VALENTINA SANZ
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
vs349@cornell.edu | (305) 439 2268 | Cornell
VALENTINA SANZ
Passionate about architecture's transformative potential and dedicated to designing spaces that inspire dialogue and renewal within our cities. Seeking to leverage leadership skills to address current socio-economic, cultural, and environmental challenges, integrating sustainability and cultural sensitivity into my designs. Pursuing opportunities for growth that allow for exploration and collaboration.
EDUCATION
Aug 2020 - Present
WORK EXPERIENCE
July 2024 - Aug 2024
June 2023 - Aug 2023
Cornell University; College of Architecture, Art, and Planning; Ithaca NY
Bachelor of Architecture | Business Minor
GPA: 4.03/ 4.00 | Expected Graduation Date: May 2025
Bogle Architects; Prague, Czech Republic
Architecture Intern
Coordinated, using AutoCAD, shaft continuity for pipe organization in a large-scale residential complex. Curated and assembled an exhibition showcasing the company’s projects for public engagement. Executed a 3D model of a higher education building using Revit for 3D printing to aid in presentation.
BRIC Architecture; Portland, OR
Architecture Intern
Developed detailed massing, programming, and material studies using Revit for a steering committee. Collaborated in the construction of a sustainable 25 ft tall stage set for Portland’s Pickathon event. Engaged in the firm’s Listening and Learning equity outreach programs, communicating with a dozen plus community leaders and serving as the primary translator for Hispanic members.
June 2022 - Aug 2022
John Lum Architecture; San Francisco, CA
Architecture Intern
Prepared interior elevations with Vectorworks software and ensured their ADA compliance. Measured and drew existing floor plans for a residential project's demolition and remodeling.
June 2021 - July 2021
LEADERSHIP
Sept 2024 - Present
Selman Arquitectos; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Architecture Intern
Produced a Revit model for a commercial office addition and SketchUp models for a lobby renovation. Edited AutoCAD construction detail drawings of beach villas.
Cornell AAP Career Development; Ithaca, NY
Peer Career Advisor
Mentor students in 1:1 sessions on portfolio development, resumes, job search, and career planning. Facilitate AAP’s annual virtual and in-person career fair by contacting firms and coordinating logistics. Support the planning of panel events, including partnerships with Muney Prep and BRIC Architecture.
June 2023 - Oct 2023
NOMA Barabara G. Laurie Student Competition; Portland, OR
Design Co-lead for Cornell’s NOMAS Chapter
Won 1st place, competing against 38 architecture schools across the United States. Co-designed the project, focusing it around cultural revitalization, memory activation, and healthy living. Organized recurring individual meetings with the five subteams to optimize communication efficiency. Presented project to a juror and NOMA attendees, synthesizing research, narrative, and design into one.
Jan 2022 - May 2023
Ithaca Carbon Neutrality 2030; Ithaca, NY
Project Team Co-lead
Co-managed a multi-disciplinary team effort focused on achieving Ithaca’s 2030 energy goal by analyzing the town’s building, transportation, waste management, and renewable energy iniciatives. Conducted energy simulations in Grasshopper, testing retrofit options for mixed-use buildings in Ithaca.
RECOGNITION
Dean’s Honor List: Fall 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & Spring 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
PLATE Publication: Fall 2020 design studio project selected for the PLATE Publication at Cornell AAP.
Software: Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD, Grasshopper, SketchUp, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office. Languages: English (advanced), Spanish (native), Italian (beginner).
Interests: Travel journal sketches, Team soccer and volleyball, Long-distance half / full marathon running.
01 02 03 04
CASCADING LIGHT FLOWS
Net-Zero Climate Resiliency Education Center | Phoenix, AZ
Fall 2024 | Prof. Christiana Moss & Margaret Krik
INVERTING THE DINING EXPERIENCE
Culinary Experience | Rome, Italy
Spring 2024 | Prof. Martin Miller
RECLAIMING ALBINA’S LEGACY
Barbara G. Laurie Student Competition | Portland, OR Fall 2023 | Prof. Imani Day & Suzanne Lettieri
INTERWEAVING CULTURES
Thresholds and Fabrication in San Juan Hill | New York City, NY
Fall 2022 | Prof. Sydney Maubert
SELECTED WORKS
Work from 2019 - 2024 05
Conferences, Community Engagement, Models, Paintings, & Collages
CASCADING LIGHT FLOWS
PROF.
