PORTFOLIO
CHRISTOPHER MONARRES
I’m a secondgeneration Mexican immigrant, I spent my early life tinkering with computers, machines, and robotics which lead me to mechanical engineering; nearing graduation i found myself unsatisfied with what engineering could offer me so i changed majors late. Now I spend my time applying my past knowledge to architecture. I’m curious and excited to apply modern technology to our field.
Christopher Monarres
Contact Information
(913)-957-3603
Chrismonarres@ku.edu
Experience
2018-2020
Garozzo’s Ristorante l Host/Server
A High intensity and charsimatic environment; serving, accomidating, and hosting for customers.
2016-Present
House Renovations l Assistant
Assit my family business in house renovations; drywalling, framing, plumbing, roofing, concrete laying, repairs, ect.
2021-Present
University of Kansas l Technical Lab Assistant
Help students laser cut, CNC, 3D print, Carpentry; I’m an advanced worker who works closely with my supervisor to repair and maintain the machines.
Dec 2022-Aug 2023
May 2024-Aug 2024
Hernly Associates l Intership
Assist in drafting, detailing, schematic design, and construction documentation. Working primarily for residential, commercial, and as-builts.
Education
Class of 2017
Class of 2026
2023-Present 2018-2020 2014-2018
Shawnee Mission East l Prairie Village, KS
Industrial Design Award (1 per grad class)
University of Kansas l Lawrence, KS
Masters of Architecture
Activities
NOMAS I 4th Year Representative
Baja SAE l Ergonomics Team
FIRST Robotics Competition l Build Lead
Interests
3D Printing l Designing, Printing, and Crafting
Permaculture l Aquaponics, Food gardens, and Alternative Lifestyle
Residential Architecture l Past Experience in design and construction
References
Ben Brown l KU Arch Shops & Labs Manager b_brown@ku.edu l 785-864-3105
Mike Myers l Hernly Associates l AIA l NCARB mike@hernly.com l (785) 749-5806 ext. 2
OF CONTETS 1 PRAIRIE PARK PAVILION
2 AGRICULTURE MUSEUM
CENTER
4 ERNIE MILLER NATURE
Photo by Paige Butterfield
Chris Monarres
PRAIRIE PARK PAVILION
STUDIO 509 l Design-Build
Professor Keith Van-De-Riet 2730 Harper St, Lawrence, KS 66046
The site and its conditions at Prairie Park Nature Center exists with 100-acres of wetlands, woodlands, prairie habitats & a lake, plus a nature center with live birds. Our site sits south of the Prairie Park Nature Center, to its east and south we find restored prairie fields, and to its west sits the parking lot.
The Prairie Park Nature Center asked us to create a sun shading pavilion south of their building to be utilized primarily as an outdoor classroom for both adults and children alike. Secondarily we were asked to design it as a rentable venue for weddings.
The Pavilion is almost completely constructed out of recycled materials; the wood is from utility poles and the aluminum tiles are traffic signs. The only non-recycled elements are the structural connections and fasteners.
Construction involved transitioning from design to prefabrication to site assembly. Road signs were collected and repurposed. Tasks included welding, material handling, jig making, and managing tiles, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to realize the design. Using a precise Rhino model, we recreated the structure piece by piece, guided by Revit schedules to position each rafter, infill board, and tile. Streamlining logistics and communication proved essential, and ultimately, we successfully constructed the design.
During the final design phase, my attention was given to refining the column-to-beam steel knife plate by gathering engineer feedback on dimensions and using Rhino for precise modeling, followed by detail cleanup in AutoCAD. Additionally, mounting details were drafted using Revit. My role involved updating the Rhino model in collaboration with the team, addressing complex intersections where beams and columns met. As a consultant, detailed knowledge of dimensions and elements was utilized to assist others with the knee brace, knife plate connections, rafter, and infill boards.
MUSEUM OF AGRICULTURE
STUDIO 508 l Material and Tectonics
Professor Kapila Silva 3210 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, Texas, 76107
The Museum of Agriculture rose from its contrasting surroundings. Dallas’ overbuilt infrastructure, car dependence and complete lack of environmental considerations makes this site excellent for a defiant museum. Featuring regenerative design, sustainability practices, and a clear narrative to bring agency to the people. It separates the reality of the surrounding Fort Worth site with a hopeful architectural argument that envisions a different future than the ones thats being led at Fort Worth; one with a holistic perspective on our environment
The museum was inspired by the fields and plots of agriculture, featuring a square module design meant to be flexible with additions and deconstruction, the building mirrors the pragmatic order of the inspiration. Within the ordered matrix of beams and columns lives the narrative of the museum, time traveling from the start of agriculture through all the innovations and discoveries that lead us to our present technology, then it goes beyond to what will be the land of tomorrow.
