Johny Vincent · Architect (D.P.L.G.)
My identity is creole. My home is the creation process. Creare: to create, to create oneself.
Architectural approach
To create is an act that calls for reflection and humility.
To promote architecture and urban planning through a socio-anthropological approach that respects the environment.
I structure my work around the particularities of each project, working with independent professionals (cost consultants, site supervisors, visualization artists, etc.). Given the applicable requirements and opportunities, my approach rests on a few key ideas.
- 01
Integration with the site
No building stands alone; it is always perceived in relation to its urban and landscape context, whether in harmony or in contrast. A thorough analysis of the place, its potential, its stakes and its constraints is an unavoidable stage of the work.
- 02
Environment
Beyond regulatory requirements, our time calls for innovation in urban structures, architectural forms and technical means. This research improves how buildings fit into their environment and helps preserve natural spaces and energy resources. A sustainable development approach is systematically required.
- 03
Contemporary identity
A building should reflect its time. Sometimes a project requires reusing existing proportions and compositional themes, but we reject pastiche of old architectural elements and look instead for an expression based on volume and geometric forms, colour and light, materials and their constructional technicality.
- 04
Aesthetics and technique
Architecture and engineering are too often seen as opposites. Yet beauty and technical intelligence are not opposed. Architecture should bring these aspects together.
Professional background
Johny Vincent studied and completed his architecture degree at the École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris La Villette (ENSAPLV) in France. He became a D.P.L.G. architect in June 1995.
His professional experience includes practising in Paris, in the studios of Paul Andreu, Roland Castro and Jean-Marie Carpentier, on projects of international calibre.
Working in turn as architectural designer, project manager and collaborator, he has contributed to institutional, industrial, commercial and residential projects, in both the public and private sectors. Johny Vincent architecte, Nomade Architecture, André Ibghy architecte, Michel-Ange Panzini architecte, JLP architectes and Parizeau Pawulski architectes are among the teams he joined to manage hospital, library, hotel and large-scale residential projects.
He has held leading and supporting roles alongside other firms in the design of complex, large-scale projects.
Drawing on long experience, Johny Vincent values the integration of new technologies and keeps a close watch on costs. With his international experience, he intends to put solid expertise to work to meet all of his clients’ needs.
My journey
Roots
My ancestors’ lives were woven into the fabric of Martinique (called Madinina by my compatriots in the French West Indies). They were not Gauls as I was taught in elementary school, but Senegalese and Indian. My grandmother on my father’s side was from Pondicherry in southeast India. My grandfather was descended from freed Senegalese slaves.
I lived in the city of Schœlcher, Martinique, then Bobigny (the “nine three”), before moving to Paris (France) and Montreal (Canada).
Forever creating
Inventing is a calling that I embraced from a very young age. To deconstruct in order to be able to re/create something better. My goal is metamorphosis.
The sources of my creative work
My sources of inspiration lie in nature, history, art, spirituality in a broad sense and the universe, but also my deepest intuition.
Biomimicry is an endless wellspring of inspiration. Watch an anthill and learn. Look beneath a water lily leaf and find guidance. For me, jazz evokes fluidity, breaks, pain, death, thinking, joy, life, elevation and spirituality.
Act in your place, think with the world.
Édouard Glissant
Education
- 1990–1995École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris La Villette
Paris, France · Master of Architecture · D.P.L.G. architect (June 1995) - 1988–1990Lycée général et technologique Jacquard
Paris, France · Baccalaureate in Architecture Assistantship - 1985–1988Lycée Claude Nicolas Ledoux
Pavillons-sous-Bois, France · Vocational teaching certificate in civil engineering
Professional affiliation
Ordre des architectes du Québec