Spatial

Explorations
Juan S. MEJIA
PERSONAL PORTFOLIO

1
 PRESENTATION
As a student at the National School of Architecture
in Strasbourg, France, my passion for architecture
was awakened during the pandemic period. During
this time, I envisioned cities under construction and
was particularly fascinated by modern architectural
styles, including the vertical design of glass towers,
among other contemporary forms. It was this fas-
cination that prompted me to pursue studies in ar-
chitecture in France. My goal is to explore the di-
versity of architectural styles around the world and
draw inspiration from them for my own projects.

This second portfolio showcases personal projects I have developed, drawing inspira-
tion from my previous experiences, with the aim of understanding the functionality of
spaces and exploring the transition from one context to another. It includes projects com-
pleted in Europe and Latin America, as well as one project influenced by the menta-
lity and context of America. This diversity of projects has allowed me to broaden my
experience and better understand how architecture can adapt from one place to ano-
ther. Of course, this portfolio is a work in progress, but it marks the beginning of a
deep reflection on the development of my skills and perspective regarding functiona-
lity, form, materiality, and especially context in different environments around the world.

Before joining the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture in Strasbourg, I partici-

pated in several online workshops and courses at other institutions to familiarize my-
self with the field of architecture. These experiences were crucial in preparing me
to apply to the school. I completed a few projects to build a strong portfolio and gain
the necessary foundation to be admitted. Initially, some of these projects were incom-
plete, but as I progressed in my journey and studies, I had the opportunity to refine
and further develop them. The majority of this portfolio was conceived with this mind-
set, aiming to solidify my architectural skills to meet the school’s requirements. I plan to
continue refining and expanding these projects based on competitions I participate in,
goals I set for myself, or suggestions from architect friends. The goal is to strengthen
my foundations and deepen my knowledge in the field of architecture to earn a degree.

2
 INTRODUCTION

I will start by presenting eight of my projects, ranging from the simplest to the most
complex, to show you the evolution of my skills in architecture. At the beginning of this
portfolio, you will find hand-drawn architectural form studies I did in my free time, even
before entering architecture school. These explorations aim to create geometric shapes
and volumes that sparked my interest in architecture. I was guided by others in this
endeavor, which helped me understand the fundamentals of form and other essential
aspects.

Next, I will present seven of my personal projects, all designed using architecture sof-
tware such as Revit, as well as other computer programs. These projects will be pre-
sented in a more visual and computerized manner.

Among these projects, some were completed in my free time, while others were done
as part of competitions, such as the one for designing a small hospital in Bolivia. This
project allowed me to put my acquired skills into practice and tackle the challenge of
creating something new, even in the healthcare field, especially during the coronavirus
pandemic.

I will also present social housing projects I worked on in collaboration with other archi-
tects, to understand organization and functionality in architecture. All these projects
were prepared before my arrival in France, as part of my preparation to apply to archi-
tecture school.

Finally, I will discuss a tower project currently in development, as well as a house re-
novation project I worked on with my brother in Brazil. This experience allowed me to
acquire valuable skills and knowledge, and served as a stepping stone for my architec-
ture studies in France.

I invite you to explore the entire contents of this portfolio, in the hope that you will ap-
preciate all of my work, efforts, and motivation.

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 ABSTRACTO CORDECRUZ

PAGES 6 - 9 PAGES 20 - 25
SUMMARY

CASA BERNARDA RESIDENCE ACCESSIBLE

PAGES 10 - 19 PAGES 26 - 32
4
VILLA VICTORIA LINE HOUSE

SUMMARY
PAGES 33 - 38 PAGES 45 - 49

JEAN TOWER CASA YAMPARA

PAGES 39 - 44 PAGES 50 - 53
5
 In these two concepts, we ex-
plore modern architectural forms,
highlighting the innovative use of a
3D cubic mesh to optimize space
organization. These models stand
out for the creative use of various
materials such as aluminum, ace-
tate, and cardboard, combined with
a wooden base structure repre-
sented by raft sticks.

This approach merges futuristic

aesthetics with organic elements,
creating a symbiosis between the
structural skeleton and the pro-

Introduction to Modern Architectural Form Composition

Futuristic Building for Another
Planet

6
 The structure is a living representation of tempora-
lity, inspired by an interpretation of time. It consists
of three distinct elements embodying the past,
GALLERY present, and future.

TEMPORAL The lower part, symbolizing the past, is depicted

Architectural Exploration of Time by a solid base, representing the foundations upon
which our past experiences rest.

In the center, we encounter the present, a dynamic

and adaptable section. Its height can be adjusted
to reflect our current position in time, thus offering
a visual representation of our present stage.

Lastly, the upper part embodies the future, aspi-

ring towards new heights and opportunities. It is
the pinnacle towards which we strive and seek to
reach.