PROJECT SITE
3210 W LANCASTER AVE FORT WORTH, TEXAS, 76107
MODULE ORDERING
THE BUILDING MASS SEPERATES THE WEST AND EAST MODULES TO KEEP THE OUTDOOR EXIBITS ISOLATED FROM THE PUBLIC PLAZA AND PARKING.
ORDERING PRINCIPLE
USING THE CONTEXT OF THE SURROUNDING GRID ARRAY. EACH MODULE HAS THE NORTH MASSING FOR CIRCULATION.
HERITAGE TREE AND PONDS
MAINTAINING THE VISUAL PROMINENCE FROM THE NORTH AND WEST SIDE OF THE INTIMATE SPACE BETWEEN THEM. THE PONDS WATER TABLE IN THE DURING THE DRY
Vestibule
Galleries
OF
ORDERING GRID
THE MODULES ARE BROKEN ON THE NORTH EAST CORNERS TO CREATE A GRID FOR CIRCULATION.
STRUCTURE MATRIX
OF THE HERITAGE TREE THE BUILDING LEAVES AN PONDS HELP RETAIN THE SEASON.
EACH BUILDING MODULE IS A TWENTY FOOT CUBE WITH A TWELVE INCH THICK GLULAM FRAME. THIS MATRIX IS EASILY REPEATABLE FOR FUTURE EXPANSIONS OR QUICK DISASSEMBLY
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
THIRD
KNIFE PLATE ASSEMBLY EXPLOSION
THE NODE THAT CONNECTS ALL OF THE GLULAM BEAMS CONSISTS OF THREE KNIFE PLATES WITHIN A HALF OPEN STEEL BOX. EACH OF THE NODES WILL CONNECT TOGETHER TO CREATE THE SUPER NODES.
FRAME ASSEMBLY EXPLOSION
THIS STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY DESIGN CHOICE WAS IN ORDER TO CREATE A VERSATILE, REUSABLE, AND QUICK CONTRUCTION PHASE. THE NODES AND GLULAMS ARE ALL FASTENED TOGETHER WITH BULTS FOR QUICK DIASSEMBLY AND REUSE
BUILDING ASSEMBLY EXPLOSION
THE BUILDING ASSEMBLY RELIES ON THE MODULARITY OF THE NODES AND BEAMS. BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR THERE IS A VERTICAL 3 FOOT SPACER FOR AN UNDER FLOOR AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND GENERAL MECHANICAL CHASES. THIS SPACER USES THE SAME NODES AS THE FRAMING AND ACTS AS COLUMNS TO TRANFER LOAD DOWN TO THE FIRST FLOOR. THIS THREE FOOT SPACE CREATES A BAND OF STEEL TO WRAP AROUND BOTH THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.
11TH STREET CONNECTION
STUDIO 608 l Urban Dwelling
Professor Rick Embers
115 W 11th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
The design seamlessly weaves seniors into the city’s dynamic social fabric, fostering connections that enhance social health while promoting autonomy and accessibility. Located in walkable downtown Lawrence, the building enables residents—especially those who may not drive—to participate in social activities, access essential services, and even hold jobs, fostering a sense of purpose and engagement. Acting as a hub, it encourages interaction among residents, community members, and visitors through shared spaces like the community center and courtyard. The layout prioritizes accessibility and convenience, ensuring inclusivity and ease of mobility. Beyond social connectivity, the design embraces ecological harmony, incorporating rainwater harvesting, native landscaping, green roofs, and energyefficient systems to minimize environmental impact and support biodiversity. These sustainable strategies integrate seamlessly into the built environment, creating a space that not only serves its occupants but also nurtures the surrounding ecosystem. Thoughtful design fosters a deep sense of belonging while strengthening ties between people, spaces, and nature.
