VIOLETA
ZURITA RODRIGUEZ
SELECTED WORKS ARCHITECTURE
2022-2024
VIOLETA RODRIGUEZ ZURITA
Contact
vzurita@torontomu.ca
Tel. 647-229-6402
www.linkedin.com/in/violeta-zurita-080825223
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hi! I’m a passionate student who enjoys learning new skills and ideas by working with others. I gained my love for architecture through my interest of art and how the built world interacts with people. Growing up, I would express myself through a variety of art medias, such as sketching, sculpting, painting, and wood working. I loved being involved in the local art community and worked alongside artists to help youth use their artistic talents to interact with the public. This joy has led me to exploring new ideas of enhancing human experience through architecture, as I view it as another form of art which inspires people.
EDUCATION
Sept 2021 - Present
Bachelor of Architectural Science
Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON
EMPLOYMENT
May 2024-Present
Research Assistant|Dr. Jenn McArthur
Toronto CityRetroFit 2040 | TO, ON
Developed a detailed interactive map using ArcGIS software to identify viable retrofit scenarios within Ward 11 to support the City of Toronto’s initiatives in decarbonization and climate resilience. My responsibilities included categorizing building archetypes based on their building envelopes, verifying city-provided data through field assessments and Google Maps imagery to ensure accuracy regarding architectural styles and construction periods.
June 2017 - Sept 2020
Art Program Specialist
Adventure Valley Day Camp | TO, ON
Developed art program plans for private and group lessons for children and families that suited their best interests and skills, teaching them a variety of mediums and drawing techniques.
May 2022-Sept 2022
Waitress
Union Social Eatery | TO, ON
Managed multiple tasks while ensuring a positive customer experience. Developed interpersonal skills in a fast paced work environment while ensuring organization.
PROFICIENCIES
CAD Autodesk Revit 2023 & 2024
Rhinocerous 6 & 7
Autodesk AutoCAD
SketchUp
Visualization
Lumion 2024
Enscape 2023&2024
Adobe Suite
Physical Laser Cutting
CNC
Model Making
Sketching
Sculpting - Mixed Media
CONTRIBUTIONS
Sept 2023 - Present
AIAS Freedom By Design (FBD) | Social Media Coordinator
Maintained the official FBD social medias by publicizing activity and enforced DAS connections with local organizations by proposing collaborative, non-profit community projects through outreach.
2022 - 2023
Arc.Soc | Event Leader
Hosted team-building events and organized budgets to provide students with goods and supplies by collaborating with food vendors and sales representatives.
Sept 2021 - May 2022
AIAS TMU | Event Leader
Led various design charettes for DAS students and represented industry professionals throughout in-person and virtual presentations and firm information nights.
Summer 2023
Collaborative Exercise Competition Winner | Lead Designer
Lead in designing, fabricating, and constructing permanent seating nook extensions located in TMU’s DAS building under the guidance of Professor William Galloway.
September 2022
Timberfever Competition | Participant
Participated in the annual 2022 Timberfever competition hosted at Toronto Metropolitan University, developing hands-on design skills while collaborating with engineering students across North America.
2019 - Present
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) | Youth Council
Assisted in curating interactive art projects and events for Toronto’s families and youth in a digital and in-person platform while collaborating with local artists, as well as presenting personal projects for the AGO.
PUBLICATIONS
Oct 2023
The [Media] Architecture of the City
Research paper presented at the 2023 International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI) in Seville, Spain.
Co Authors: V. Hui, A. Weiss, K. Nyugen. C. Perfetti, L. De Bartolo
September 2021
Neighbours of Windfields Community Magazine
Presented on the cover of local magazine and wrote an article regarding my project contributions to the AGO as an involved youth art ambassador and to Northern Secondary School’s Visual Art Department as student president.
