MARÍA JOSÉ GAITÁN
MARÍA JOSÉ GAITÁN
PROFILE
Graduated architect with eight years of experience in architectural design across various sectors, including housing, education, urban planning, hospitality, and retail. Currently working as an architectural planner for CUMBRA on the New Jorge Chávez International Airport project.
Creative, proactive, responsible, and organized, I am eager to continue expanding my knowledge. I believe that collaborative teamwork, where everyone’s strengths are recognized and valued, is the key to success.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2024 - Present 2020 - Present
2022 - 2023
CUMBRA | Architecture planner
María José Gaitán | Project developing, 3d visualization
DLM Architects | Hospitality, retail, housing. Homogéneos | Urbanism, housing, landscaping, investigation.
Marina Vella Architects | Landscaping, housing, urbanism, investigation.
PlayTec | Education, virtual reality.
K+M Architecture and urbanism | Housing
Gonzalez Moix Architects | Housing, cultural Municipalidad de Cajamarca | Urbanism
EDUCATION AND FORMATION
Specialization | BIM modelling specialist | ITCad
Graduated architect | Thesis | FAU - URP | “Excellent” grade Course | Enscape | Render Group Course | Lumion for interiors | Angular Lab Course | Rhinoceros 1 | CrimsonLab Course | Tangible Things | Harvard University | edX Architecture bachelor | FAU - URP | Perú 2023
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
CasaCor | Samsung Loft, by Cesar Lee and DLM Arquitectos.
Paralelos + Homogéneos | Barranco Open Studios + Jose Luis Casanova, Jeniffer Rijalba, Oscar Bejarano.
José Álvarez Calderón | Exhibition
Collaboration with investigation
Adelaide Community hub | Contest + Brandon Andía y Daniel Espezúa
Exhibición anual del taller XV | Exhibition
INDEX
RESEARCH CENTER AND SITE MUSEUM FOR SAN LORENZO ISLAND
GRADUATION THESIS | Callao, Lima | URP | 2022
ENTRECOPAS HOUSE BUILTED AND PUBLISHED | Santa Rosa, Lima | Marina Vella Architects | 2020 1 2 3 4 5
RAW PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & COORDINATION | Lima | DLM Architects | 2023
HIGH PERFORMANCE SCHOOL
ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL | San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima | IX Semester FAU URP | 2016
FE Y ALEGRÍA 3 SCHOOL
MASTER PLAN PROPOSAL & ARCHITECTURE | San Juan de Miraflores, Lima | Playtec | 2019
RESEARCH CENTER AND SITE MUSEUM FOR SAN LORENZO
GRADUATION THESIS CALLAO (2022)
DESIGN
MARÍA JOSÉ GAITÁN
MIGUEL ANGEL RONCEROS
AREA
1.5 HA
MONOGRAPH
https://repositorio.urp.edu.pe/ handle/20.500.14138/5862
San Lorenzo Island, off the coast of Callao, is a significant landmark in Lima with historical, geographical, and natural value. Despite its importance, it remains largely disconnected from the national identity due to the lack of infrastructure for access, research, and heritage promotion.
Through a detailed study of the island’s characteristics and local surveys, the building type, architectural program, and site location were carefully chosen. The resulting design includes a research center and museum, dedicated to cultural and educational activities that highlight and preserve San Lorenzo’s heritage.
San Lorenzo Island, like many other sites in Peru, remains underexplored and unprotected, despite its potential. This project aims to rethink how Peruvians connect with and interpret their cultural heritage for future generations.
CULTURAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT LOCATION NAVAL BASE
CULTURAL PROPOSAL
NATURAL GEOPRAPHIC FORM EL CAMOTAL
MONUMENTAL CALLAO PROJECT’S DOCK NAVAL MUSEUM
REAL FELIPE FORTRESS
San Lorenzo is the largest island in Peru, located 4.5 kilometers off the coast of Callao. Mapi Fortunic, the island’s leading researcher, divided it into four sectors based on the elevation of its natural hills. Each sector possesses unique characteristics that contribute to the island’s heritage. Any intervention without thorough study could disrupt the fragile ecosystem that currently sustains the island. The master plan proposal aims to establish a connection between Callao’s cultural heritage and the island, enabling people to explore and appreciate its distinctive characteristics.