CHRISTIANA MOSS & MAGGIE KIRK | FALL 2024
NET-ZERO CLIMATE EDUCATION CENTER | PHOENIX, AZ
Inspired by the vertical growth and solar orientation of the prickly pear cactus, the project serves as a beacon on the site, the Tres Rios Wetlands, with a sculptural exhibition space that extends vertically. The space is designed to orient toward the most consistent light source while folding strategically to minimize glare. Supporting education programs flow outward from the exhibition space, transitioning from public to private and borrowing light from the exhibition to reduce direct solar heat gain. The goal is to seamlessly integrate natural elements into the building to enhance comfort, achieve net-zero energy use, and strengthen the connection with the site.
Externally, the rammed earth envelope gives the building a sense of weight and permanence, while the interior contrasts with light, airy materiality. Elements like the biomes, water features, and passive strategies contribute to aligning with the project’s net-zero goals. By focusing on education, sustainability, and connection, the center offers an engaging exploration of water systems while fostering a deep relationship with the natural world.
Casted Concept Model ; Negative / Positive Relations
Massing Study Models Evolution
Concept Diagrams
Circulation within the exhibition space expands towards the exterior
Exhibition space sculpting itself towards the Sun
Expansion and Contraction of Exhibition Space
2nd Floor Plan
4th Floor Plan
6th Floor Plan
Ground Floor Plan
Longitudinal Section
Perpendicular Section
WINDOWS
Window to Wall Ratio: Its lower towards the south, reducing direct solar heat gain.
Shading: Thickness of rammed earth acts as a shading device for the window openings.
EXTERIOR BIOME
TRES RIOS WETLANDS
Cooling : Wetland proximity cools the building.
Water Source : The wetland’s water supports the biome and building use.
CANTILEVER PLATFORMS
Self Shading : The overhang is wider towards the west to account for the harsher sunlight.
Reuse of Material : The structure is composed of the framework used to cast the rammed earth.
PV PANELS
Net Positive : PV panels collect solar energy and fully offset the building’s energy use.
Cooling : The biome cools the building through evaportation. Located towards the southwest where the sun is more intense. Native Plants : Plants like the prickley pear and agave support the biome.
RAMMED EARTH ENVELOPE
High Thermal Performance : The thermal mass regulates indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling loads.
Low Embodied Carbon : Material is durable and locally sourced.
BUILDING ORIENTATION
Natural Ventilation : The building takes advantage of the strong wind directions following the south-east to north-west axis through cross ventilation.
CLT MASS TIMBER STRUCTURE
Low Embodied Carbon : Timber sequesters carbon and its production emits less CO2 than other materials.
High Thermal Performance : CLT has great natural insulation propoerties.
EXHIBITION SPACES SELF-SHADING
Folding Geometry : The geometries self shade to reduce disturbing glare while having evenly distributed sunlight. Skylights :The spaces are rotating and reaching torwards the southern sun to provide necessary [indirect] sunlight.
WATER STORAGE & USAGE
Storage: The wetland’s water is stored and pumped into the building using efficient mechanical systems.
Usage: Some of the water is recycled to the wetlands (from the platform), some becomes potable, and the rest is used for the biome, bathrooms, and support areas.
Iteration 1 with folded geometry.
Iteration 2 with openings facing south.
