Portfolio 2024 Sara Miranda by Sara Miranda Luzio

SARA MIRANDA ARCHITECTURE

SARA MIRANDA

saramiranda234@ku.edu

(785) 727-8186

EDUCATION WORK EXPERIECE

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS O’CONNELL ROBERTSON

School of Architecture & Design

Accredited Master of Architecture (M. Arch) Class of 2026

GPA 4.0

Architectural Intern Austin, Texas May 2023- August 2023 May 2024-August 2024

• Schematic Design

• Revit Modeling

• Client Meetings

AWARDS & INVOLVEMENT

Valedictorian of class of 2020

Highest French Baccalaureat score

University Honor Roll (2021-2024)

KU International Excellence Award

President of National Organization of Minority Architecture

Students (2025-2026)

University of Kansas Equestrian Team

SKILLS

Computer

Adobe Creative Suite

Sketchup Pro

Rhino3D

Grasshopper

Revit

Enscape

Microsoft Office Suite

Technical

Sketching

Photography

Sculpture

Modeling

Embroiderie

• Rendering

• Site Visits

• Presentations

GUSTAVO DELLIEN ARQUITECTURA

Architectural Intern Santa Cruz, Bolivia July 2022- August 2022

• Schematic Design

• AutoCad & Sketchup Modeling

• Client Meetings

• Site Visits

TIERRA DE HORTALIZAS- ECOLIFE INITIATIVE

Volunteer La Paz, Bolivia May 2019- August 2019

• Schematic Design

• Construction Development

LANGUAGES

Spanish

Portuguese

Mixed-Use Facilty Center| FALL 2024

02 PRAIRIE PARK

03 L’ARTE

Art Center Facility | SPRING 2023

Regenerative Design Facility | FALL 2023

05 CHAKRAS

Pavilion | FALL 2023

06 PERSONAL WORK

Watercolors, Sculpture, Pastels, Sketches

METAMORPHOSIS

Mixed-Use Facility

FALL 2024

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Metamorphosis is a mixed-use architectural project designed to bridge generations, fostering meaningful connections between the elderly and youth. Inspired by the transformative cycle of life, the design emphasizes mutual growth through shared learning and interaction.

Integrating biomimicry and green building principles, the facility promotes sustainability, healing, and community. Key features include interactive spaces for gardening, art, and education, alongside natureinspired courtyards and energy-efficient systems. Located by the Kansas River, the design balances vibrant engagement with serene privacy, uniting generations through architecture that inspires connection and transformation.

SOFTWARE USED

• Revit

• Sketchup

• Enscape

• Illustrator

• Photoshop

• Cove Tool

Metamorphosis prioritizes energy efficiency and environmental sustainability through advanced building performance strategies.

Key features include solar shading systems and reflective roofing materials to reduce solar heat gain, high-performance glazing to minimize heat transfer, and strategic daylighting to maximize natural light throughout the space. Natural ventilation, enabled by courtyards and opposing openings, enhances airflow and indoor air quality, while green roofs and vertical gardens improve insulation, reduce heat absorption, and contribute to a healthier environment.

Together, these strategies ensure a comfortable, sustainable, and energyefficient building that supports its mission of healing and connection.

Mitigate heat island effect

Water runoff reduction & storage

Evaporative cooling

Thermal mass during winter

Intended Strategies

Solar Shading

Incorporate sustainable shading solutions, such as overhangs and louver systems, on the south façade to minimize solar heat gain during summer when the sun is at its highest angle. These features not only block excessive sunlight, reducing interior overheating, but also enhance energy efﬁciency by lowering cooling demands.

High Performance Glazing

Utilize low-emissivity glazing with a high solar heat gain coefﬁcient to reduce heat transfer while allowing natural daylight to penetrate the building. This approach ensures comfortable indoor temperatures and minimizes reliance on artiﬁcial lighting during the day.

Daylighting

Optimize the size and placement of windows, skylights, light wells and courtyards to maximize natural daylight penetration, reducing dependence on artiﬁcial lighting while improving occupant comfort and well-being.

Insulation

Properly insulate walls, ﬂoors, and roofs to minimize heat transfer between indoor and outdoor environments.