DUNES
NATURAL SHELL DEPOSIT
CURRENT HUMAN OCUPATION
PENGUINS COLONY
COLONIAL CEMETERY
PREHISPANIC CEMETERY
SEA BIRDS COLONY
AND
66% AERIAL AND TERRESTRIAL. 34% MARINE
A SMALL COLONY OF HUMBOLDT PENGUINS INHABIT THE ISLAND
ONLY ISLAND IN PERU WERE HILLS VEGETATION GROW NATURALLY
10 BURIALS FROM ICHMA AND INCA CULTURE.
QUARANTINE SPACE FOR 8 DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES. QUARRY WORKS
LAST PRISONER IN 1992. CURRENTLY A NAVAL BASE
MORRO SOLAR FORMATION. DIVIDED IN THREE HIGHS.
IDEAL FOR SEISMOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY STUDIES
INVALUABLE MORPHOLOGY FOR ECONATURAL TURISM
SAN LORENZO’S KNOLLS CAVES
Given the extensive potential for research and investigation that could influence Lima and Peru’s society and culture, the project proposes the development of a research center and an on-site museum.
After analyzing the island, the decision was made to select a site with existing human occupation, located near the naval base but positioned in a way that avoids direct interaction with its facilities. An architectural barrier was designed to separate the project from the base, ensuring a distinct visitor experience.
The museum and research center will focus on three key disciplines, with facilities tailored to meet the specific needs of the target audience.
STARTING POINT
land and project’s shadow positioning of public and open spaces three volumes for three investigation fields.
three volumes for three exhibition museums final form conection between museums and research centers
INVESTIGATION VOLUMES (investigators only)
Three volumes are designated for biological, historical, and geological research, providing accommodation for researchers. They are connected through a central library and public spaces.
MUSEUM VOLUMES (visitors)
The museum volumes are interconnected by bridges and corridors, offering visitors a continuous, flexible path. The auditorium is situated beneath them.
PUBLIC AREAS (general public)
Spaces which can be used by both visitors and investigators. It is composed by the library, auditorium and the green areas.
AERIAL VIEW
INVESTIGATION VOLUMES
Horizontally, each volume is divided into two buildings connected by a central courtyard. The building closest to the natural terrain serves as temporary housing, while the one further away is dedicated to research.
Vertically, the research building consists of three to four floors: the first floor houses administrative areas, the second floor contains offices, and the third and fourth floors are dedicated to laboratories, workshop rooms, and storage.
BIOLOGY MUSEUM
HISTORICAL MUSEUM
GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
AUDITORIUM
MUSEUM VOLUMES
Each volume is divided into three floors and interconnected through corridors on the first floor and bridges on the second and third floors, creating a dynamic visual tension in the volume’s composition.
ORNITHOLOGY MUSEUM HALL
LABORATORY DETAILS
BRIDGE DETAILS
RAW
RESTAURANT LIMA (2023)
DESIGN
DLM ARQUITECTOS
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
ARIANNA CASTRO
MARÍA JOSÉ GAITÁN
MARIA FERNANDA POMA
ANTONELLA SALAZAR
AREA
2000 M2
“RAW” is a high-end restaurant in Lima, designed by DLM Arquitectos in collaboration with the head chef. The concept centers around making the kitchen the focal point of the restaurant, offering an open view for customers. The chef requested a neutral and bright color palette, allowing the dishes to take center stage while providing a vibrant atmosphere for guests.
Located in an existing building, the restaurant underwent a complete remodel, with the main dining and kitchen areas occupying the first and second floors. The façade design maintains a connection with the surrounding urban landscape.
As the senior architect, I led the project, overseeing the development of plans, 3D modeling, and detailing, while coordinating multiple meetings with clients, suppliers, and engineers under the supervision of DLM. My role also involved managing a small team to ensure the project stayed on schedule.
FACADE
(RENDER BY MARIA FERNANDA POMA)
The first floor is organized into four areas: kitchen, service, payment zone, and café. The layout features an open kitchen, allowing diners to observe preparation from the dining area. Additional spaces include the wine cellar (in a small section of the basement), the café (offering meats for purchase by weight), and the terrace (open to the avenue, surrounded by landscaping inspired by Japanese gardens).
