“The invisible” is not a void, but a presence—a force that stirs beneath the surface of architecture, shaping spaces that provoke thought, evoke emotions, and connect us to something greater than ourselves.
Through my designs, I seek to foster this dialogue by embracing the interplay of light, shadow, and nature. I craft spaces that encourage self-reflection, emotional resonance, and a deeper connection with the world around us. Natural elements—light, water, vegetation, and the rhythms of the environment— become collaborators in my creative process, breathing life into the forms and layouts I conceive.
Architecture, to me, is a vessel for the unseen. It is an opportunity to connect with our inner selves, to feel, to pause, and to discover beauty in the quiet moments where space and spirit meet.
GUSTAVO CORSINI
CURRICULUM
EDUCATION
JUNE 2014 - 2018
AUGUST 2018 - 2022
AUGUST 2022 - CURRENTLY
COMPUTER SKILLS
Ronald Reagan Doral Senior High School High School Diploma
Miami Dade College
Associate Degree
Florida International University Master in Architecture
MS Office Word | Powerpoint | Excel
Adobe CC
Photoshop | InDesign | Illustrator
LANGUAGES
Spanish
English
COMPETITIONS
Dunya | 2022
Almas | 2023
First Language
Advanced
Sustainable Hospitality Challenge
Abu Dhabi 2nd Place
Sustainable Hospitality Challenge
Amsterdam 6th Place
AWARDS
Dean List | GPA 3.5 or Higher | Florida International University
National Honor Societies
Spring 2024
Fall 2023
Summer 2023
Spring 2023
National Art Honor Society - 2018
Sigma Xi Chapter Tau Sigma Delta National Honor Society for Architecture and the Allied Arts - April 26, 2024
PROFESSORS
Prof. Fernando Herrera
CLASS
Design 9
how these contrasting elements shape human experience. The project is deeply rooted in the belief that nature has a profound impact on our emotional and psychological well-being. The design challenges conventional notions of sustainability and aesthetics by creating two distinct sides of a building: one that celebrates life through lush, vibrant vegetation, and another that presents a stark, minimalist facade, evoking a sense of emotional emptiness.
The left side of the building is filled with dense greenery that cascades over the facade, representing vitality, growth, and harmony with the environment. It is designed to engage with nature both visually and functionally. On the other hand, the right side embraces minimalism, using industrial materials and a void that contrasts sharply with the living side, symbolizing disconnection and loss. The juxtaposition is intended to provoke reflection on the consequences of neglecting nature and the emotional toll of built environments disconnected from the natural world.
FACULTY
Florida International University
polyhedron—a dynamic geometric shape that animates based on environmental changes. Through rotational and transformative movements, the polyhedron evolves, symbolizing the cyclical rhythms of nature. This facade system integrates rainwater harvesting, which feeds into an irrigation system to nurture the vegetation while reducing runoff and preventing flooding. It also employs greywater recycling, which reduces the building’s environmental impact and underscores the potential for architecture to serve as both aesthetic and functional infrastructure.
The project also features permeable pavement along the sidewalks, where water can flow naturally through the surface, mirroring the narrative of abundance and scarcity. The design encourages the public to reflect on the essential role of nature in fostering healthier and more resilient communities, demonstrating how architecture can connect us more deeply with our environment.
1/8” AIR/MOISTURE/VAPOR BARRIER
2” INSULATION
1/4” SHEATING EXTERIOR
1/8” WATER RESITANT BARRIER
SELF FURRING LATH
1/4” SCRATCH COAT WITH LATH EMBEDDED FINISH STUCCO
STEEL DECK
1/2” PLASTERBOARD (x2) RESILIENT BAR 1’ STEEL JOIST
6’ 3/4” CONCRETE WALL
1/2” PLASTERBOARD
TANK 130,000 gal
SWALES (x2)
Geometry
Schönhardt Polyhedron
Multiplication and Rotation
Facade
and Green Walls
MAINSTRUCTURE FRAMETOSLAB
BIOTILESTOFRAME
A facade system that collects rainwater through integrated channels that direct it to storage reservoirs for irrigation. This system prevents flooding by controlling runoff and directing excess water to permeable pavement, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Showcasing Permeable Sidewalk
“Where life flourishes, and
where it is starkly absent.”
