MAX
PORTFOLIO ARCHITECTURAL
2021-2025
ABOUT ME.
Hello my name is Max Bélanger, I’m an aspiring architect driven by a passion for innovative design and a commitment to harmonizing functionality with aesthetics. My academic journey at the Laurentian University McEwen School of Architecture has provided a solid foundation in both the technical and conceptual aspects of architecture.
Through valuable work experiences, I’ve sharpened my project management skills and developed a strong attention to detail. Proficient in a wide range of design tools and architectural languages, I bring creativity, technical expertise, and bilingual communication skills to every project I undertake.
Whether collaborating within a team or working independently, I approach each challenge with adaptability, a strong work ethic, and a steadfast dedication to delivering thoughtful, highquality design solutions.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
• Bilingual: fluent in French and English
• Proficient in the use of Adobe programs: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc
• Skilled in the use of Rhino 7, Revit, AutoCad, and ReCap
• Experienced in the use of Lumion, Enscape, and TwinMotion
EDUCATION
Laurentian University – McEwen School of Architecture
Sudbury, ON
• Bachelor of Architectural Studies (B.A.S) – Obtained April 2025 with Honours, Cum Laude distinction
• Master of Architecture Candidate (M.Arch) – Expected Graduation: April 2027
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Laurentian University, Sudbury
September 2025 – Present
• Assisted professor with course organization, planning, and academic support across design critiques, lectures, and design studios
• Assessed student work through grading and provided feedback accordingly
Student Designer / Contract Administrator – Bélanger Salach Architecture, Sudbury
May 2025 – August 2025
• Prepared construction drawings and reviewed shop drawings
• Utilized Point Cloud data to assist in accurate project documentation
• Supported contract administration tasks: meeting minutes, progress site visits, RFI’s, and change orders
• Liaised with clients, consultants, and contractors to ensure clear communication and project alignment
Student Designer – Bélanger Salach Architecture, Sudbury
May 2024 – August 2024
• Design in compliance with the Ontario Building Code
• Collaboration on the design of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
• Production of high-quality renderings for client presentations
• Consulting with clients to tailor design solutions to their needs
CONTENTS.
01 SOUSTRACTION POSITIVE
ROCKHAVEN ARENA
LE BARRAGE
L’ÉDUCATION
SANS FRONTIÈRES
LE LIEU DE SÉRÉNITÉ
01 SOUSTRACTION
POSITIVE
“Soustraction Positive” (Positive Subtraction) is a mixed-use residential project located in the heart of downtown Sudbury along Elm Street. Conceived to revitalize the urban core, the project promotes health and wellness through communitycentered design. Its modular structural grid allows for the selective removal of modules, creating adaptable spaces that foster interaction and connection.
Built with warm and sustainable mass timber construction, the design is anchored by a glazed central atrium that serves as the building’s vibrant heart. This light-filled space seamlessly links amenities including a wellness center, gym, indoor waterpark, and residential units. Multiple terraces extend these programs outdoors, offering residents a variety of spaces to gather, relax, or stay active.
At the rear of the building, an expansive landscaped urban space features ponds that transform into skating rinks during winter, along with playgrounds and recreational areas. These elements encourage year-round engagement with nature and enhance community well-being. Together, the building and urban space create a living environment where residents can connect with both nature and each other.
“Soustraction Positive” is more than just a building. It reimagines urban living by strengthening social bonds, embracing adaptability, and cultivating a healthier, more vibrant downtown Sudbury.
In collaboration with Morgan Polsky
“A BUILDING THAT SUBTRACTS VOLUMES TO CREATE ADAPTABLE SPACES AND FOSTER SOCIAL INTERACTION”
PARC AQUATIC MEZZANINE
VESTIAIRE FAMILIAL
VESTIAIRE HOMME
VESTIAIRE FEMME
GYM
COMPOSITION DE LA TOITURE
-Membrane
Panneaux verticaux en aluminium qui imite le bois
Panneaux horizontale en aluminium qui imite le bois
écran de latte verticale
Spandrel Panel
Joints en Silicone Meneau en Aluminium
Panneaux
Panneaux écran de latte par-dessus les fenêtre qui filtre la lumière
City Centre Lane
Rue Lisgar
COLONE EN BETON - 457MM X 457MM
MUR DE CISAILLEMENT EN BETON - 350MM
DALLE DE BETON STRUCTURAL - 500MM
POUTRE EN LAMELLÉ-COLLÉ (GLULAM) RENFORCER - 356MM X 813MM
COLONNE EN LAMELLÉ-COLLÉ (GLULAM) - 356MM X 356MM
POUTRE EN LAMELLÉ-COLLÉ (GLULAM) - 356MM X 610MM
STABILITÉ LATÉRALE EN ACIER - 73MM X 73MM
02 ROCKHAVEN ARENA
The Rockhaven Arena features an abundance of sharp angles that reference Sudbury’s mined rock formations, while corten steel panels evoke the city’s industrial heritage, paying homage to its past.
