breaking things down into its most basic form and reconstructing it in an abstract way to create something innovative. The design takes inspiration from the deconstructed nature of Picasso’s artwork. From the design of the feature clothing rack that spans the length of the space to the cash, everything is ‘deconstructed’ an rebuilt in an unconventional, yet aesthetic way.
35
Keeping the design monochromatic allows for the few ‘deconstructed’ elements to pop. Focusing on form as the may visual aspect. In contract to the often bright and colourful items in the Jacquemus collection, The monochromatic interior creates a backdrop that will not compete to the everchanging collections.
36
This Jacquemus boutique is located the heart of Toronto’s Distillery District. Staying true to the Jacquemus brand, this quaint boutique is rooted in innovative design. Iconically known for their oversized hats and micro bags, Jacquemus is breaking out of the mould of fashion. This forward think is captured in the unusual form of usual objects.