Flashing
Counter-flashing
Rammed Earth
Vert. Reinforcement
Cork Insulation [R 25 ci]
Vapor Barrier
CLT Panels
Glulam Beam
Glulam Column Beyond
Double Pane IGU
Flashing
Rammed Earth
Cork Insulation
Vapor Barrier
Wood Planks
Water Pipes
Thermally Broken
Steal Connection
Steel Girder
Welded Connections
Rammed Earth
Cork Insulation
Vapor Barrier
Glulam Column Beyond
Wood Planks
Metal Shoe Beyond
Thermally Broken
Steal Connection
Steel Girder
Welded Connections
Wood Floor Finish
Plywood Sheathing
Concrete Slab
Cork Insulation
Sand Bed
Gravel Bed
Pipe
Concrete
Foundation
Pile
Foundation
Slope to Drain
I. Entrance Path to the Exhibition
III. Release to the Upper Platform
II. Exhibition Space Opening Up
Platform & Wetlands
IIII. Release to the Lower Cantilevering Platform & Wetlands
Up to the Exterior
INVERTING THE DINING EXPERIENCE
PROF. MARTIN MILLER | SPRING 2024
CULINARY
EXPERIENCE | ROME, ITALY
Team project. The team worked in unison on design phases and project conceptualization. Between the three members, we evenly divided the final drawings, overseen by all.
Inverting Relationships reimagines the dining experience by fostering social interaction among diners and inviting them to dine with strangers. It inverts the traditional food service process, prompting diners to move towards each course of the menu rather than to remain stationary. Moreover, each dining room has its distinct character, with architectural and atmospheric qualities that complement the food being served at that given course. After each course, guests transition through a cleansing period, walking towards the next room without knowing what awaits them or who they will meet next. Rhythms of movement and conversation therefore change throughout the experience, guided by the menu and cleansing transitions. All of these elements are integrated within an architectural framework that balances solid and void, transitory and stationary relations.
INITIAL CONCEPT | CIRCULATION OF EXPERIENCE
2nd Course
Appetizer
Transitory Module (A)
Stationary Dining Module (B) A & B Coming Together
ELEMENTS & SEQUENCE OF THE DINING EXPERIENCE
Transitory Spaces (A) Dining Areas (B)
Uscita
Pulizia
Secondi Piatti
Dolce
(A) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C)
Pulizia
Pulizia (C) [Cleansing & Coming Together Spaces]
Entrata
Aperitivi
Primi Piatti
(C) (B) (A) (B)
Unrolled Section (Right to Left)
Aperitivi: Focaccia with Tomatoes
Grilled Artichoke
Primi Piatti: Tagliatelle alla Amatriciana Cacio e Pepe Tagliatelle
Secondi Piatti: Veal in Tuna Sauce Aqua Pazza
Pulizia: Red Wine Pasapalos
RECLAIMING ALBINA’S LEGACY
NOMAS COMPETITION | PROF. IMANI DAY | FALL 2023
HOUSING, RETAIL, & PUBLIC SPACES | PORTLAND, OR
Won 1st place at the 2023 Barbara G. Laurie NOMA Competition. As a design co-lead with Alejandra Siguenza, Omar Leon, & Francisco Ramirez, conceptualized the design of the project and oversaw the responsibilities of the Cornell NOMAS Chapter members.
In order to heal Albina’s fractured history, the design weaves a new tapestry into the landscape, into the site that used to be the commercial center of the community, into the Hill Block. Five healing pillars serve as the foundation of the design: medical health emerges in community spaces and building facades, healthy lifestyles are promoted through green roofs, resilient environmental systems, and rainwater collection systems, and vibrant residences engage with businesses. Communal niches are strategically carved out of the site: one in the land, mapping lot lines memories, and the other in the buildings’ voids, echoing the demolished heritage of past housing. Reciprocal relationships are made as a means of healing and mending past events -- although people’s homes might have been taken away, their sense of culture and community will remain.
FIVE DESIGN HEALING PILLARS
MEDICAL CARE
Medical brigade pop-ups and permanent stores within the site make help easily accessible.
COMMUNAL SPACE ACTIVATION
Carved nieches across the units acknowledge Albina’s deep history and celebrate its rich culture.
HOME AND RETAIL CONNECTION
Home units connected with a retail component at ground level allow for economic mobility.
Natural Light
Open Events Space Green Roof
HEALTHY LIVING
Gardens mantained by residents promote the use of fresh ingredients and clean practices.
RAIN WATER COLLECTION
Rain water harvesting systems make possible for water conservation and gardening.
Roof Garden
Roof Water Collection
Sewerage Filtration Pipe
Gardening
TYPOLOGIES OF THE PAST AND PRESENT
BOOKSTORY
Microcosm publishing storefront adjacent to the site. They are an independent book and zine publishing community company.