BUILDING MASS
Site filled with 5-10~ feet offset from setback
VOID FOR COURTYARD
Create a courtyard on south side facing park
BLEND INTO THE VERTICAL TYPOLOGY
Gradual vertical transition between Vermont Towers and commercial
EXTERIOR REFINEMENT
Create pockets and bevels to add intrest
GREEN SPACES
Create green spaces in courtyard and roof for activities and third spaces
Courtyard Lighting
The building features a south-facing courtyard strategically cut into its mass, enhancing access to natural light and creating a welcoming, open atmosphere. This design increases vertical surface area, allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper into the interior spaces, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and promoting energy efficiency. The placement also maximizes solar exposure, creating a warm and vibrant environment throughout the day.
Community Garden
The courtyard features a small community garden, serving as a shared space for residents and community center visitors to connect with nature and engage in sustainable practices. Directly north of the garden, the community center includes a dedicated “gardening room,” equipped with storage for tools and supplies, as well as space for educational workshops. This design fosters a sense of community while promoting hands-on learning and sustainable living.
The building’s south-facing courtyard is strategically designed to take advantage of prevailing winds in Lawrence, which flow from south to north in the summer and north to south in the winter. Acting as a wind catcher, the courtyard cups the winds, creating positive pressure within the courtyard and negative pressure on the building’s north side. This pressure differential enables natural cross-ventilation when windows are opened, promoting energy-efficient cooling and improving indoor air quality. This passive design approach enhances occupant comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation systems.
WINTER WIND
SUMMER WIND
Green Fins
The “green fins” are consisting of four planters with metal mesh trellises, stacked vertically to form a dynamic wall of vines. The system utilizes rainwater collected from the roof, which is filtered, stored in a cistern, and pumped into the top planter. From there, water is gravity-fed through the subsequent planters, ensuring efficient irrigation while minimizing water waste.
A vigorous, fast-growing native vine that provides dense, lush coverage, making it an ideal choice for the green fins system. Its adaptability to various growing conditions and ability to support local wildlife, including pollinators and birds, makes it an excellent sustainable option for enhancing both the aesthetics and ecological value of the building.
WildPlum(Prunusamericana) July-August
By not extending the below-grade parking garage into the courtyard, the design preserves the natural wicking process from the water table below. This ensures the courtyard remains well-hydrated, supporting the health of the plants and contributing to the overall sustainability of the space.
The courtyard’s food forest will feature native fruit-bearing trees, selected for their edible produce and ecological benefits. This space not only provides a source of fresh, seasonal food but also supports local wildlife, promoting biodiversity and sustainability within the building’s design.
Pawpaw(Asiminatriloba) AugustandOctober
BlackCherry(Prunusserotina) April-July
AmericanPersimmon (Diospyrosvirginiana) SeptembertoNovember
Virginia Creeper
Meadow
The courtyard meadow is designed to support local pollinators, enhance biodiversity, and promote a healthy ecosystem. By incorporating native, drought-tolerant plants, the meadow reduces water usage, improves soil health, and creates a resilient, sustainable environment that contributes to the building’s ecological goals.
Provides a variety of sustainability benefits, including reducing stormwater runoff, improving building insulation, and enhancing air quality. It also creates a pleasant, natural space for people to enjoy, promoting mental well-being, providing habitat for wildlife, and contributing to a more comfortable microclimate in urban environments.
