Charles Matz is a registered architect, principal and executive producer. He is the President of CHARLESMATZ, Architecture, Design, Project Management, Media – Charles Matz Architect, Professional Corporation. The company offers expertise in Architecture, Design, Visual Identity, Media Production and Project Management for large, complex, retail prototyping, exhibit, fine art, installation, tour, interiors and new hospitality, private club and University building projects. Strategic Brand Management, Art Direction and Design for Industries and Companies servicing the Architecture, Engineering, Design, and Construction fields.

Why did you choose The Cooper Union?
My aunt attended the school in the 1940’s, my sister and I followed in her footsteps to participate in one of the most exulted pedagogical experiences available.

How did your time at Cooper influenced your career path as an architect?
The instructors and fellow classmates I came in contact with showed me a world of imagination, depth of thinking and love of craft that has stayed with me since graduation; as an architect, builder and motion picture professional who can ply in multiple creative spheres.

What are some of your recent projects?
The Musée du Louvre external pavilion gallery – Jardin des Tuileries, the production and filming of symphonic concerts in Paris, The Venice Biennale – exhibit design, The master planning of the Princeton University Club of New York, a documentary film for theatrical and network distribution about photography, The LIDAR and scanning documentary project for the medieval gates and city of Harrar Ethiopia, for the Harari State.

LIDAR Image

What is LIDAR?
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a form of 3D point cloud mapping that utilizes an optical remote sensing technology that illuminates a target with laser light and is able to measure the distance to and other properties of  the target by analyzing the back scattered light cast by the laser.

The goal/purpose of the 3D laser scanning for our use, includes: the capture and use of scanning data as a new, standard surveying method. The development of standard as-built survey documentation from this data for restoration and communication between disciplines of restoration, construction or fabrication; the development of high fidelity color calibrated archival quality data sets and data preparation and visualization; and lastly, the integration of the specific new media with the complex realm of cultural  production which surrounds art and architecture.

The symphonic concert produced for the “Through my Window” exhibition.

What upcoming projects are you working on?
An exhibition and concert series at Versailles Palace, and Palazzo Reale in Milan, the land development of a village in southern France, the launch of an interactive data visualization website, the LIDAR Scanning and High Definition Leica camera documentation in partnership with CyArk of the Grande Scuola San Rocco and the Tintoretto suites within the building.

Are there any other Cooper architects who have influenced your career?
I was especially influenced by John Hejduk and his interest in exploration and seeing newness and interest in all things- sophisticated or banal. In addition, Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio showed tremendous patience in their approach to teaching. It meant a lot to me and gave me a state of mind to explore things more fully in design and the ability to see the world in a different way.

How do you stay connected to The Cooper Union?
I give back to the school financially and have worked on several local and international projects with fellow alumni such as Jonathan Dillon, who has participated in the “Through My Window” photography exhibition which shown at the Louvre as well as the LIDAR scanning projects.

An image on one of two oval galleries of the external pavilion Matz designed at the Musee du Louvre in the Jardin des Tuileries. The exhibition featured the work of Korean photographer Ahae and was called “Through my Window”