RESIDENTIAL
Local house in the community demonstating Portland’s vibrancy and use of color as a form of identity.
SITE FORMATION STRATEGY
i. Current Site Lot. It used to be the Hill Block, the commercial center of Albina, that was demolished in 1960.
CHURCH
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
Community organization that aims the community to attain equality employment, health, and quality of
ii. Pre-1960 Lot Line Map of the Hill Block initially used to organize the building units and exterior circulation.
HILL BLOCK
Historic building that was demolished for the hospital expansion. It was the center of the business district in Albina.
LEGACY EMANUEL HOSPITAL
In 1972, the hospital expanded, and hundreds of homes and businesses of the community were demolished. The expansion never happened.
BASKETBALL COURT
aims to empower equality in education, of life. PORTLAND
RESIDENTIAL
Historic house in Portland. Pitched roofs are common around the area along with playful facades.
iii. The building units are then raised as a continous topography fractured by the historic conditions.
iv. At a smaller scale, communal niches are carved to respect Albina’s history and celebrate it’s rich culture.
PORTLAND BANK
Three main entrance points lead to the central community space.
Rental Units
101,400 sq ft
For-Sale Homes
32,400 sq ft
Business Incubators
30,000 sq ft
Retail & Community
20,000 sq ft
Program Distribution
Medical brigade pop-ups to help mend the hospital’s relationship with Albina. Weekly night live performances to celebrate
Vibrat coffee shops to attract residents
Dense roof gardens to foster a more environmentally-concious community.
celebrate the residents culture and talent. Fexible partitions to protect the community from typically rainy conditions.
Carved nieches and steps to activate the center with art, music, and people.
residents and promote economic mobility.
INTERWEAVING CULTURES
THESHOLDS & FABRICATION | PROF. MAUBERT | FALL 2022
CULTURAL MARKET & MUSEUM | NEW YORK CITY, NY
The project aims to create a space of performance and gathering for the displaced communities of San Juan Hill. Recognizing the central role of food in cultural expression and community, the design incorporates a museum and local food market to showcase the art and practices of these marginalized communities. Essentially, the project brings a private act from the domestic space into the public realm for diverse cultures to enjoy. Derived from a study analyzing domesticity in a Latin American home, the concept of the project is deeply rooted in performance and its relation to the human scale. For instance, typical Latin American homes feature two rooms with the same program: one for private use and the other for public gatherings. Despite mirroring each other, these spaces serve distinct purposes and exhibit different materialities.
Lincoln Square site plan highlighting the area’s cultural distribution
Community “erased” from their former home.
Lincoln Center Unaccessible Barricade
Lincoln Square community before demolition.
CONCEPT SKETCH | CULTURAL MARKET
Transitive, Interactive, and to the Human Scale
Museum and Market Ground Floor Plan
Longitudinal Section
SELECTED WORKS AND EVENTS CONFERENCES, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, MODELS, PAINTINGS, & COLLAGES | WORK FROM 2019 - 2024
This section highlights a curated collection of experiences and skills developed both within and beyond my time at Cornell. From participating in conferences and panel events to engaging with communities, creating models, painting, and digital collaging, each piece reflects my growth as a designer and collaborator. These experiences have not only honed my technical abilities but also strengthened my leadership, teamwork, communication, and storytelling skills. Through these works, I aim to demonstrate my ability to craft compelling visual narratives while paying close attention to detail.
BARBARA G. LAURIE 2023 STUDENT COMPETITION
NOMAS CORNELL CHAPTER | FALL 2023
Event | Presenting our proposal in front of a panel of jurors & attendees.
A CANDID CONVERSATION WITH AAP CAREER DEVELOPMENT | FALL
Event | Led a panel event with principal
THE VIEWING PLATFORM CONN
STRUCTURAL MODEL | PROF. MARK CRUVELLIER | FALL 2021
Materials | Wood sticks, Rockite, Steel, Aluminium, Tension Rods, Rock
EXPLORATION OF MEDIUMS
ARTWORKS | PROF. ORLING DOMINGUEZ
Materials | Oil paint, Acrylics, Newspaper,
Home and Culture | Handmade textile 16” x 12”