TERRAZZO & MARBLE
PERFORATED CONCRETE
BRIGHT CONCRETE GREY TERRAZZO
WOOD LATTICE
OPEN KITCHEN ZONE
SALON STATION
BAR & BOTTLE RACK
WOOD CEILING
OVAL WOOD FURNITURE
DARK WOOD LABELING
BRIGHT WOOD LABELING
RED BRICKS
FIRST FLOOR SALON (RENDER BY ARIANNA CASTRO)
FIRST FLOOR SALON (RENDER BY ARIANNA CASTRO)
In comparison with the first floor, the main background for this floor is the robata, a kitchen specialized in grilled japanese food. People can sit around or in front of it so they can see how the food is cooked. In this case, behind the robata, a regular kitchen is located for serving cold dishes.
SECOND FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR SALON (RENDER BY MARIA JOSE GAITAN)
SECOND FLOOR SALON (RENDER BY MARIA JOSE GAITAN)
SEMI PRIVATE SEATINGS
SALON STATION
WOOD LATTICE
BAR & BOTTLE RACK
EXISTENT COLUMN WOOD VENEER
OVAL WOOD FURNITURE
ROBATA KITCHEN
WOOD SLAT CEILING
ROBATA SEATINGS
HIGH PERFORMANCE SCHOOL
IX LEVEL COLLEGE PROJECT
BARACCO CLASS
LIMA, SAN JUAN DE LURIGANCHO (2016)
DESIGN
MARÍA JOSÉ GAITÁN
AREA
28 HA
The San Juan de Lurigancho penitentiary, now surrounded by housing and experiencing constant urban growth, plans to relocate its facilities to a new site. The 28-hectare plot will be freed for urban integration and the development of community-focused centers.
With significant potential for educational facilities for children and teenagers, as well as a strong presence of metropolitan and local commerce, the land is intended to be developed into a zonal park. A key component of this plan is the establishment of a high-performance school, designed to support and educate the district’s most talented students. The school will offer comprehensive services throughout their stay, fostering their skills and potential.
SAN CARLOS STATION
Urban analysis. N/S
AV. 13 DE ENERO
ELSOL AV
JORGEBASADREAV
PRÓCERES DE LA INDEPENDENCIA
AV. LOS POSTES
LOS POSTES STATION PROJECT
SANTA ROSA DE LIMA
GREEN AREAS ZONAL COMMERCE HOUSING
MILESTONE 1 ENTRANCE
reunion place and entrance for general public
METROPOLITAN COMMERCE EDUCATIVE CENTERS
MILESTONE 2 HILL natural land adecuated to the project and the park
MILESTONE 3 HIGH PERFORMANCE SCHOOL project
AVENUES AND STREES
MILESTONE 4 ARTIFICIAL LAGOON provisioned by water treatment plant
SCHOOL ENTRANCE
SPORTS FIELDS
TERRACES
MASTER PLAN S/E
In alignment with the district’s urban planning framework, the conceptual guidelines for the park were established. Complementary services to the school were envisioned, including key landmarks designed to be accessible to the wider community.
Furthermore, a detailed study of Lima’s native flora informed the selection of a landscaping palette, incorporating trees, shrubs, and ground cover that require minimal long-term maintenance.
ADMINISTRATION
MONUMENTAL SQUARE “EL DESCANSO” ORCHARD
LANDSCAPING PALETTE
TERRACES SERVICES
MONUMENTAL SQUARE “EL ENCUENTRO”
MOLLE
JACARANDA
COLA
MONUMENTAL SQUARE
ARTIFICIAL LAGOON
ADMINISTRATION
WORKSHOP ROOMS
ELEMENTARY’S HOUSING
ELEMENTARY’S CIRCULATION
HIGH SCHOOL HOUSING
HIGH SCHOOL CIRCULATION
ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL
WORKSHOP ROOMS
REUNION PATIO
SCIENCES ZONE
LANGUAGES ZONE
BIOLOGY ZONE
GEOGRAPHY ZONE
HOUSING
1. S/E
SECTION
SECTION. S/E
SECTION. S/E
FE Y ALEGRÍA 3 SCHOOL
MÁSTER PLAN & ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
PLAYTEC
LIMA, SAN JUAN DE MIRAFLORES (2019)
DESIGN
MILAGROS CHUMBIMUNI
MARÍA JOSÉ GAITÁN
Located in San Juan de Miraflores, the school served over 500 students in elementary and high school education from three districts in Lima. Due to the growing demand for spots, the school authorities sought assistance to develop an architectural proposal that would meet the needs of both students and staff, with the aim of creating a design prototype that could be replicated in other schools across Peru, appropriately adapting to local climates and following the methodology of work previously implemented in collaboration with Fe y Alegría 3.