Perspective
Abundance of Vegetation
Elevation Front
MAISON DES CERCLES
PROFESSORS
Prof. Juan Contin
CLASS Design 6
“Maison Des Cercles” is a design that takes inspiration from the powerful symbolism of circles, which represent unity, wholeness, and interconnectedness. This residential design explores the concept of spaces that are fluid, open, and adaptive, creating an environment where residents can cultivate a deeper connection to both their home and their surroundings. The circular form of the building breaks down the traditional barriers of rigid architecture, offering a continuous flow between the interior and exterior. The layout emphasizes openness and communal spaces, allowing for social interaction while maintaining privacy and a sense of belonging within the home.
The central courtyard, a defining feature of the design, serves as the heart of the home. It functions as a flexible gathering space for the family and as a visual anchor within the house. This courtyard fosters a deeper connection to nature, inviting light and fresh air into the heart of the building while creating an
FACULTY
Florida International University School of Architecure
organic flow of movement throughout the home. The seamless connection between the interior and exterior reflects a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape, further enhanced by a green roof and living walls, which integrate vegetation directly into the design.
The project also incorporates sustainable practices, such as natural ventilation, passive solar heating, and rainwater collection, which reduce the building’s carbon footprint. The use of locally sourced, natural materials, like timber and stone, allows the house to blend effortlessly into its natural surroundings while also celebrating the cultural significance of these materials in the context of regional architecture. “Maison Des Cercles” is not only a home but a symbol of balance, continuity, and respect for the natural world, where architecture becomes a tool for spiritual and emotional well-being.
Perspective Coffee Shop
ROOF DRAINAGE
CAP STONE COPING
THROUGH WALL FLASHING
COMPOSITE STEEL DECK
DEEP STEEL JOIST
2X2 DROP WOOD HANGING CEILING
10” CONCRE TE WALL
2” GLASS PANEL STANDARD SIZE BRICK
1” SCREED WOOD FLOOR
1/2 HEATED FLOOR PIPE
1-1/2” INSULATION
4” CONCRE TE SLAB
2” INSULATION
1” AIR GAP
0.5” PLY WOOD EXTERIOR
WINDOW STEEL FRAMING
8” X 10” AIR DUCT
2” DIAME TER STEEL
WATERPROOFING
CONCRETE FOUNDATION
1” GLASS PANEL
FINE GRAVEL CONCRETE FOOTING
DRAINAGE PIPE
COMPAC TED GRAVEL
In “Mansion Des Cercles” the interplay of light and shadow becomes a captivating dance, casting intricate patterns that shift throughout the day. This cascade of light transforms the space into a meditative sanctuary, evoking the serenity of nature’s rhythms. The movement of shadows mirrors the passing of time, offering visitors a moment of introspection and connection with their surroundings. By framing light as both a material and an experience, the design celebrates the profound beauty of nature while creating a tranquil, reflective atmosphere.
MOVABLE CANVAS
PROFESSORS
FACULTY
Florida International University School of Architecure CLASS Design 7
“Movable Canvas” represents a bold exploration of architectural flexibility, highlighting the importance of spaces that can evolve in response to changing needs. This design focuses on adaptability, with a series of movable walls and partitions that allow the building’s layout to shift and transform. This dynamic approach to space allows the structure to be both a gallery, a performance space, and a private residence depending on the needs of its users. The notion of a “movable canvas” extends beyond the physical realm, suggesting a space that can be continuously redefined, much like an artist’s canvas that shifts over time.
The design integrates sustainable features like natural ventilation, passive heating, and energy-efficient systems, minimizing its ecological footprint while promoting environmental stewardship. The materials selected for the
IN
project, including wood and steel, are both durable and low-impact, designed to last while offering flexibility in their use. Solar panels are incorporated into the roof to generate renewable energy, and rainwater is captured to irrigate the green areas surrounding the building.