(3)
MAIN ST. COMMUNITY HUB
Typolog y: Community + Transit Hub
Project: Academic Year: Winter 2024
(11) TRANSPARENCY
Typolog y: Library
Project: Academic Year: Fall 2022
3
(17) ArcHive
Typolog y: Modular Seating
Project: Design Build Year: Summer 2023
Seating Competition Winner
SPLIT LEVELS
Typ ology: Laneway Suites
(25) SKY WALK
Project: Academic Year: Winter 2023 (21)
RESIDENCE
Typolog y: Mid-rise Residential Complex
Project: Academic Year: Winter 2023
MAIN STREET COMMUNITY TRANSIT HUB 01
HUB
PROJECT: Academic
TYPOLOGY: Community Hub
DATE: Winter 2024
LOCATION: 213 Main Street, Toronto, ON
PARTNER: Sameen Yuseff
Main Community Transit Hub is a space that welcomes the Danforth village community alongside commuters from all throughout the Greater Toronto Area. With a series of linear pathways and staircases that cut perpendicularly through the building’s programming, the lengthy building is designed to maximize commuter convenience as they use the GO Train and Subway Station in their quotidian lives. Each staircase differs from the other to emphasize the nature of each program, exposing every passing individual to the diverse activities—catered to a diverse populous—offered by the Community Transit Hub.
PROGRAMS: Revit 2024, Rhino 7, TwinMotion 2023, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
Circulation Parti
Building divided into two masses connected by a bridge allowing GO train access from the north
Programs divide building linearly + extension of underground GO tunnels
Program extrusion providing terracing and canopy to GO station commuters
North side
South side
+ Tunnels
Atrium lighting
COMMUNITY PROGRAMING
Prayer space
Washroom + amenities
Quite study Library
Community seating
Multi-purpose rooms
Visual art + ceramic studio
Music classrooms + performance
Horticulture space
MAIN ST. ACCESS + OFFICES
Main entrance + reception
Washroom + amenities
Restaurant kitchen
Dining lounge
Community bridge seating + entrance
Multi-purpose rooms
Banquet spaces + community kitchen
Offices
Patio
GO TRAIN ACCESS + COMMERCIAL
GO Station waiting area
Commercial shops + dining
Washroom + amenities
Track gymnasium
Pool + waiting area
Reception + community services
Residential entrance
GO TUNNEL ACCESS + RECREATION
Underground GO Station tunnels
Parking
Mechanical + storage
Recreational physical activity
Pool + waiting area
Change room + offices
SECTION FACING SOUTH
Underground GO tunnel connection
SECTION FACING WEST
BRIDGE ROOF - PARAPET DETAIL
a. Aluminum parapet coping
b. Metal flashing
c. Cap sheet
d. Roof membrane + vapour retarder
e. Rockwool Insulation 400 mm
f. 2x4” metal studs encased with rock wool insulation
g. Gypsum board 12.5 mm
h. Vapour retarder
i. 450-x1200 mm I beam coated with spray foam insulation
j. Spandrel panel connected to I beam wielded by 300 mm x 30 mm steel anchor
k. Suspended ceiling system
l. Mesh ceiling panels
Ted Reeve park access
Main St. Access
Development access
RENDER OF COMMUNITY BRIDGE SEATING
BRIDGE FLOOR - SOFIT
DETAIL
a. 450mm x 450 mm steel I beam column encased with intumescent paint
b. Curtain wall system
c. Bent Plate
d. Spandrel panel encased with rock wool insulation
e. 450-x1200 mm I beam coated with spray foam insulation
f. Custom steel plate
g. Aluminum panels suspended by steel stud system
h. Concrete encased steel deck 150 mm
i. Gypsum Board sheathing 12.5 mm
j. Vapor retarder
k. Rigid insulation 400 mm
TRANSPARENCY LOMBARD LIBRARY 02
PROJECT: Academic
TYPOLOGY: Public Library
DATE: Fall, 2022
LOCATION: 114 Church Street, Toronto, ON
The Lombard Library project encourages community engagement and learning through transparent spaces united by mixed levels and a central courtyard. Ramps are used to define the social and private programming which includes a cafe, horticulture learning spaces, public green roof, classrooms, meeting rooms, and languages special collection. Due to the heavy shadows cast by surrounding high-rise buildings, the library’s transparency allows visitors and passers to feel connected to different floor-level activities and greenery through natural sunlight through the central courtyard, creating warm and open working spaces.