Design the building to enable cross-ventilation by incorporating

and

Vegetation

Incorporating vegetation into building design, such as green roofs and vertical gardens enhances insulation, reduces heat

and

and mitigate urban heat islands. Ecological strategies, including support biodi-

and create sustainable ecosys-

GUIDING DESIGN PRINCIPLES

TRANSFORMATION

Transformation is the graceful unfolding of life’s wisdom, where the beauty of aging lies not in resisting time, but in embracing the transformation it brings, revealing the depth, strength, and elegance of the soul.

CONNECTION

Connection is the invisible thread that weaves together different communities and ages, bridging generations with shared stories, wisdom, and the common humanity that unites us all in our journey through life.

SOUL FULFILLMENT

Soul fulfillment is the quiet joy that blossoms through change, as we embrace life’s transformations, allowing each new experience and challenge to align us with our deepest purpose and nourish our spirit with meaning, connection, and growth.

CLINIC

MASSING CONCEPT

N 2ND STREET

STRUCTURE

White Stucco facade Terracota Hexagonal facade

Aluminum Framing

Glazed Tiles facade

Multilayered wooden facade

MEP

EGRESS

Vapor barrier

8. 5/8” plywood sheathing

9. 1 1/2” metal deck

10. 4” rigid insulation

11. Metal joist hanger

12. Trus-joist roof joist system

1. Metal joist hanger

2. 2 1/2” light weight reinforced concrete slab (sloped to drain)

3. 1 1/2” metal deck

4. Mass timber beam

5. Steel bolt

6. 5/8” steel plate (both sides)

7. Stee l angle

8. Flashing drip edge

9. Trust joist perimeter joists

10.

1. 7/8” min. thickness three coat cement plaster

2. Metal lath

3. Tyvek building wrap

4. 3/4” plywood sheathing (exterior)

5. 1” thick poly-iso rigid insulation

6. 1” thick EPS sheathing

7/8” min. thickness three coat cement plaster

15. Rigid insulation

16. 1’8” reinforced concrete wafﬂe slab

17. 3” spay insulation

18. 8” reinforced concrete wall below grade

19. Column pilaster beyond

Metal lath 3. Tyvek building wrap

7. Through-wall ﬂashing

8. Expansion joint

4. 3/4” plywood sheathing (exterior)

9. Exterior concrete slab

5. 1” thick poly-iso rigid insulation

10. R-19 6”batt insulation

6. 1” thick EPS sheathing

11. Load bearing 6” metal structural stud wall

7. Through-wall ﬂashing

12. 2nd layer of plywood sheathing (3/4”)

8. Expansion joint

13. 5/8” drywall (wall ﬁnish)

9. Exterior concrete slab

14. 2 1/2” light weight concrete slab

10. R-19 6”batt insulation

11. Load bearing 6” metal structural stud wall

12. 2nd layer of plywood sheathing (3/4”)

13. 5/8” drywall (wall ﬁnish)

14. 2 1/2” light weight concrete slab

Column pilaster beyond

1. Cast-in-place foundation footing 1’6” tall

2. Granular capillary break and drain around drainage pipe

3. Drainage pipe

4. Compacted earth

5. Drainage Pipe

6. Granular capillary break and drainage pad (no ﬁnes)

7. 2” Polyethylene vapor barrier extended under grade beam where it also acts as a capillary break

8. 4“ Extruded polystyrenne insulation

9. Slope to drain

10. Column pilaster beyond 11. 12” reinforced concrete slab

12. 1/2” Waterproof membrane system, 1/4“ drainage mat, & 1/4” protection board

13. 1’2” Concrete foundation reinforced wall

1/2” Waterproof membrane system, 1/4“ drainage mat, & 1/4” protection board

2-BEDROOM APARTMENT

TERRACE APARTMENT

PRAIRIE PARK

Pavilion SPRING 2024

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This semester, I had the privilege of participating in a design-build studio in Lawrence, Kansas, where we took on a transformative project for the Prairie Park Nature Center (PPNC). This 3,600-square-foot outdoor classroom and rental pavilion, set amid the sweeping prairie landscape, is designed to strengthen community bonds and provide a versatile space that celebrates nature.