In this project, adaptability becomes a reflection of nature’s inherent flexibility, allowing the structure to respond and grow with its inhabitants. The building’s flexible layout not only facilitates human interaction but also promotes an ongoing relationship with the natural environment, reinforcing the idea that design can be both functional and responsive to its surroundings.
COLLABORATION WITH Tania Powers - Architecture Student
Prof. Luis Pacheco
“Movable Canvas” is a modular, adaptive structure that merges art, culture, and sustainability in Miami Beach. Serving as a blank canvas for artists, it provides a dynamic space to showcase local and global talent, enriching the city’s vibrant cultural scene. By allowing artwork to be moved or sold, the project fosters creativity while enhancing community engagement.
Built from recycled, eco-friendly materials, Movable Canvas exemplifies sustainable design. Its lightweight, easy-to-assemble structure minimizes environmental impact and supports adaptability, ensuring its longevity and reuse. The project embodies a visionary approach, blending cultural innovation with environmental responsibility, offering a platform where art and architecture converge to inspire and sustain.
LITTLE BAHAMAS CITY HALL
PROFESSORS
Prof. Cynthia Ottchen
CLASS Design 5
“Little Bahamas City Hall” is an architectural tribute to the rich cultural heritage and environmental conditions of the Bahamas. This civic building is deeply influenced by local architectural traditions and the natural environment of the islands, including the winds, sun, and tropical landscape. The design seeks to create a building that is both iconic and deeply connected to the community it serves. The form of the building is inspired by the natural elements that shape the region, including the wind patterns that influence the building’s orientation and the relationship between light and shadow that defines its exterior.
The City Hall incorporates sustainable design strategies to address the region’s climate, such as passive cooling, cross ventilation, and the use of local, climate-appropriate materials like timber and stone. The open, airy design promotes social interaction and a sense of community, while the large public spaces—such as the central
FACULTY
Florida International University School of Architecure
courtyard and outdoor terraces—create opportunities for citizens to gather, share experiences, and connect.
In addition to celebrating cultural heritage, the building also contributes to environmental sustainability. The integration of rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels demonstrates a commitment to reducing the city’s ecological footprint, while the use of natural materials ensures the building is deeply embedded in its cultural and environmental context. “Little Bahamas City Hall” embodies the principles of sustainability, community, and cultural identity, offering a model for how architecture can engage with both people and place in meaningful ways.
“The Grand Stair” in the Little Bahamas City Hall stands as a powerful centerpiece, embodying movement and connection. More than a passage for people, it becomes a conduit for light, circulating natural illumination throughout the space and enhancing the building’s openness. The cascading design invites visitors to ascend in harmony with the light that filters down, creating a dynamic interplay between architecture and nature. This impressive integration of light transforms the stair into a vibrant artery of the building, symbolizing the seamless flow of community, energy, and life.
Elevation Back
Elevation
Section Cut Long
EOLO PAVILLION
PROFESSORS
Prof. Abraham Alucio
CLASS Design 4
Eolo Pavilion is an architectural exploration of the relationship between the built environment and the forces of nature, particularly the elements of air, wind, and light. Named after the Greek god of winds, the pavilion is designed to evoke a sense of fluidity and dynamism, as the building interacts with its surrounding environment. The pavilion’s lightweight, translucent structure is carefully oriented to capture the changing conditions of light and air, creating a space that feels alive and constantly evolving.
The use of materials such as glass, steel, and lightweight fabrics allows the pavilion to be both airy and energyefficient, with a design that minimizes heat gain while maximizing natural ventilation. The building’s form responds to its location and climatic conditions, orienting itself to the prevailing winds and sun angles, thus reducing energy consumption and optimizing comfort for its occupants. Solar panels on the roof contribute to the building’s energy needs, making the pavilion a sustainable model of design that respects and interacts with nature.
FACULTY
Miami Dade College
Eolo Pavilion also emphasizes the importance of movement and light in creating spatial experiences. The pavilion’s open, flexible layout allows for multiple uses, from temporary exhibitions to social gatherings, offering an adaptable space that connects people with the elements. Through its design, the pavilion fosters a deeper understanding of how architecture can adapt to and enhance natural conditions, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world.