Terrace Planters
Support climbing plants and enhance both sustainability and biodiversity. In addition to improving air quality and providing habitat for pollinators, the trellises serve as a natural privacy screen, offering a sense of seclusion while contributing to the aesthetic and environmental quality of the space.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) flowers July-September
Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) flowers June-September
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) flowers July-September
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella) flowers May-September
Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) flowers June-August
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
Clematis (Echinacea purpurea) flowers April-September
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) flowers July-August
Morning Glory (Gaillardia pulchella) flowers June-September
Scarlet Runner Bean (Asclepias Syriaca) flowers July-August
SECOND FLOOR
THIRD FLOOR
Community Center Atrium
North View Aerial
Game Room
WALL DETAILS (3/4” = 1’)
DETAIL 3
1. Green fin system
2. 2x6 Wood board privacy screen system
3. U bracket for mounting boards
4. Metal flashing
5. Brick veneer
6. 1” Air gap with brick anchors
7. Tyvek building wrap
8. 5/8” OSB plywood sheathing
9. 1 1/2” XPS insulation
10. Laminate vynyl finish
11. 3” metal deck
12. K-series bar joist
13. S-Shaped steel beam
14. R-19 2” batt insulation each side
15. R-19 6”batt insulation
16. Load bearing 6” metal structural stud wall
DETAIL 2
1. Aluminum fix window sill
2. Metal window sill flashing
3. Brick veneer
4. 1” Air gap with brick anchors
5. Tyvek building wrap
6. 5/8” OSB plywood sheathing
7. 1 1/2” XPS insulation
8. Load bearing 6” metal structural stud wall
9. R-19 6”batt insulation
10. 5/8” Gypsum wallboard & finish
11. Brick weep holes
12. Through-wall flashing
13. Earth
14. 1/4“ drainage mat, & 1/4” protection board
15. Liquid rubber foundation sealant
16. 1’ 5” reinforced concrete wall below grade
17. 1’ 8” reinforced concrete one way slab
18. 3” spay insulation
DETAIL 1
1. 1’ 6” Tall foundation footing
2. Perforated Drain w/ filter fabric around gravel
3. Drainage pipe
4. Compacted earth
5. 1/4“ drainage mat & 1/4” protection board
6. Liquid rubber foundation sealant
7. 1’ 5” Concrete foundation reinforced wall
8. 2“ Extruded polystyrene insulation
9. 10 mm Polyethylene vapor barrier
10. 12” reinforced concrete slab
11. 1” Slab expansion Joint
ROOF PLAN 45' - 0"
3RD FLOOR 30' - 0"
2ND FLOOR 15' - 0"
1ST FLOOR 0' - 0"
THE ERNIE MILLER NATURE CENTER
STUDIO 209 l Sustainability, Site, and Context
Professor Richard Findley
909 North, KS-7, Olathe, KS 66061
The Ernie Miller Nature Center is an existing building located in northwest Olathe, Kansas. Originally founded to preserve 116 acres of land for the quickly growing heart of Olathe. Today EMNC’s building is in disrepair and needs replacement. This proposes a 15,000 sqft nature center meant to bring education and entertainment to the public.
Before the design phase, Professor Findley had us choose from a list of design methods. I chose to create a building with a datum reference and a dendriform motif. The datum is the triangle that connects the three hearts of the buildling, the entrance, the aquaponic, and the aviary room. The dendriform motif is the study, and form of a tree, and was used in the structural columns in the building to feel as if you are walking through a forest, with the perforated metal roof system to be light shimmering through the forest canopy
The Permaculture food forest south of the building, The rain recirculation system, The aquaponic system, the aviary, and the exhibits are all examples of how to play a part in nature.
1. Reception
2. Administration
3. Meeting Room 4. Library 5. Classroom 6. Aviary 7. Aquaponics 8. Exhibition 9. Cafeteria
10. Flex Space & Seating
11. Fire Garden
12. Storage
13. Mechanical
14. Restroom
15. Storm Shelter & Storage
These systems are not meant to produce profit, even if they do. The purpose of these systems is to educate the public on what kinds of sustainability practices can be used commercially and at home to better the state of the earth. Our current methods of agriculture are drying and killing our land, at some point something is going to give. whether that’s our lifestyles or our land.
These systems are not meant to produce profit, even if they do. The purpose of these systems is to educate the public on what kinds of sustainability practices can be used commercially and at home to better the state of the earth. Our current methods of agriculture are drying and killing our land, at some point something is going to give. whether that’s our lifestyles or our land.
Sun Diffusion System
Aquaponic System
Permaculture Swale System
Rain Purification System
NORTH WEST SECTION B-B
Exploded Axonometric
Aquaponic Garden South West View
Chris Monarres
Atrium South View Foyer
I used to be heavily involved in a robotics club, I was the build leader for 3 of my 4 year in the club. In those 4 years I was able to help design 4 total robots, each progressive year I have more heavily involved in leadership and logistics. I created all the CAD models for 3 of the robots and designed all the 3d printed parts in addition to spearheading mechanical design. Here is where I began to learn the importance of communication and collaboration.
Brave Little Lancer Robot
While in engineering school here at KU I participated in the Baja SAE competition, me and 15 other students designed and built a functional buggy that competed regionally in 2019. I was in the safety and ergonomic team and was in charge of designing the seat, firewall, paneling, and battery box.
There are no strangers here;
Only friends you haven’t met
-William Butler Yeats