Architecture Portfolio

I am Marco Durand, 3rd year Architecture student. Being a highly motivated and talented student, I am currently looking for an intern position to further develop my skills. As a top student at Delft University of Technology, ranked 2nd in the world for architecture, I possess a strong foundation in design principles, technical skills, and effective communication. I am excited to learn from experienced professionals, contribute to real-world projects, and further develop my abilities within a supportive and inspiring work environment. I am eager to contribute with my technical skills and creativity to a dynamic architecture firm as an intern.

00. CURRICULUM

MARCO DURAND

04.17.1999

Dutch/French +31(0)651716441

marcojpd@live.nl

LANGUAGES

English Spanish

French Dutch

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Manual & Digital Sketching Presentation Drawing

Computational Modelling Construction Documentation

Graphic Design Collaboration & Teamwork

Architectural Visualisation Communication Skills

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Rhinoceros

Grasshopper

Enscape

TwinMotion

AutoDesk AutoCAD

SketchUp

AutoDesk SketchBook

Concepts App

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

EDUCATION

Delft University of Technology

Bachelor of Architecture & Built Environment

Ranked 2nd in the QS world ranking for Architecture studies is Delft University of Technology. I am among the few top students of my year with a GPA of 8.3/10.

Amsterdam Univeristy of Applied Sciences

Bachelor of International Business and Management

I completed the first year of a Bachelor’s program and achieved a foundation degree with a grade of 8.0/10 (Cum Laude). However, I found that the program did not provide the level of challenge I was seeking and did not allow me to explore my creative and technical abilities. As a result, I made the decision to switch to the field of Architecture. To facilitate this transition, I dedicated the following year to earning a degree in mathematics and physics.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Quantitative Methods Teacher

After receiving an exceptional 10/10 for this course as a first year student, I have been asked to help the staff in the following academic years. In addition to assisting teachers during workshops, I personally hosted support classes, coordinated the teacher assistants and wrote a 200 pages manual for the course.

Hostnet BV

Shiftmanager at IT company

Supervising the technical support staff (10 to 20 people) of the number 1 hosting provider in The Netherlands. I got promoted after proving to have good communication skills and being responsable during my work as a technical support agent.

EXTRACURRICULAR

St. Justin’s

Primary School, Tanzania

Crowdfunding initiator

While volunteering in Tanzania, I felt the urge to contribute more than only the work with orphan children in this school. Therefore, I organized a succesfull crowdfunding campaign. Thanks to this, the school now has two new classrooms which helps to provide education to 60 additional children. I still remain involved in the project.

01. ARTRIUM-S

In this deisgn studio, organized by KAAN Architects, a residential building had to be realized on the former Philips’ factory site ‘Strijp-S’ in Eindhoven with a minimum of 40 housing units. The studio focused on choosing and designing for a specific target group. Eindhoven and Strijp-S specifically are know for their innovative and creative identity. The residential building, Atrium-S, is therefore specifically intended for artists. With 8 floors and a total of 40 studio apartments, the building provides a special environment for this unique group. In addition to multi-level studio apartments, the complex includes spaces for art exhibitions,

workspaces for artists and other residents, an art store, and a café. The architectural design combines a rhythmic concrete facade with large glass elements and voids, ensuring abundant natural light, which is essential for artists. Inside, there is an atrium that contrasts with the sleek exterior and contains an organically shaped inner world where art and interaction take center stage. The heart of the building, the atrium, serves as an access point, meeting place, and exhibition area, connecting with a public square on the eastern side as well as the historical ‘pipeline corridor’, a monumental street covered by remains of the Phillips factory.

APPARTMENTS.

As mentioned earlier, the building is designed for artists. The residences are entirely based on this concept. In total, there are 6 types of dwellings. What characterizes all the residences is the fact that they are all multi-story, ranging from 2 to 4 levels. Additionally, the entrance to all the residences is situated on the upper floor where the private art-studio is also located, adjacent to a void that enhances natural light ingress in the level below. Furthermore, the dwellings consist of one or two bedrooms, a loggia, private rooftop garden, or a shared rooftop garden.

INTERACTION.

In addition to the residences, the building also features an atrium. This atrium extends from the ground floor to the roof and encompasses an organic interior with platforms that contrast with the orthogonal exterior. At some points, this interior penetrates the outer shell

ROOF

02. ROBOAT WARF

The challenge of this design studio was to create a versatile building that caters to the multifaceted needs of the Roboat research program by AMS Institute. This program develops autonomous boats for various purposes such as waste management and touristic trips. The resulting “ROBOAT Warf” is a building that serves as maintenance and storage facility for the autonomous boats. Additionally, it also functions as control center and as an information center for visitors. Although the building maintains a clear separation of these three functions, they are

all brought together under the same roof. The design of the building was carefully planned to integrate well with the historical context of Amsterdam while also having a unique and modern look that represents the Roboat research program’s essence. The Roboathouse serves as a central hub for the Roboat research program and contributes to the innovative development of autonomous systems on water. It’s a multifunctional building that blends function and aesthetics, providing an efficient solution to the diverse needs of the Roboat program.

