Architecture Portfolio - Julia Monsalve Gelman

POR TFO LIO

JULIA MONSALVE GELMAN

Welcome to my Architecture Portfolio, where you will find a selection of projects of varying scales and typologies that I have undertaken during my studies and professional career. With this presentation, I aim to showcase my architectural vision, where I strongly believe that architecture must integrate seamlessly into its environment and context, while also prioritizing functionality and aesthetics for all users. I firmly believe in creating inclusive spaces that cater to people of all abilities and backgrounds, paying special attention to the details that enhance the user experience and the impact of the building on the surrounding public space. I hope you enjoy this selection of projects!

All of the projects featured in my portfolio are located in Mendoza, a city situated in centralwestern Argentina, it is characterized by its dry climate and abundant sunshine throughout the year. Trees play a crucial role, providing much-needed shade and creating habitable spaces. Winters are cold but pleasant with the presence of sunlight, while summers are extremely hot, making solar protection essential. As Mendoza is located in the southern hemisphere, the northern part of the city receives the most sunlight. Currently, Mendoza has a low density of predominantly single- and two-story houses, resulting in urban sprawl. Therefore, my projects aim to increase density vertically to optimize land use and curb urban expansion. Another important consideration in designing for Mendoza is the seismic activity in the region, with a seismicity level of 4, making structural design a critical factor in the projects.

01. CIRCUS SCHOOL

Type | Academic Project, Final Degree Project

State | Unbuilt

Location | Ciudad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina

Year | 2021

The idea behind this project is to provide a space for all those who practice street circus arts in the city, with all the spatial requirements necessary for the various activities. The goal is to create a space that preserves the spirit of performing arts in public spaces, while also providing a venue to showcase these arts. The building consists of a public space equipped for activities and small performances, open to all, a school space for classes and workshops, and finally, a flexible space for circus exhibition.

Julia Monsalve Gelman

Exterior render View from the park towards the main facade of the Circus School.

The site of the building is located in a mostly low-density area, but the municipal code encourages high-density development, as seen in some surrounding buildings. As a result, a portion of the site was allocated to residential buildings with commercial ground floors, which will also bring life to the projected public space.

To the northeast of the site is the “Central Park,” which is heavily used. The project aims to create a connection with the park and provide infrastructure to support activities, such as shops, public restrooms, and parking. This area has high potential but currently needs the necessary infrastructure to support it.

Continuous

public space | Park connection

Circus reinterpretation | Exhibition space

Flexible space | Visual connection

Low-density houses Site High-density buildings Park

Circus School

Exterior render View from Central Park

Basement Plan

Public parking facilities

Childcare center | semi-basement

This facility was incorporated into the building to promote inclusivity and enable all parents to attend classes.

Ground Floor Plan

Public use space and building access

Julia Monsalve Gelman

Exterior render Public space and external vertical circulation - connection to exhibition space

First Floor Plan

Training space, service areas and classroom-workshops

Second Floor Plan Mezzanine level, classrooms, and service areas

Julia Monsalve Gelman

Exterior render Training space

Third Floor Plan

Mezzanine with training space, buffet and terraces.

Fourth Floor Plan

Circus arts exhibition space with mobile bleachers and stage

Julia Monsalve Gelman

Interior render Circus arts exhibition space on the rooftop of the building, with a tensile structure roof

Perspective section

The building’s varying heights cater to the spatial needs of each activity

North elevation

East elevation

02. INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

Type | Academic project, Architecture Workshop V Team | Petrino Juan, Juarez Carla and Monsalve Julia State | Unbuilt Location | Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina

Year | 2019

This project is located in an industrial area of the city, but due to the expansion of the tramway, it is now wellconnected and beginning to have some residential development. To take advantage of this, the design aims to mix the industrial warehouses with a pedestrian path, which includes spaces for fairs and a coworking area. The industrial warehouses will also have a tour route for visitors, and one of the warehouses has been designed in detail to be a factory for “Alfajores”, a typical Argentinean sweet. The goal is to create a dynamic space that not only serves as a functional industrial area but also as a community hub that encourages interaction and creativity.

