Driven architecture graduate, with an 8-month internship at RCR Arquitectes. Award-winning designer, featured in El Croquis with an academic project selected for the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025. Skilled in visualization and documentation, pursuing LEED GA certification.
SKILLS
Dedication | