Architecture Portfolio - Valentina Sanz

VALENTINA SANZ PORTFOLIO vs349@cornell.edu | (305) 439 2268 | Cornell | Bachelor of Architecture 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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INTERWEAVING CULTURES

SOUNDSCAPE OF HOSPITALITY

Fall 2022

Spring 2023

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iv

OVERLAPPING SPACES

EXPLORATION OF MEDIUMS

Fall 2023

Where it all Started

INTERWEAVING CULTURES THESHOLDS AND FABRICATION | PROF. MAUBERT | FALL 2022 The project aims to create a space of performance and gathering for the displaced communities of San Juan Hill. Knowing how central food is to cultural expression and community, a museum and local food market were designed to act as an effective way of displaying the art and practices of these marginalized communities. Essentially, a private act from the domestic space was brought to the public realm for different cultures to enjoy. The concept of the project was derived from a study analyzing domesticity in a Latin American home, a home that is deeply rooted in performance and its relation to the human scale. For example, there are usually two rooms of the same program in a house; one is for private and the other for the public.

Both spaces are mirrors of each other, however, they house completely different programs and change in materiality because of their purpose.

Cocinando el Almuerzo Cooking Lunch

Horneando el Postre Baking a Dessert

Aspirando la Sala Vacumning the Living Room

6 | Interweaving Cultures; Fall 2022

Lavando los Platos Washing the Plates

Arreglando los Platos Organizing the Kitchen

Sirviendo el Cafe Serving Coffee

Arreglando la Mesa Setting Up the Table

Doblando la Cobija Folding the Blankets

Limpiando el Bano Cleaning the Bathroom

Domesticity Studies: The public and how the kitchen is transformed into a vibrant place of belonging, warmth, and connection.

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Initial Concept Sketch: The domestic practices are brought to the public through market stands and tables that take you through a stroll in the park an

8 | Interweaving Cultures; Fall 2022

nd culminate in the museum.

Open

Playful

Organic

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Museum Ground Floor Plan: The market stands and tables embrace the museum as a way to celebrate the culture’s heritage.

10 | Interweaving Cultures; Fall 2022

Final Site Model; CNC and 3D Printed

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Museum Longitudinal Section

Intersective

Juxtaposing

Sectional / Elevational Museum Form Studies and Principles

12 | Interweaving Cultures; Fall 2022

Additive

Subtractive

Final Site Model; CNC and 3D Printed

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Museum Interior Perspective: Through the materiality used and displayed artwork, the atmosphere of the design makes you feel at home, as if you we

14 | Interweaving Cultures; Fall 2022

ere standing in your grandmother’s kitchen.

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The quilt analyzes the domestic practices I have observed within my Latin American house as a starting point for the project.

Personal Domestic Practices Handmade Textile

16 | Interweaving Cultures; Fall 2022

By exploring how these domestic rituals expand to the public, the analyses of the kitchen and culture were used as main design drivers to foster a sense of home and celebration within the project.

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SOUNDSCAPE OF HOSPITALITY TRACES OF TIME AND SPACE | PROF. DUFOUR | SPRING 2023 At the heart of Overtown’s community was the church, acting as a sanctuary that provided a haven and unity for most African Americans. However, after the construction of the I-95 highway, which forced the displacement of countless residents and businesses, the community’s spirit was severed. Therefore, the project aims to restore Overtown’s sense of belonging within its religious network by incorporating five interconnected pavilions that reflect the church’s influence. At the core is the chapel, surrounded by a performance center, library, residence studio, and communal dining area. They are all connected by a continuous and oscillating path whose circulation becomes a sacred procession. Within the interplay of the pavilion’s surfaces, the path assumes a transformative role, occasionally becoming a threshold, an entrance, or an elevated walkway and creating moments of transition and revelation. These elements work in unison to foster an atmosphere of hospitality and warmth, extending an invitation to the entire community to engage with.

Main Concept Sketch

The rituals and dances of the spiritual community were dynamic -- filled with movement and rhythm. Therefore, the sketch music and hospitality. A series of surfaces are introduced as the main architectural principle to help expand on, facilitate,

20 | Soundscape of Hospitality; Spring 2023

h proposes how these dances create a continuous path that weaves the community and atmosphere into one filled with , and distort the path of this religious network and provide for spaces of contemplation, engagement, and development.

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Miami Broader Area

Site Plan Religious Network Expansion

22 | Soundscape of Hospitality; Spring 2023

Overtown before Highway

Overtown after Highw

way

Similar to how Overtown has expanded networks of roads, highways, and railroads, as seen in the diagrams to the left, the project seeks to keep expanding on its networks -- but rather the religious and spiritual ones -- with the efforts of creating a haven for the community that has endured a history of violence and displacement. It brings into its roots programs centered around cultural expression, belonging, and warmth.

Overtown Current Networks

Overtown Expansion of Religious Spine

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Trace Paper Progress Plans and Sections

24 | Soundscape of Hospitality; Spring 2023

Studying how the central chapel radiates outwards to the other pavilions through its surfaces.

Exploring the connection between the pavilions in relation to the path and series of surfaces.

Analyzing how the path can become a balcony or auditorium through its elevational manipulation.

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26 | Soundscape of Hospitality; Spring 2023

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Longitudinal Section

Perpendicular Section

28 | Soundscape of Hospitality; Spring 2023

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30 | Soundscape of Hospitality; Spring 2023

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OVERLAPPING SPACES REC CENTER | PROF. IDENBURG & JOHANESEN | FALL 2023 In collaboration with Alejandra Siguenza (B.Arch 2025). Project conceptualization and design phases were worked in unison.

Final drawings were divided evenly among members but overseen by all.

Taking a deep look into Philadelphia’s recreation program initiatives, the project focuses on transforming Murphy’s Recreation Center (the current center located at the site) into one that opens up to all elders, adults, and kids, not only the latter. The goal is to create an inclusive hub that fosters multigenerational engagement, transcending any labels of age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Learning from the existing building, and using the architectural concept of overlapping boxes, the design enhances circulation, introduces programmatic invention, and actively promotes multigenerational interaction. Rooted in studies that highlight the positive impact of intergenerational engagement on the community, the design is not just about overlapping spaces; it is about creating a welcoming hub that brings people together to create shared connections.

Out of the 156 recreation centers in Philly...

Only six are Older Adult Centers...

And only one is located in South Philly (location of the site).

34 | Overlapping Spaces; Fall 2023

Site Axonometric: The proposed multigenerational recreation center is placed

d within its context in the Whitman neighborhood.

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i. Building outline of Murphey’s Recreation Center, the existing center located on the site in South Philly.

36 | Overlapping Spaces; Fall 2023

ii. Analyzing Murphey’s architectural strategy where a series of seven overlapping volumes intersect one another.

iii. Expanding on the overlapping principles of the existing building to create a multigenerational recreation center.

iv. Exploring the intersection between interior and exterior overlaps to provide relief and connection to the outdoors.

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Overlap for Circulation; Hallway

Overlap for Multi-generation Engagement; Separate / Closed

Overlap for Program Activity; Bball & Pottery

38 | Overlapping Spaces; Fall 2023

Overlap for Circulatio

Overlap for Multi-generation E

Overlap for Program Ac

on; Interior to Exterior

Overlap for Circulation; Vestibule

Engagement; Separate / Open

Overlap for Multi-generation Engagement; Joined / Open

ctivity; Spectator Views

Overlap for Program Activity; Daycare & Events Room

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Five Healing Pillars

40 | Overlapping Spaces; Fall 2023

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Longitudinal Section

Perpendicular Section

42 | Overlapping Spaces; Fall 2023

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Design Concept Axon: The drawing shows the three different types of overlapping conditions and the engagement between users.

44 | Overlapping Spaces; Fall 2023

Garden and Eating Room: The rooms show the intersection between porous and solid volumes.

Multipurpose Room: Upon coordination, the space can be used for special events like birthdays.

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EXPLORATION OF MEDIUMS WHERE IT ALL STARTED | PROF. DOMINGUEZ Before studying architecture, I began my career working as an artist. I was always eager to explore different mediums and styles of representation. Having a clear color palette and understanding of how the mediums used react differently to the properties of varying materials was crucial for this series of artworks. These artistic practices have informed my understanding of architecture, the home, cultural production, and space. It led me to understand and envision the potential of even the most mundane spaces and daily activities. Practicing art not only introduced me to architecture, but it has also given me invaluable skills that I use in my day-to-day practices during my academic studies.

Being an artist taught me about composition, color balance, and attention to detail. Most importantly, however, it taught me to constantly explore different channels to arrive at what goes best within the envisioned purpose and narrative; in other words, it taught me to be open-minded.

Oil Pastels

48 | Exploration of Mediums; Where it all Started

Gouache & Colored Pencils

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Acrylic Paint

50 | Exploration of Mediums; Where it all Started

Plastic Chair, Newspaper, Glue, & Oil Paint

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VALENTINA SANZ Architecture Portfolio vs349@cornell.edu | (305) 439 2268 Cornell B.Arch 2025