PORTFOLIOEva Meirsschaut

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Hello, and welcome to my portfolio.

This booklet represents a selection of academic works and side projects realized in the

past 6 years. I currently live in Ghent, where I passed and completed my architectural

education at the faculty of Sint-Lucas.

The decision of becoming an architect was made quite late. Although I was confronted

with the concept of ‘home’ from an early age by moving around a lot and getting in

touch with other, mostly African cultures, I was only certain at about the age I was

ready for university. I realized that I wanted a profession where I would not merely be

part of society, but where I could also contribute something valuable. It occurred to me

that human life is to a large extent determined by architecture and vice versa, which

gives architects the privilege of having the power to change our built environment and

by that, even entire ways of living.

With this awereness in mind and stimulated by the increasing environmental problems,

I developed a particular interest for sustainable building during my study. In my opi-

nion, it is unthinkable for the modern architect to build without any attention for our

current environmental situation. By using our environment as motivation and our pri-

vileges as tools, I want to become an architect who contributes to make the world a

healthier, happier and more conscious place.

“We are all victims of the architect. Architecture is the only art you can’t help but feel.

You can avoid paintings, you can avoid music and you can even avoid history. But good

luck getting away from architecture.” - Philippe Daverio

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RESUMEpg. 6

THE FISHERS’ PORTpg. 10

HYBRID BUILDINGpg. 18

FROM BUILDING TO CITYpg. 24

WASTELANDpg. 30

SIDE PROJECTSpg. 42

ROJM EXTENDEDpg. 36

Bachelor Dissertation

Master Dissertation

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RESUME 7

Name Eva Meirsschaut

Contact +32 (0) 477 76 56 36

eva.meirsschaut@gmail.com

Address Oude Houtlei 116

9000 Gent

Date of birth 11th of August 1990

Nationality Belgian

CVBA-SO De Okelaar Wolvertem, BEArchitect assistant and construction supervisor: drawing plans, searching and comparing different materials, managing safety

and organization on the construction site, dividing and executing tasks, leading the construction team, 2013-2014.

Wibra Belgium NV Ledeberg, BECashier and shop assistant: attending the cashier, helping and serving clients, maintaining the shop, unpacking and arranging

of store products, 2011-2013.

Carrefour Belgium NV Oostakker, BECashier and shop assistant: attending the cashier, controlling the daily income, helping and serving clients, preparing and sto-

ring food products, 2010-2011.

Brasserie ‘t Stropke Ghent, BEWaitress: taking and executing orders, serving clients, maintaining the restaurant, helping in the kitchen, attending caterings,

2010.

Eet- en theehuis Molé Ghent, BEWaitress: taking and executing orders, serving clients, maintaining the restaurant, helping in the kitchen, attending caterings,

2006-2009.

Autodesk AutoCAD

Google Sketchup

Adobe Photoshop

Indesign

Illustrator

Dutch

English

French

3DSMax

Microsoft Office Word

Powerpoint

Excell

Microsoft Windows

PROFILE

WORK EXPERIENCE

COMPUTER SKILLS

LANGUAGES Italian

German

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Koninklijke Universiteit Leuven Ghent, BEDiploma: International Master of Science in Architecture, 2012 - 2014,

graduated magna cum laude

Università degli studi Roma Tre Rome, ITErasmus program, Dipartimento di Architettura, February - July 2013

Hogeschool voor Wetenschap en Kunst Ghent, BEDiploma: Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 2008 - 2012

Middelbare school Sint-Franciscus Evergem, BEDiploma: Latin and Modern Languages, 2002 - 2008

Model making

Sketching

Teamwork

VRP Afstudeerprijs 2014 Antwerp, BEWinner of the graduates of 2014 at KULeuven for best urban strategy and contestant in the competition of VRP (Vlaamse

Vereniging voor Ruimte en Planning), June - September 2014.

Building Workshop De Okelaar Wolvertem, BEResponsible for the organisation, leading and participation of a building workshop on the construction site of CVBA-SO De

Okelaar with international volunteers and architects, August 2014.

