Architecture competition "Iceland Northern Lights Rooms" 2nd prize winners - Francois Bodlet

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winners of the 2nd prize of our “Iceland Northern Lights Rooms” competition - Francois Bodlet from Belgium!

Francois Bodlet from Belgium

Graduate of a Master’s in Architecture in Brussels, I first worked as an intern/ apprenticeship in architecture for 2 years in Belgium before moving to Montreal (Canada) in 2010.

I worked several years with young Montreal teams as a project manager.

Since 2016, I have been involved in several residential projects as a freelance collaborator with architect Jean Verville. All these projects were of exceptional and high value. At the same time I work on various personal mandates in architecture while combining competitions in architecture (RFI/RFP).

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where company/ individuals have been involved?

Since my arrival in Canada, I have worked mainly in Montreal on renovations and expansions in the residential sector.

Montreal's urban heritage is bursting with inexhaustible potential for rethinking, and over the last five years I have developed highly specialized expertise in interior design.

Recently, I have been looking for more personal mandates and international projects of a larger scale. Here is a short list of the projects where i have been involved with:

2014_maison percee_appareil architecture_project manager

2014_maison metre cube_appareil architecture_ project manager

2015_maison arbalete _appareil architecture_ project manager

2017_IN2_jean verville architecte_collaborator

2017_IN3_jean verville architecte_collaborator

2017_Plus petit que_jean verville architecte_collaborator

2018_NMBHD Triplex Rosemont_jean verville architecte_collaborator

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture for me is a concrete way of telling a story to an unknown little or no verbal interaction. The role of the architect is to dream, think, and draw the world of tomorrow.

To achieve this, he must first understand all the architectural program as well as the real needs of the client, design functional spaces and ensure a full-fledged execution of the construction including the very small details.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

I participate in this type of competition because the architectural program and the location is unique. The challenge to be met is even bigger when you know that there are many young talents who participate. Moreover, it goes about a competition that enjoys great international visibility.

Beyond all this, the personal challenge is to excel while having fun.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture vision competitions?

Choose a competition theme that is close to your heart, get off the beaten track and most importantly, enjoy.