The pavilion’s primary function is as an educational hub, offering children immersive learning experiences in ecology, prairie fires, and wildlife within an open-air setting that fosters direct connection to the natural environment. Beyond education, the space will serve as a venue for eco-friendly wedding ceremonies and other gatherings, accommodating up to 100 guests in a sustainably built structure that harmonizes with the surrounding prairie. This project not only enhances PPNC’s capacity to host a diverse array of events but also underscores our commitment to sustainable, community-centered design.

STUDIO TEAM

Professor & Project Manager: Keith Van De Riet

Alayna Thomas , Ashley Decker, Christopher Monarres, Emily Dulle, Emma Hamer, Madison Simons, Melia Whitney, Matthew Garrett, Naalkh DeAsis, Paige Butterfield, Sara Miranda, Sarah Montes, Wynn Bowden

BOLT PLATE LAYOUTS

Beam plate & Column plate variations

INSPIRATION

Without any doubt, this was the most difficult and intimidating part for me but at the same time the one that gave me the most adrenaline and pride in the project. I was in charge of creating the bottom connection that would support the bays structure.

First, I had to create with my partner Emma different variations of bolt layouts for the column plate and for the beam plates. This was a process that took us a long time because it had to work structurally and aesthetically. We had to work with very imposing 7/8 and 3/4 bolts which made the layout even more complicated and the supporting tube in the middle of the plate. We decided to gain some space by implementing a stiffener plate at the top of the tube connected to the beam plate to gain some space.

After several variations I created a layout that was greatly accepted by everyone on the team and made me feel very proud of myself.

KNEE BRACE CONNECTION

Another challenge that my classmate and I were in charge to deal with was the different angles that we had to work with to connect the column plate to the beams connection supported by two steel tubes to hold the structure. We had to design and calculate each angle in different axis so the tubes land on the middle of the beam plates and have the corresponding distance from the beam plate to the column plate to carry the loads the most efficiently as possible and have a adequate structural connection.

PRAIRIE PARK

At this point, it was unreal to me that we were creating a jig for a connection that I created. At the beginning, we really struggled with the different angles of the jig since everything had to be exact and we had to make it adjustable for our 2 knee brace angles of 25 and 27 degrees.

JIG WELDING CONNECTION

Once we had the jig, we had the opportunity to work with welding tools and put our jig into action to connect our column and beam plates to create the knee brace connection. It was the biggest jig that our class had to build. It was massive and we were very proud of the jig itself and the outcome that it gave us for the knee brace connection.

Knee Brace Bolts Installation

This moment really made me feel very powerful and important in the project. It was a unique feeling to be able to install the knee brace connection since I was in every single step of the process for it. I would never had thought that I could use such a powerful tool. It really made me feel proud of our hard work into it with the people that we worked together for it.

Like everything in life, this project has to come to an end. I cannot describe how proud and happy I am for my peers and I for achieving such a massive and incredible project. I am very thankful because this project not only taught me many important aspects about the real work life but it reminded me why I wanted to be an architect in first place. Seeing the happiness in people’s face at the opening was priceless. It really showed me that we were doing an actual impact for this neighborhood and that really fulfilled my heart.

I also had the incredible luck to have such a wonderful group that really became a family for me at KU.

03 L’ARTE

Art Center Facility SPRING 2023

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Kansas City has long been a creative hub for the entertainment industry. L’Arte Arts Center, located just south of the Kauffman Center, will be a gathering place for diverse activities within this vibrant district. Its goal is to foster connections and interactions among visitors in a space that celebrates creativity. Positioned between 17th and 18th streets, the building’s design includes two “hug spaces” on either side to enhance flow and eliminate the need for a back facade, creating outdoor areas for community engagement.

The building’s layout is divided into two wings: production (east) and consumption (west). This arrangement enables the staff and educational areas on the east side to remain focused, away from tourist distractions.

SOFTWARE USED

• Revit

• Sketchup

• Enscape

• Illustrator

• Photoshop

• CTL

In recent years, sustainability has become a vital focus in architecture, emphasizing the need for future architects to prioritize green building strategies. L’Arte exemplifies sustainable design, incorporating features such as a green roof that mitigates heat islands, reduces water runoff, and provides evaporative cooling.