PROGRAMS: Rhino 6&7, AutoCAD 2022, Enscape 2022, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
4
Horticulture learning
3 Quiet study
2
Classroom learning
1 Cafe and reception
0 Meeting rooms
Horticulture room
Vegetation
Storage & mechanical
Emergency staircase
Elevator
Ramp
Private study rooms
Seating & bookshelves
Central staircase
Washrooms
Storage Ramp
Computer lab
Classroom
Seating & bookshelves
Open work space
Washrooms
Storage Ramp
Cafe
Reception & seating
Staff room & storage
Vegetation
Washrooms
Outdoor meeting space
Meeting rooms
Staff room and kitchen
Event space
Lounge
Washrooms
Storage
Mechanical room
EAST SECTION
EAST ELEVATION
1. PARAPET
Coping/flashing: aluminum sheet 2mm
Opaque spandrel panel connection 6.5mm
Mineral wood insulation 80mm
Wooden block
Water proofing membrane 13mm
Root barrier 40mm
Rigid insulation 200mm
2. GREEN ROOF + CEILING
Intensive plant growth
Growing medium 1000m
Filter sheet
Flora drain 150 mm
Diffusion membrane 6.5mm
Rigid insulation 200mm
Root barrier
Reinforced concrete slab 300mm
Horizotal Load Support
I-Beams 530mm
Dropped Ceiling Structure
13mm Wooden panels supported by clips
3. LOUVER
20mmx100mm aluminum louvers
Steel clip for rod connection
Steel clip for spandrel panel connection
Clip connection on spandrel panel
4. SPANDREL PANEL
Tinted triple glazing 2x6mm
Laminated safety glass with 16mm cavity
Structure: Aluminum horizontal mullion with drain hole + glazing gaskets
5. METAL FLASHING
Metal back pan 50mm
Opaque spandrel panel 6.5mm
Rigid insulation 80mm
Steel angle
Rigid insulation 100mm
6. BASEMENT WALL
Prefabricated drainage mat 3.2mm
Mineral wool insulation 3.2mm
Polyethylene vapor barrier 6mm
Reinforced concrete wall 300mm
7. FOOTING
Keyway waterstop
Polyethelen vapour barrier 6mm
8. BASEMENT FLOOR
Reinforced concrete slab 180 mm
Polyethylene vapor barrier 6 mm
Leveling concrete 50 mm
Drainage layer: Crushed stone 130 mm
9. ISOLATION JOINT
Concrete footing 300mm
Filled with asphalt-treated felt c.w polyurethane sealant to allow concrete expansion
800mm
ARCHIVE MODULAR SEATING 03
PROJECT: Extra-curricular, design-build winner
TYPOLOGY: Public seating
DATE: Summer, 2023
LOCATION: 325 Church Street, Toronto, ON
The ArchHive modular seating project addresses the limited social seating/gathering spaces available inside the architecture building at Toronto Metropolitan University. The seating takes over the empty wall spaces known as “alcoves” which used to be occupied by lockers beside the south-side back entrance. ArcHive leverages 60-degree geometry to craft modular seating that prioritizes both flexibility and comfort. Transforming the former back entrance corridor, we’ve constructed a dynamic seating layout that harmonizes with the existing architecture rather than assimilating into it. The outcome is a project that not only invites students to congregate in a designated area but encourages active engagement and interaction with the space.
DESIGN LEADS: Violeta Zurita, Sameen Yuseff
FABRICATION TEAM: Violeta Zurita, Sameen Youseff, Sabeeh Mobashar, Druti Suhood
CONSTRUCTION TEAM: Violeta Zurita, Sabeeh Mobashar, Nathan Wen
DIGITAL PROGRAMS: Rhino7, Enscape 2023, Adobe Illustrator
FABRICATION: Laser cutter, CNC Cutter, Woodshop
WALL STRUCTURE
Existing wall indent from removed lockers
ALCOVE FRAME
Wooden wall panel structure
CEILING FIXTURE
Erected by nailed on cleats
FIXED SEATING
Removable lids for storage
MOVABLE SEATING
Flexible movement with handle
CEILING FIXTURE SUPPORT
Wooden cleat nailed to wall panel + ceiling fixture
Fixture cleat supported by wall cleat
exposed plywood 1/2”
lued Interior plywood 3/4”
CORK DESIGN COMBINATIONS
SPLIT LEVELS LANEWAY SUITES 04
PROJECT: Academic
TYPOLOGY: Laneway Suites
DATE: Winter 2023
LOCATION: Stanley Terrace, Toronto, ON
The proposed laneway suites along Stanley Terrace respond to creating comfortable and affordable housing that accommodates Toronto’s growing density in older neighborhoods with narrow lots. The suites offer living spaces for two families of 2-3 despite having an 8m by 10m property by maximizing its square footage through split levels with direct views of Stanley Park The mirrored floor plans ensure residents feel immersed in the park and community, promoting healthy living and well being. The 32 m2 suites compliment the older brick homes of Stanley Park while integrating the modern style of the new residential developments, allowing for a smooth transition of architectural styles in the neighborhood as density continues to grow.