Ar. Maarten Martens: “Eva is a very motivated, conscientious and assiduous young woman. Even at this young age, she acts as

a fully fledged future architect. Especially the enthusiasm in research, design and coordination is a paragon!”

info@maartenmartens.be +32 (0) 486 69 66 08

Prof. Dr. Kris Scheerlinck: “Eva has proven to be a take-charge person who is able to successfully develop plans and implement

them: she fulfilled all the requirements in our programme and courses with success and high distinction. I feel confident that

she will continue to succeed in her future studies. It is for these reasons that I offer high recommendations for Mrs. Meirsschaut

without reservation. Her drive and abilities will truly be an asset to further projects.”

kris.scheerlinck@streetscapeterritories.com +32 (0) 483 04 77 54

Coney Island Streetscape Territories Research Project Kris Scheerlinck, 2014, pg.84-92

Scouts leader 2009-2012

Traveling

Contemporary dance

EDUCATION

SKILLS/ACTIVITIES

AWARDS/EXPERIENCES

REFERENCES

PUBLICATIONS

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THE FISHERS’ PORT Master Dissertation

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The site chosen for my master disser-

tation project was Coney Island, New

York: an intriguing urban peninsula

with a rich cultural heritage, where

many communities coexist and face ra-

ther uncertain scenarios for the future.

In this particular area , it was the pur-

pose to explore, define and develop an

urban or architectural intervention by

using the research outcomes of autono-

mous research as well as research acqui-

red in the framework of the Streetscape

Territories project. Coherence, resilien-

ce, sustainability and feasibility were

important criteria for discussion, inter-

vention and reflection.

The project is situated in Sheepshead

Bay, a community in the north-east of

the peninsula and marked by a large,

two-kilometer long bay, stretching from

west to east. Once known for its thri-

ving fishing industry, distinguishing

the community with a very strong and

particular identity, Sheepshead Bay is

today abounded by commercial super-

stores, nightclubs, business ventures

and condominium development. Also

the frequent flooding of the bay and

increasing storms stimulated the area’s

infrastructural incoherence and econo-

mic deterioration significantly.

It is the purpose of the project to sti-

mulate the slumbering fishing tradition

in Sheepshead Bay in such a way that

the existing urban environment can be

sustainably regenerated, whilst giving

protection against climatological emer-

gencies. The urban regeneration pro-

cess is started by applying an economic

network that is effective on different

scales, as it is capable of changing the

built environment not only in an econo-

mic way, but also in an infrastructural

and social way. Simultaneously, a scien-

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tific network is spread out over the acti-

vities in the economic network, passing

the knowledge that is indispensable

when it comes to the restructuring of

an entire fishing business. These inter-

ventions imply a complete rethinking

of the infrastructural fabric, in order to

improve connectivity and accessibility

to the different project functions and

inquire a substantial remodeling of the

shorelines to intensify the relationship

between the community and the water.

Built up around a strong core, repre-

sented by three architecturally detai-

led buildings collaborating to form a

well-managed small-scale network,

the urban intervention applied in

Sheepshead Bay, Coney Island, is able

to regenerate the built environment

both in an infrastructural, economic

and socio-cultural way, without having

major impacts on the existing society.

“How can an architectural intervention stimulate the slumbe-

ring fishing tradition in Sheepshead Bay in such a way that the

existing urban environment can be sustainably regenerated

and how can that intervention simultaneously give protection

against climatological emergencies?”

- research question

protecting the waterfrontspreading knowledge connecting and networking

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SMALL-SCALE NETWORK

REMODELING OF THE WATER FRONT AXONOMETRY

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SECTIONS PUBLICATION

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Sheepshead Bay

boardwalk

recreational area

urban park

coastal greenway

resilient dunescape

economic network

Su

bw

ay

sta

tio

n

Belt Parkway

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GROUND FLOOR FIRST FLOOR

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HYBRID BUILDING 19

Controversial, subjective and

sustainable. Three terms that re-

present the essence of this pro-

ject, expressed in sections. The

main function of the building,

which is shopping, is working

from a complete different angle

than the commercial colossuses

that we are used to: not a closed

cube, where money rules, but an

interesting mix between diffe-

rent identities and atmospheres,

where sustainability is the main

concern.

The program contains only a

minority of large-scale compa-

nies. A variety of small-scale

shops, bazars, vintage fairs and

second-hand markets are spread

over the whole lower building.

Mixed with offices, changing in

function and shape, the public

can experience a balanced col-

laboration between recreation

and work. At the same time,

the offices function as a subtle

buffer between the commercial

zone and the residential tower,

between public and private.

By the use of different, but sus-

tainable materials, a variety of

atmospheres and feelings exists.

On the outside of the lower buil-

ding, a recycled cladding panel

façade creates a strong and uni-

form shell. This type of material

makes a direct connection with

the important, authoritative Eu-

ropean business district at the

end of the Wetstraat and gives

the building a strong body.