Furthermore, the pavilion’s design actively incorporates the surrounding landscape, allowing the environment to permeate the space through large openings, creating seamless transitions between interior and exterior. Its strategic placement within the site amplifies the wind’s movement, with the structure’s form guiding air flows into the pavilion, turning the elements into a living part of the architectural experience. This immersive interaction with nature is not only a testament to the building’s adaptive design but also reinforces the concept of architecture as a facilitator for human connection to the natural world.
Elevation Front and Back
Elevation
“Eolo” embodies the delicate balance between architecture and nature, with its soft curves and lightweight, translucent design mirroring the fragility of the natural world. Its interaction with air, light, and wind showcases the ever-changing beauty of these elements, reminding us of their fleeting yet vital presence. This fragility underscores the importance of preserving and admiring nature, as the pavilion serves as both a shelter and a tribute to the forces that sustain life. It calls on visitors to reflect on their responsibility to protect the environment, emphasizing that, like the pavilion, nature’s beauty and vitality depend on our care and respect.
DUNYA
IN COLLABORATION WITH Sharron Vanessa - Hospitality Management Student
“Dunya” is a cultural and architectural exploration that seeks to merge art, spirituality, and environmental consciousness. Located in a tranquil natural setting, the project aims to create a sanctuary that fosters peace and introspection, promoting the idea that architecture can be a conduit for both personal and collective transformation. The name “Dunya,” which means “world” in Arabic, reflects the project’s philosophical approach—blending the human experience with the broader context of the world around us.
The design of Dunya revolves around the idea of creating spaces that resonate with the human spirit. It features a series of interconnected, sculptural forms that evoke a sense of movement, fluidity, and harmony with the environment. The structure is designed to interact with the landscape, using organic shapes and materials that mimic the natural world. Curved walls, large open spaces, and strategically placed windows offer unobstructed views of the surrounding nature, bringing the outside world into every room.
FACULTY
Florida International University School of Architecure Swiss Hotel Management School
Sustainability is a core principle of the project. The use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, as well as passive heating and cooling systems, ensures that the building has minimal environmental impact. Natural materials like wood and stone are used throughout the construction, grounding the project in its surroundings and creating a sense of timelessness. Water management systems are integrated to conserve resources, using collected rainwater for irrigation and non-potable purposes.
Dunya’s cultural significance lies in its exploration of architecture as a tool for spiritual connection. The design creates a contemplative space where individuals can reconnect with themselves, nature, and the world at large. It serves as a reminder of the importance of slowing down, reflecting, and understanding the balance between the human experience and the environment. Through its careful design, Dunya exemplifies how architecture can nurture the soul while fostering a deep respect for the natural world.
ALMAS
IN COLLABORATION WITH Nicolas Calvo - Hospitality Management Student
Almas is a design focused on creating spaces that foster emotional connection and spiritual resonance. The building features expansive glass walls that open the interior to natural light, allowing for an unbroken connection to the surrounding landscape. The transparent facade invites the outdoors in, creating a sense of openness and vulnerability. The space is designed to encourage reflection, introspection, and personal connection, making it an ideal setting for meditation, mindfulness, or spiritual gatherings.
Sustainability is a key feature of the design, with solar panels, rainwater collection, and natural cooling systems incorporated into the building’s fabric. The minimalist approach, with simple, natural materials such as wood and stone, allows the beauty of the landscape and the changing light to take center stage. The focus is on creating a sense of peace and tranquility, offering a retreat from the chaos of the world.
FACULTY
Florida International University School of Architecure
Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
“Almas” aims to create a sanctuary where individuals can reflect on their lives and their place within the broader context of the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of stillness, balance, and connection to nature in the pursuit of emotional and spiritual well-being.
The design also emphasizes the integration of nature into daily life. Almas features an innovative carbon-capture facade, which collects carbon dioxide from the air and repurposes it into diamonds, combining sustainability with a sense of tangible impact. This unique approach not only contributes to the environmental health of the region but also creates a cultural experience for visitors. The diamonds produced symbolize both the transformative power of nature and the connection between the building, its occupants, and the planet. By blending cutting-edge technology with a deeply spiritual and ecological design, Almas fosters a holistic approach to both personal reflection and environmental responsibility.