Additionally, the building is equipped with a solar roof composed of photovoltaic panels, significantly reducing energy consumption and lowering both pollution and operational costs. Permeable pavement throughout the site supports water filtration, protecting the soil from urban pollutants. L’Arte sets a benchmark for sustainable architecture, serving as a model for future generations in green design.

MASSING CONCEPT

AXONOMETRIC

PHYSICAL MODEL

SUSTAINANILITY DIAGRAMS

FLOOR PLANS

EXPLODED STRUCTURAL AXONOMETRIC

Organizational driver: main hallway that connect wall the community spaces in a wide space

Entertainement users

Organizational driver: main hallway that connect wall the community spaces in a wide space

Organizational driver: main lobby working as a starting point of the building experience

Organizational driver: mainoutside circulation connection both parts of the project and outside activities

Organizational driver: learning space where people can gather, work together and share.

04

INHALA

Regenerative Design Facility FALL 2023

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Wichita is renowned for its commitment to enhancing urban design and strengthening community ties through art. Inhala Center, located downtown, is designed to further this mission by transforming discarded glass and ceramic materials into artistic creations and job opportunities for residents. The center not only promotes recycling and regenerative design but also aims to educate the community on sustainable practices.

Through workshops and learning programs, Inhala Center will actively engage locals, fostering both economic and artistic growth. It will bring increased activity and public interaction to downtown Wichita, serving as a hub for community engagement, positive social impact, and educational initiatives.

SOFTWARE USED

• Revit

• Sketchup

• Enscape

• Illustrator

• Photoshop

INHALA

Open spaces play a crucial role in revitalizing crowded urban areas, offering respite from dense surroundings while fostering community interaction. Integrating vegetation into projects like the Inhala Center enhances not only the aesthetic appeal but also the environmental and social benefits of the space.

Greenery mitigates urban heat, improves air quality, and provides a sense of tranquility, making the area more inviting for visitors and residents alike. By incorporating lush vegetation and open areas, the Inhala Center can amplify its mission of community enrichment, creating an inclusive environment that harmoniously blends art, sustainability, and nature.

CONCEPT DIAGRAMS

MASSING DIAGRAM

MATERIALITY

Green Wall Facade

Double Layered Glazing

Mosaic Ceramic facade Stucco facade

FLOOR PLANS

EXHIBITION HALL

Detail 2 Cloud Wall

BUILDING SECTIONS & HVAC SYSTEMS

05

CHAKRAS

Pavilion FALL 2023

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This project involved designing a folly on the southeast edge of the University of Kansas campus, driven more by artistic than pragmatic purpose. Inspired by the concept of the seven chakras—energy centers that influence mental and physical well-being—the design creates a path of healing through movement. Each section represents a chakra, featuring activities that focus on specific areas of health.

The folly offers a unique space where students can release stress and reconnect with their well-being, fostering freedom, creativity, and self-care amidst academic demands.

SOFTWARE USED

• Sketchup

• Enscape

• Illustrator

• Photoshop

CHAKRAS

This project resonated deeply with me, aligning with the experiences that have shaped who I am. Architecture, at its core, has the potential to evoke emotions and even contribute to healing—a truth we often overlook.

The Chakras project illuminated for me how design influences our emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. Through this project, I understood that architecture, like the seven chakras, holds the power to balance and uplift, creating spaces that connect us to ourselves and foster true harmony.

06

PERSONAL WORK

PROJECT OVERVIEW

From a young age, art has been my sanctuary—whether through watercolors, doodles, or oil paintings. Over time, this form of expression became my deepest passion, leading me down the path to architecture. Through my designs, I channel my story, merging creativity and purpose into spaces that resonate with meaning and connection. Architecture, for me, is not just building; it’s a language that speaks to the soul, inspired by the same artistic spirit that first fueled my journey.

SAFE PLACE

Since I was little, art and sketching have been my refuge—a way to escape, process life’s challenges, and capture the memories and places that have shaped me. Through doodles, watercolors, and paintings, I found comfort, control, and a way to preserve moments I didn’t want to forget. Over time, this passion grew into a love for architecture, where I now use design to tell my story, celebrate my experiences, and honor the journey that continues to inspire me.

Austin Capitol San Francisco