A large covered outdoor area includes ramps, seating, and planting beds. Local businesses like Positive Inception and Golden Grain Bakery bring a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, with opportunities to store products outdoors and host a mini farmers’ market in shipping containers on match days and event days.
On the second floor, a casual restaurant replaces the former Wacky Wings, offering a relaxed dining experience. Living walls invite both children and adults to play or unwind between the building’s inner walls and an outer skin of perforated corten panels.
Inside, the reception area doubles as a trophy room where visitors can sit and relax before or after games, surrounded by sports memorabilia displayed in cases and on the walls.
The building’s structure is composed of glulam beams and columns, combining warmth, strength, and sustainability.
“AN ARENA THAT REPRESENTS SUDBURY’S MINING IDENTITY”
ROCKHAVEN ARENA
03 LE BARRAGE
The Laurentian Lake dam is a critical control point for water flow on this site. Inspired by its principles, the building divides the causeway into two zones: an energetic zone facing the lake and a calm zone overlooking the marsh. A transitional platform, along with slowing ramps, facilitates a smooth shift between these areas, creating a distinctive architectural journey with a sense of compression and decompression.
Materials play a crucial role, utilizing concrete on the energetic side for density and wood on the calm side for lightness. This intentional contrast extends to the use of opacity and transparency, with fewer windows on the energetic side and abundant natural light on the calm side.
This design philosophy continues to the exterior, where a concrete wall visually separates the two zones, connecting to the previous nature cabin. The result is a harmonious integration of dynamic and tranquil elements, offering a seamless transition between the vibrant energy of the lake and the serene calm of the marsh.
“A BUILDING THAT FUNCTIONS AS A DAM, DIVIDING CALM AND ENERGETIC ACTIVITIES”
Entrepôt de Canoës et Kayaks (Chalet de Nature Existant) Étage1
Lac Laurentien
C1
C2
C3
04 L’ÉDUCATION
SANS FRONTIÈRES
The concept for this children’s education center revolves around understanding the routes taken by children to get to school. The key elements of these journeys are then incorporated inside the building to accentuate this “school with no border” narrative.
Upon arrival, children must choose between the energetic side, where the playrooms are located, and the calm side, which houses the dining and nap rooms.
Each of these corridors integrates key elements from the children’s routes. The calm corridor incorporates wood, library shelves, seats, and plenty of windows, encouraging reading with a view of nature to promote a sense of calm.
In contrast, the energetic corridor offers vibrant colors, a train track on the floor leading to monkey bars, and a ramp that rises to a large window, resembling a bridge over the playground.
“A BOUNDARY-DEFYING FACILITY, INCORPORATING KEY EXTERIOR ELEMENTS WITHIN ITS INTERIOR”
Pont véhicle / piéton
Millieu urbain
Voie ferrée abandonnée
Millieu urbain
Parc Percy
Ponts piéton / zone naturelle
Pont véhicle / piéton
Millieu urbain
05 LE LIEU DE SÉRÉNITÉ
When studying at Laurentian University, stress is inevitable for academic success. The school environment contributes to this stress through various factors such as projects, assignments, and presentations with deadlines.
The introduction of a communal sauna, located directly on the campus of Laurentian University, will allow students and community members to reduce stress. The sauna will be built next to Bennett Lake, creating distance between the main campus and the sauna. This will enable students to take a nature walk before reaching their destination, allowing them to unwind and alleviate tension and fatigue.
The sauna will be a place of relaxation, calm, and serenity. It will differ from the campus in terms of construction materials to avoid association with academic spaces. Upon completing the sauna experience, occupants can return via a second forest trail to fully immerse themselves in a sense of tranquility, away from others arriving. This experience will be positive and beneficial for both students and community members alike.
“UNE ÉVASION DU STRESS DE LA RÉALITÉ”
LIEU DE S ÉRÉNITÉ