SITE.

The site is located in the heart of Amsterdam, The Netherlands and has a rich maritime history. Originally established as a shipyard and arsenal for the Dutch Navy in 1655, the terrain played a crucial role in naval defense and trade. Over the years, it expanded into a hub for naval innovation and pioneering advancements in shipbuilding and technology. During the 20th century, it served as a strategic base in World War II and hosted key naval institutions. Also, the first covered ship warf of The Netherlands was located here. Today, Marineterrein Amsterdam has been repurposed into a green urban innovation district with an open plan, fostering creativity and sustainability. Many of the original buildings have been preserved and renovated, blending old and new architectural elements.

CONCEPT.

The concept is inspired by the historic shipyards in the surrounding area. As such, the front of the building faces the water. The volume is then split into three parts to emphasize the separation of functions, with stairs added to the front ends to create a passage that physically connects the different volumes. Walking through this passage, stunning views of the historic waterway unfold. Finally, the entire building is brought together under one roof that references the historic buildings in the area with its exposed steel frame. The roof also provides shelter from the natural elements along the passage, enhancing the connection between the different departments of the Roboat research program.

PLANS.

The warehouse where the boats are stored and maintained is located on the ground floor. Hanging rails facilitate the transport of the boats through the warehouse. There are changing rooms, showers, and toilets for the employees, as well as rooms for equipment storage and battery charging. On the upper floor, there are two separate volumes. The volume located on the waterfront is intended for the control center and its employees, providing them with a good view of the water. The volume facing the south is intended for visitors. They are received in the reception area and informed about the activities of AMS in the information and conference rooms. Then, the visitors pass through the passage with a beautiful view towards the water, where they board the boat.

Ground floor 1:100

First floor 1:100

ARCHITECTURE.

The architecture of the ROBOAT Warf pays homage to the maritime and industrial history of the surrounding area, as well as to Amsterdam as a whole. The building features an exposed steel framework of which the lattice forms the visual highlight. To emphasize the black accents, window frames are made of black aluminum. The prefabricated brick façade elements also contribute to the industrial character of the building. Large windows on the first floor and the entirety of the north façade give the building a modern touch while also adding structure. This structure arises from the rhythm of the framework and is further reinforced by decorative prortuding brick collums along the façades.

North Elevation

West Elevation

03. RENOVATION

The appartment buildings on Rotterdam’s Philip Vingbonnsstraat were constructed in the 1960s in order to address a housing crisis in the Netherlands at that time. However, the rapid pace of construction resulted in relatively low-quality homes. As a result, these 1960s buildings currently are in desperate need of renovation. Today, the Netherlands is facing another housing crisis with a shortage of homes and limited available space for new

construction. To tackle this, one potential solution is to densify the existing urban areas. At the same time, the demand for more energyefficient homes is rising as well. By combining sustainable renovation practices and vertical expansion to these buildings from the 1960s, this initiative aims to revitalize the Philip Vingbonnsstraat, providing modern, energyefficient homes that meet the current housing needs in a compact and efficient manner.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES

The building is undergoing a redesign and expansion. The garages will be removed, creating space for a new workroom with a mezzanine for the appartments on the first floor. Additionally, a lift will be installed next to the main stairwell. Four smaller appartments will be merged into two maisonettes. Three penthouses will be added to the rooftop, effectively extending the buildings upwards. To maintain a harmonious appearance and

preserve sunlight, the new top-up structure’s facade will be slightly recessed, minimizing the visual impact from the street. These units will be accessible via the new lift and main stairwell. Lastly, the balconies on the old garage side will be significantly expanded. In conclusion, the building will be expanded vertically, homes will be merged vertically and balconies will de replaced by larger ones.

1. TOP-UP

In order to vertically extend the building, the existing structure was initially analyzed. With the implementation of new and more precise regulations, it was determined that the existing structure has a surplus capacity to accommodate additional vertical and horizontal loads. Consequently, it is feasible to extend the building vertically without any reinforcements to the existing structure. The extension will be constructed using prefabricated wooden boxes, which will rest on the structure below.

2. BALCONIES

To create wider balconies, the previous ones have been dismantled. The new balconies will be constructed as independent structures using Ultra High Performance Concrete. These structures will be supported by a helical pile foundation, allowing them to be placed near the existing structures while preserving it’s integrity. For stability, the new balcony structures will be horizontally connected to the existing structure, but their horizontal load will be borne by the new foundation. The structures of the balconies have been integrated into the overall architectural design.

3. MERGING HOMES

The existing structure features floors that span between the walls in the transverse direction. These floors are supported by a system known as ‘MUWI,’ which was commonly used in the 1960s. To vertically merge residences, multiple rows of the MUWI system will need to be replaced. In their place, two beams with corner profiles will be installed to support prefabricated concrete slabs. This configuration will create a void for the installation of stairs.