PANORAMA
PROFESSORS
Prof. Fernando Herrera
CLASS
Design 9
“Panorama” is a design that pushes the boundaries of architecture by embracing the concept of a 360-degree view and the seamless integration of space with the environment. This project centers around creating an immersive experience where occupants are continuously connected to their surroundings, elevating the relationship between architecture, nature, and the people who inhabit it. The building’s form is inspired by the natural landscape, with curves that echo the organic shapes found in the topography of the site, blurring the lines between structure and environment.
The central design principle of the project is the uninterrupted panoramic view, which permeates throughout the structure. The building features large glass facades and terraces that open up to expansive views of the surrounding landscape, ensuring that the natural world remains an integral part of the experience. The spaces within the building are organized around this central concept, creating a sense of openness and flow that encourages connection, exploration, and interaction with both the interior and the outdoors. Each room, whether it is for living, working, or leisure, is carefully oriented to maximize the exposure to the natural elements,
FACULTY
Florida International University School of Architecure
drawing in sunlight, fresh air, and stunning vistas.
From a sustainability standpoint, “Panorama” incorporates a range of environmentally conscious design strategies. Solar panels cover the rooftop, harnessing the energy of the sun to power the building’s needs. The design includes rainwater collection systems to ensure efficient water use, alongside energy-efficient insulation and passive cooling techniques. Additionally, the building’s materials are chosen to complement its surroundings, with the use of locally sourced wood and stone, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint while enhancing the building’s connection to the land.
The cultural importance of this project lies in its ability to create a modern structure that responds to the natural world while respecting the local traditions of building with the land. “Panorama” also serves as a reminder of the role architecture plays in fostering a sense of belonging and well-being. By emphasizing transparency, fluidity, and harmony with nature, the design challenges the conventional use of architecture to separate people from their environment and instead embraces the idea of an ever-present connection with the world around us.
“Panorama” The existing tree at the center of “Panorama” serves as the heart of the project, symbolizing resilience, growth, and the enduring connection between humanity and nature. By preserving this tree, the design honors the natural landscape, creating a sense of continuity and respect for the environment. Encased within the courtyard’s glass walls, the tree becomes a living centerpiece that interacts with the architecture, offering visitors a moment of introspection and grounding. It stands as a quiet reminder of life’s cycles and invites a deeper connection to both the natural world and one’s inner self.
“Panorama” embodies the harmony between architecture, nature, and personal reflection. Its design revolves around a central horizontal “egg” shape that anchors the structure, creating a balance between form and function. The most striking feature is the vast, beach-facing window, which frames the horizon and transforms the interior into a living canvas, capturing the dynamic interplay of light and color throughout the day. This window is not merely an aesthetic element but a meditative focal point that invites occupants to connect with the natural world, inspiring mindfulness and a deeper appreciation of life’s vastness.
The design respects its natural surroundings, preserving an existing tree at the center of the house. Enclosed by a tall, curtain-walled courtyard, this tree serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty. The house’s exterior is clad with carefully spaced louvers, which echo the cultural patterns of Santa Monica’s iconic pier intersection. These louvers interact with sunlight, creating ever-changing patterns of light and shadow that enhance the building’s identity.
“Panorama” is more than a home; it’s a sanctuary that bridges the external beauty of nature with the internal need for peace and self-awareness.
Isometric View Street View
Isometric View Beach View
Perspective
Front Elevation
ARTISTIC EXPLORATION
PAINTING, SKETCHING, AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Drawing Ink on Paper
Drawing Ink on Paper
Painting
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Painting
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Painting
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Painting
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Photograph
Urban Exploration
Photograph Urban Exploration
Photograph
Urban Exploration
Photograph
Urban Exploration
Photograph Urban Exploration
Photograph Urban Exploration
Monuments of Uruguay
Sketch
Monuments of Uruguay Reimagined
Sketch
Corsini | Florida International University
Master of Architecture (M.Arch) | Master Thesis Student | Fall 2024