PROGRAMS: Rhino7, Enscape 2023, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign
THIRD FLOOR PLAN
PROPOSED EAST ELEVATION
KITCHEN/LIVING/DINING SPACE
PROJECT: Academic
TYPOLOGY: Mixed-use residential
DATE: Winter, 2023
LOCATION: 784 Adelaide Street W, Toronto, ON
Located along the Adelaide and Walnut Ave intersection, SkyWalk is a mixed-use complex that responds to Stanley Park’s need for diverse housing unit options. The project integrates the connection of a stacked townhouse and stacked apartment building through bridges. This is achieved through skip stop corridors which maximize townhouse floor areas and directs interior circulation towards a public mews courtyard. The project emphasizes the character of Stanley Park neighborhood by integrating its industrial and old Toronto architecture style, providing public art and shop programs while also accentuating the park through its rooftop views
PROGRAMS: Revit 2024, Rhino 7, AutoCAD 2022, Enscape 2023, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
Extrude three building masses
CIRCULATION DIAGRAM
Skip-sop housing connection
Stacked townhouse unit staircases
Townhouse emergency staircase
Stacked apartment hallway
Apartment Emergency staircase
Elevator
Interior courtyard
PROGRAMING DIAGRAM
Stacked townhouses
Gallery
Bridge connections
Rooftop patio
Stacked apartments
Public art & recreational
Storage & garbage room
Bring light into courtyard + outdoor roof patio
Connect masses through bridges
WALNUT AVE
NORTH-WEST ELEVATION
ROOFTOP PATIO
EXPERIENTIAL SECTION
APARTMENT UNIT LIVING ROOM
DESIGN-BUILD PROJECTS
2022 TIMBERFEVER COMPETITION CUCUMBER COMRADERY | SEPT 2022
Cucumber Comradery is a collaborative team competition among national engineer and architecture students that took place for four days. As a team, we designed a seating pavilion that promoted urban farming of cucumbers, while enhancing the public seating experience by designing planters that would allow for the vine growth along the back trellis, providing users with shade. The movable seating allowed for flexible seating options that encouraged wheel chair accessibility and different social dynamics.
2022 SUMMER WINDOW INSTALLATION PANERA BREAD STORE | JUNE 2022
The window installation project took place in the summer at the old Panera Bread location near Yonge and Dundas, Toronto. I played a large role in the fabrication and construction of the project in aims to attract new property buyers to the vacant store. We experimented with design changes, such as incorporating a silhouette of myself in the design, as well as adjusting panel sizes and materials that prevented construction failures on site.
WINTER STATIONS 2023
RIPPLE HUT | FEB 2023
Engaging in the Winter Station Design Build proved to be an amazing experience by providing us with insights into the unique properties of materials including the thermal control capabilities of Alucobond. In the fabrication process, we employed CNC technology to precision-cut the aluminum composite panels and worked as a team to pre-assemble the wind barrier modules, streamlining the on-site assembly process at Woodbine beach.
CAMP WINSTON REJUVENATION SERENITY PAVILION | MAY 2022
The Serenity Pavilion was a fun hands-on experience that allowed us students to collaborate in large groups to ameliorate the old design by removing plastic panels and replacing them with wood sheathings, as well as installing polycarbonate roof panels. We learned how to use new tools and respond to on-site challenges to provide a more quiet space for children when in need of privacy.
reconstruct the old design by
Email: vzurita@torontomu.ca