Two large courtyards are inser-

ted in the volume to give light

and air to the surrounding spa-

ces, but function also to attract

the public gradually from the

Wetstraat into the core of the

building. The courtyards are

open and upgraded with trees

and a pond, and form together

with the several green roofs and

terraces a green pattern through

the whole building. To express

this even more, the facades of

the courtyards are entirely clad-

ded with wooden, randomly cut

cedar planks. This creates a stri-

king contrast between the hard,

sober outside and the soft, natu-

ral inside.

This project forms a strong

contrast with the compulsive-

ness and objectiveness of the

business life in and around the

Wetstraat. A place to rest, think,

breathe, live in an atmosphere

that feels natural and confiden-

tial, a building that represents

sustainability and the possibility

of a perfect balance between re-

creation, work and living.

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ROUTING AND STRUCTURAL GRID

MOVEMENT/URBAN VOID FUNCTIONS/CIRCULATION

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FROM BUILDING TO CITYBachelor Dissertation

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In a quiet street in the center of Ghent

there is a large, multi-purpose, tertiary

building. Within a few years, the admi-

nistrative functions that are housed in it

will move, making thousands of square

meters in a strange skin available the-

re. This existing structure denies the

however promising context, and mis-

ses the chance to offer dynamic public

spaces. Nevertheless, it is a rational ‘co-

lumn-beams’ structure with potential,

where certain existing local dynamics

can be used.

The project is intended mainly for li-

ving. Diversity in the typologies and

sizes, considered additional functions,

thoughtful amenities and pleasant pu-

blic and collective spaces must ensure

that a multicultural, transgenerational

entity can arise, that embeds itself in a

dynamic way in the neighborhood and

the city. Six housing typologies alterna-

te with each other between two layers

of multi-purpose public and collective

facilities, nurtured by green roofs and a

large multi-story common garden in the

center of the building. A large cutout

introduces the water of the Ketelvaart

into the courtyard and enhances the re-

lationship between the inhabitants and

the Ghent waterways.

The building is not necessarily active

or passive, but translates an innovative,

coherent and forward-looking position

in terms of ecology and energy. Green

roofs, separate piping systems for the

use of the nearby river water and reuse

of materials are some of the measures

taken to improve life quality inside the

community. In line with a sustainable

approach, the structure is not demolis-

hed, but is studied and understood to

function as the foundation of the ne-

wly constructed spaces around it. The

project is based on three main pillars:

public-spatial sequences in the context

of urban development, individual and

collective living and sustainability.

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1

aa

ab b

b

2

3

1

a. FAMILY HOMEmean surface: 120 m²

capacity: 5 people

b. STUDIOmean surface: 45 m²

capacity: 2 people

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a. COMMON DORMITORYmean surface: 13 m²

capacity: 1 person

b. PRIVATE DORMITORYmean surface: 22 m²

capacity: 1 person

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a. COUPLES HOUSEmean surface: 65 m²

capacity: 2 people

b. KANGAROO HOUSEmean surface: 110 m²

capacity: 4 or 5 people

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WASTELAND 31

Wasteland is about going back to basics.

Today, western man is wasting beyond

limits: from materials, food and space

to energy, water and even himself. The

project manifests the awareness of how

every human act has consequences not

only on the physical environment, but

also on the life quality of the people

around, the climate and the ethos in ge-

neral. It is only by going back to the ori-

gin of living, thereby questioning, tes-

ting and outstepping our comfort zones,

that man can control its waste behavior.

Situated on a carefully analyzed was-

teland, the project rebels against urban

sprawl, an architectural waste pheno-

menon that seems to characterize Bel-

gium. It is the perfect example of infill

development: the filling up of empty

and forgotten, but still valuable space

in a modern urban environment. The

building covers living space for 10

non-family related people, provoking

an interesting tension field between

the individual and the collective. Six

private apartments are separated by a

common living room with kitchen and

a vertical circulation core. The second

floor represents the entrance to the buil-

ding and offers a modest, public urban

function in the shape of a bicycle par-

king and a small green roof park with

view on the adjacent river.

As the project is against waste, it focu-

ses strongly on sustainability, energy

efficiency and climate neutrality, by the

usage of as many as possible recupera-

ted and natural materials and adapted

technical systems that need to decre-

ase the energy consumption to the mi-

nimum. With this carefully balanced

combination, the building is able to set

an example for new ways of living in

the dense urban environment.