Julia Monsalve Gelman

Exterior render Pedestrian path with view to the coworking area and one of the industrial warehouses

The site plan reveals how the arrangement of the industrial warehouses was designed to create a sense of movement, adding dynamism to the pedestrian path and integrating green spaces for both visitors and employees to enjoy. The pedestrian path runs to the west, culminating in a small seating area beside the coworking warehouse, while to the east, the industrial warehouses are located with dedicated truck circulation and employee parking. To the south, the entrance to the complex is situated along the street that intersects with the newly extended tramline.

Site Plan

Ground Floor Plan

Working area, storage rooms, changing rooms, bathrooms, and employee eating hall

First Floor Plan

Walkway with views to the factory for guided tours, offices and laboratory

North elevation

West elevation Section

Interior render The use of wood elements, combined with an indirect natural light system through the incorporation of a perforated metal screen, was employed to create a warm and comfortable working environment for the employees

Ground Floor Plan

East elevation

Coworking

Coworking render

The same structure and perforated metal screen as the warehouses were used, but with outdoor spaces created by adding blocks for different uses such as offices, bathrooms, and a dining area

03. OPEN-AIR SHOPPING COMPLEX

Type | Professional project

Team | Porcario Florencia, Sanhueza Victoria and Monsalve Julia State | Under construction

Location | Las Heras, Mendoza, Argentina

Year | 2020

This project is situated in a residential private neighborhood near the mountains, away from the city center. The main goal was to design a flexible commercial space that would serve the residents of the neighborhood and the surrounding areas, while revitalizing the deserted and unsafe main street. The site’s steep topography, due to its proximity to the mountains, presented a significant challenge. One of the materials chosen to represent the mountainous context was gabions filled with local stones from the area.The commercial space includes a pedestrian shopping area, outdoor gathering spaces for cafes and restaurants, parking for the public and neighborhood residents, and various shops, including a small supermarket.

Exterior render Block 1

View from one of the expansions of the pedestrian walkway

Julia Monsalve Gelman

NEIGHBORHOOD SQUARE

BLOCK 2

PARKING

ENTRANCE

NEIGHBORHOOD ENTRANCE

BLOCK 1

Site plan

The site is U-shaped and surrounds the neighborhood square, located next to the main entrance of the neighborhood.

The project consists of two blocks with multiple divisible units. Block 1 has five buildings facing the main street, with pedestrian walkways and spaces for gathering. Block 2 was initially intended for the supermarket, but it can also be divided into three stores. Parking is located between the blocks for the public and on the north side for neighborhood residents. The commercial units only have equipped bathrooms, and the rest of the space is open-plan for flexibility, some of the units allow the possibility of mezzanine levels.

Ground floor block 1

Consists of 5 divisible units and the pedestrian walkway

Julia Monsalve Gelman

South Elevation

West Elevation

East Elevation

The promenaden includes ramps and stairs to address the site’s topography, and adequate lighting to enhance safety at night

Exterior render Block 1

Consists of a block that can be divided into three units.

Ground floor block 2

Exterior render Block 2

View from the parking lot to the south facade of Block 2

04. RP HOUSE

Type | Professional project

State | Stage one under construction

Location | Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Year | 2021

The project is located in a neighborhood at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, and was commissioned by a young couple who wanted to start building something small, affordable, and simple so they could move into their new home as soon as possible. Therefore, the project is based on three stages that can accommodate the family’s future expansion needs. The house was located at the highest point of the land to have better views of the mountains. The first stage only includes the basic necessities for the couple to live there, followed by an expansion of the communal spaces, and finally, a second floor to accommodate more bedrooms for their future family.

Julia Monsalve Gelman

Exterior render

View from the main entrance of the house.

Stage 1

With the essential spaces for the young couple to live, including a kitchen, bathroom, laundry, living and dining room together, a space for a desk, and a bedroom that will eventually become an office or guest room.

Stage 2

A block is added to expand the common areas, including a fireplace and a bar, designed to have the staircase located above it. The block is positioned 0.4 meters lower, following the topography

Stage 3

The final block is located as the first floor, which includes bedrooms, bathrooms, and a space to move the desk upstairs. It also has access to a large terrace.

Julia Monsalve Gelman

Interior render

View of the living room and gallery

Julia Monsalve Gelman

Exterior render View from the backyard