These elements are materialized through the

clever use of wooden raft sticks. Each angle offers
a unique perspective of the structure, creating a
dynamic and evocative visual experience

7
 Replica model

La Puerta de
Europa
Madrid, Spain

URUBO
HOUSE
Juan S. MEJIA

8
 FRACTAL
The project offers the potential to be
used as a museum. It illustrates a
remarkable example of plastic com-
positions, where the use of frac-
tals and biomorphic architecture is
highlighted. This creative approach,
inspired by nature, integrates fractal
architectural forms that evoke natu-
ral elements without imitating them
literally. Instead, it merges these
elements with original ideas to create
a unique and captivating aesthetic.

9
 CASA BERNARDA
The house stands tall over three floors and provides an ideal space to accommodate a family
of six, offering all the amenities and spaces necessary to meet the needs of its residents. The
numerous trees and decorative garden elements add to the serene and welcoming ambiance of
the property. Its post-modern minimalist aesthetic gives it a contemporary and elegant look, in
harmony with its surroundings.

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11
 MASS PLAN

12
GROUND FLOOR PLAN

13
 SECOND FLOOR
14
THIRD FLOOR
15
 NORTH SIDE

SOUTH SIDE

16
EAST SIDE

WEST SIDE

17
 SECTIONS

EAST LONGITUDINAL

SOUTH CROSS

18
 SECTIONS

EAST LONGITUDINALE

NORTH CROSS

19
 Résidence Accessible
A Social Housing Complex for People with Disabilities

The residence is designed to accommo-

date two separate families who will share
the same space, equipped with a ramp for
accessibility. The project consists of mul-
tiple terraced houses on a single block of
land. Each individual housing unit is equip-
ped with a ramp for disabled persons,
compliant with accessibility standards,
thereby allowing two families to share this
essential facility.

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21
22
MASS PLAN

GROUND FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR
23
 NORTH SIDE SOUTH SIDE

SECTION - SIDE EAST

SECTION - SIDE WEST

24
 CROSS SECTIONS

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

25
 CORDECRUZ
A First Level Care Establishment

26
This small healthcare facility is located on the ground floor, prima-
rily focusing on maternity care and disease prevention, as well as
medical consultations. It does not have an emergency department.

The building is arranged to group the maternity ward on the left

side, while the central area houses spaces dedicated to medical
staff and cleaning services. On the right side, there are specialist
doctor’s offices, a laboratory, and a clinical study room. Additionally,
an auditorium is provided for disease prevention conferences.

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28
MASS PLAN
29
 SOUTH SIDE

NORTH SIDE

EAST SIDE

WEST SIDE
30
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
31
 CROSS SIDE

EAST LONGITUDINAL SECTION

WEST LONGITUDINAL SECTION

32
 VILLA
VICTORIA
This multifamily house spans four levels,
offering a total of five rooms. It includes
a garage and a staircase leading to the
main entrance, located on the first floor
within the living room. Its style is an
eclectic blend of Victorian architecture,
combining elegance and stylistic diversity.

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 NORTH SIDE

MASS PLAN
SOUTH SIDE
34
35
 GROUND FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR FOURTH FLOOR

36
WEST LONGITUDINAL SECTION

WEST LONGITUDINAL SECTION

37
 NORTH CROSS SECTION

SOUTH CROSS SECTION

38
LINE HOUSE
This private residence, rec-
tangular in shape, is on four
levels and comprises five
pieces. The common spaces
are located in three different
spaces, so that a large recrea-
tional terrace is located in the
lower level providing lumino-
sity and vitality to the property.
In addition, a light source tra-
verses all the interior spaces,
offering a natural light source
that baigne the house’s en-
semble.

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40
WEST SIDE

EAST SIDE

41
 SOUTH SIDE

NORTH SIDE

42
GROUND FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

FOURTH FLOOR

43
 SOUTH CROSS SECTION NORTH CROSS SECTION

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

44
JEAN TOWER
This ever-evolving tower has already defined its
characteristic shape. It is designed to become
a versatile building, integrating offices, resi-
dences, hotels, and entertainment venues. Em-
phasis is placed on creating recreational space
at height, with the presence of potted trees and
panoramic views from the upper floors. Addi-
tionally, the tower is clad in a mesh facade that
gives it a distinctive and original style.

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46
SIDE SECTION

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

47
 15TH FLOOR

39TH FLOOR
48
27TH FLOOR

41TH FLOOR
49
CASA YAMPARA This property has been renovated
and expanded from an obsolete
house, preserving the existing
concrete beams that have been
incorporated into the new modifi-
cations to ensure continuity and
harmony.

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51
 SOUTH SIDE NORTH SIDE

WEST SIDE

EAST SIDE

CROSS SECTION
52
- -

MASS PLAN

29.99 m

3.59 m 3.96 m 1.91 m 3.93 m 1.34 m

1.46 m
4.13 m

COCINA
GARAJE
1.4 m

PASILLO
0.29 m
12 m

PATIO TRASERO
4.42 m

SALA COMEDOR
2m

ENTRADA

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

LONGITUDINAL SECTION
53