After thorough analysis and research, conducted in close collaboration with the teachers and the school director, a master plan was developed. This plan responded to the city’s characteristics, along with the necessary educational volumes and services required for its operation.
ATOCONGO BUS STOP
LOSHÉROESAV
GREEN AREAS LOCAL COMMERCE
SALVADOR ALLENDEAV
GABRIEL TORRES
NEPOMUCENO
PROJECT
JOSE TORRES
TROPICANA BUS STOP
METROPOLITAN COMMERCE EDUCATIVE CENTER
URBAN
SAN JUAN STATION
AVENUES AND STREETS
PROPUESTA DE INGRESO DE BICIS
PÚBLICO GENERAL SERVICIOS1
ZONA DE INSTITUTO ANALYSIS AND PROPOSAL FOR MASTER PLAN. N/E
PÚBLICO GENERAL SERVICIOS VEHÍCULOS 7
PÚBLICO GENERAL PERSONAL ALUMNOS 2
PÚBLICO GENERAL PERSONAL ALUMNOS 3
PERSONAL ALUMNOS 6
PERSONAL ALUMNOS 5
NODES
NODE 1
PUBLIC SERVICES
NODE 2
EDUCATIVE BLOCKS
NODE 3
KINDERGARTEN
EJES ARTICULADORES
INGRESOS
GENERAL PARA BLOQUE INICIAL 4
NODO 1
NODO 2
NODO 3
PROJECT PLATAFORMS
BATHROOMS
VERTICAL
CIRCULATION
CLASSRROMS
PATIO
CIRCULATION
CLASSROOMS
LIBRARY
INNOVATION
CLASSROOMS
PATIO
LABORATORIES
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
BATHROOMS
MULTIPURPOSE
HALL
DINING ROOM
OFFICES
COMPLEMENTARY SERVICES
JACARANDA
PONCIANA
ELEMENTARY AND HIHGH SCHOOL DISTRIBUTION
ADMINISTRATION DISTRIBUTION
ENTRE COPAS HOUSE
HOUSING
SANTA ROSA (2020)
DESIGN
MARINA VELLA ARQUITECTOS
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
MARÍA JOSÉ GAITÁN
AREA
386 M2
ARCHDAILY SITE:
https://www.archdaily.pe/pe/997711/casaentrecopas-marina-vella-arquitectura
The natural terrain of the site is home to seven mature trees, which were thoughtfully integrated into the design. These trees were carefully considered as key elements in the layout, with the living spaces—comprising the private rooms as well as the social and service areas—arranged around them. The residence is designed for a family of five: a couple and their three children, who lead an active and social lifestyle.
Adjacent to the house is a dedicated recreational area, featuring a barbecue, a small natural grass soccer field, and a pool that offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and the architectural features of the home.
This house serves as a sanctuary and retreat for the family, providing a warm, inviting space that is perfect for both relaxation and hosting social gatherings.
GENERAL PLAN Esc 1/125
SECTIONS. Esc 1/75
ELEVATION 2. Esc 1/100
ELEVATION 3. Esc 1/100
ELEVATION 4. Esc 1/100
ENTRANCE TO SERVICES
PRINCIPAL ENTRANCE
BEDROOMS FROM THE EXTERIOR
FINISHED CONSTRUCTION PHOTO DINING ROOM (PHOTO BY LORENA NOBLECILLA)
FINISHED CONSTRUCTION PHOTO BBQ AN GAMES ZONE (PHOTO BY LORENA NOBLECILLA)
FINISHED CONSTRUCTION PHOTO MAIN ENTRANCE
(PHOTO BY LORENA NOBLECILLA)