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GROUND FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR IMPLANTATION

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SECTION AA’

NORTHWEST FACADE

SOUTHWEST FACADE

NORTHEAST FACADE

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ROJM EXTENDED 37

The Tinel site, situated in the north of

the city center of Mechelen, comprises

many facilities and functions. Domina-

ted by the just renovated Dossinkazer-

ne and newly constructed Holocaust-

museum by bOb Van Reeth, the 25000

m² surface currently divides different

stakeholders, but needs to be remodeled

into an overall harmonic design. Alt-

hough much of the buildings on the site

are receded to empty remnants of his-

tory, there is still a lot of activity. Youth

house ROJM (Regionaal Open Jeugd-

centrum Mechelen) and children’s or-

ganization El Kantra meet weekly to

play, educate and work. The city’s main

police station also knows its residence

on the site, as well as a number of dwel-

lings. It is for these stakeholders of great

importance that a convenient balance

between private, public and collective

is created in the new urban master plan.

The project proposes a collision of the

two youth organizations and 23 dwel-

lings of various types and sizes, clus-

tered around a large, common garden.

The positioning of the different func-

tions brings the social surveillance to

a maximum and becomes even more

interesting by introducing the concept

of outsourcing: planting collective func-

tions between the private parts of the

building to be used by all stakeholders

on the site, connecting people of diffe-

rent levels through architecture.

The rest of the master plan is built up

around one main line that is sliding

through the area from west to east, gui-

ding the inhabitants and visitors from

function to function. Together with the

main project building, it forms an invi-

ting site where the city’s visitors as well

as the different stakeholders can coexist

in harmony.

SITUATION_CITY

SITUATION_NEIGHBORHOOD

SITE PLAN AND SECTION

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FUNCTIONS

PROGRAM

ZONING

LAYERS

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FIRST FLOOR

SECTION AA’

A

B

B’

A’

SECT

ION

BB’

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SIDE PROJECTS 43

BUILDING WORKSHOP DE OKELAARAugust 04 - August 29 2014

The housing and work community De Okelaar is a co-housing project with 18 housing units, implemented in the buildings of an old monas-

tery and school in the small village of Wolvertem, Meise, Belgium. The target groups of the project are singles, couples and families of all

ages, who will be living individually in their own private unit, but will also be contributing to the concept of a community through common

spaces and activities. In summer 2014, I was asked by my uncle, who is the owner of the property, to organize and lead two building camps

on the construction site. Two groups of about 15 students, young architects and sympathizers came from all over Europe to help out with the

first phase of the project’s transformation: the demolition works. Being very instructive, fun and architecturally challenging, I consider this

experience as the beginning of my practical knowledge on the construction site.

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WORKSHOP DESIGNING THE MULTI-SENSORIAL CITY November 12 - November 16 2009

During my first master year I participated in a workshop that focused on social sustainability and universal design. Key questions such as

ageing and handicap were investigated from the viewpoint of architectural design. The workshop treated the protracted discussion about the

planned urban adaptations of Ghent’s Dampoort station and close environment, for which two universal design tools were used: aware-

ness training, based on bibliographical study and on-site analysis, and learning from practice by a post-occupancy evaluation. At first, the

area was carefully analyzed in collaboration with a group of visually, mentally and auditory impaired people, as well as wheelchair users.

In the course of the week, we developed in group a new design for the train station and traffic situation with special attention for the user

friendliness and daily challenges of the disabled among us. Finally, each group delivered its proposal to the target group by a tactile model,

complete with information in braille, and a digital presentation. This workshop really opened my eyes about how disabled people experi-

ence the architectural world around us. It became a great motivation for more thorough research about universal design and was used as an

inspiration source for some designs in my further study.

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(GRAPHICAL) VISUALIZATIONSSkecthing, rendering and artworks

As a child, I’ve always liked to draw and tinker a lot. Those two skills turned out to be very convenient during my architectural training. Alt-

hough we live in a world where almost everything is digitalized, I am still convinced that an architect needs to know how to put something

on paper with his own hand. For me, drawing became a tool to understand and feel space. On that account, it became a whole new challenge

to express the ambience of an image digitally, by learning the use of new drawing and render programs. In addition, students were encou-

raged to integrate their designs into artworks and vice versa, in order to learn how it is sometimes necessary to ‘think outside the box’ and to

become familiar with the idea of designing a physical object in space. For more documentation about my works, feel free to contact me.

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Eva Meirsschaut +32 (0) 477 76 56 36 eva.meirsschaut@gmail.com