BUILDING ENVELOPE

The existing building envelope is composed of double brickwork with multiple thermal bridges. The roof is constructed using the previously mentioned MUWI system, which has inadequate insulation. The load-bearing walls consist of the MUWI system and a single layer of brickwork. As a result, the current building envelope fails to meet modern building regulations regarding thermal insulation and soundproofing requirements. Therefore, alongside the structural modifications, it is necessary to replace the building envelope to enhance both soundproofing and thermal insulation.

04. ESCHER MUSEUM

In this computational design course, I was introduced to the concept of parametric design. The assignment was to create a sculpture garden for the Escher museum in The Hague. The garden is located below ground level and serves as entrance for the museum as well as for a restaurant. The restaurant has a terrace within the sculpture garden. The roof of the terrace had to be optimized for sunlight. During the

hot summer months, the terrace should provide enough shade for customers, while in mid-season, it should receive enough sun for comfort. The design seamlessly blends into the streetscape of the location and features a captivating display of stairs, sculptures, and vegetation below ground level, complementing the work of the illusionist M. C. Escher. The design has been made and optimized with customized Grasshopper scripts.

Design.

The lowered sculpture garden, adorned with curved stairs, offers a captivating experience, inspired by Escher’s mind-bending creations. The fluidity of the garden’s paths leads visitors on a meandering exploration, encouraging them to pause, observe, and immerse themselves in the beauty of exhibited artworks. As one ascends through platforms, sculptures play with surreal stairways, creating a captivating play between reality and illusion. The restaurant’s terrace harmoniously integrates into the garden, allowing people to revel in artistic allure. This design pays homage to Escher’s legacy, providing an unforgettable journey through art and space, an experience worthy of The Hague’s Escher Museum.

GRASSHOPPER.

Grasshopper was used to bring my vision to life for the dynamic lowered sculpture garden. Grasshopper’s flexibility allowed me to generate an intricate network of curved stairs and platforms, ensuring an organic and harmonious layout. By leveraging its parametric approach, adjustments could swiftly be made to one element, automatically influencing the entire design, saving valuable time and effort. To optimize the experience for visitors, a sunpath analysis was integrated in Grasshopper. This feature enabled me to study and fine-tune the terrace’s layout as well as the shape of the roof, ensuring the terrace received optimal sunlight during preferred times. The software’s simulation capabilities allowed me to achieve a seamless flow of light, enhancing the overall ambiance of the space. As I move forward in my career, this powerful tool will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in shaping visionary projects.

05. VILLA VALBONNE

During my free time, I enjoy dedicating myself to acquiring new skills in graphical communication. One project that showcases this pursuit is Villa Valboni. In the summer of 2022, my father sold the house in France where I spent a significant part of my childhood. To preserve a tangible memento of that special place, I decided to create these illustrations. Employing Sketchup for the linework, Illustrator

for coloring, and Photoshop for adding textures and details, I aimed to produce an illustration that goes beyond a simple rendered image. These newly acquired skills not only served to make this meaningful tribute but also offer potential for future projects, allowing me to use my hobby to acquire new skills which I can apply academically as well as professionally.

Ground floor

First floor

06. BUILDING HOPE: TANZANIA

In 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I refused to stand still and pursued my dream of volunteering in a rural African village and before I knew it, I had booked my flight to Tanzania. After arriving, I quickly became moved by the director’s good intentions and the community’s need for more school facilities. The school lacked government funds, prompting me to launch a crowdfunding campaign among my personal connections. Through a heartfelt promotional

video and sharing it passionately, we raised enough money to build two new classrooms, accommodating 60 additional children. Although my architectural studies had yet to begin, I was captivated by the construction process in Tanzania. Therefore, I decided to document the whole process. Since all materials were locally produced, the crowdfunding campaign not only supported the children but left a mark on the community as a whole.

Extracurricular Work

EXPANSION PROJECT

During the day, instead of attending school, children could be seen roaming the streets. In an effort to address this issue, funds were raised through a crowdfunding campaign, and as a result, the construction of two new classrooms commenced. I was deeply fascinated by the entire building process, which utilized locally sourced raw materials within a 5 km radius of the site. This allowed me to closely witness and document the entire process. While the architecture may not have been high-end, the simplicity and remarkable efficiency of the process left a lasting impression on me. Not only does it facilitate the school’s rapid expansion, but it also contributes significantly to the well-being of the entire community, as the production cycle takes place within its boundaries. Lastly, I was astonished by the impact that can be made with a relatively modest effort. As a result, I eagerly anticipate continuing my support for this project and applying my knowledge to contribute towards making the world a better place in the future.

Elevation

Floorplan

Section

Marco Durand

+31(0)651716441

marcojpd@live.nl

marcodurand.com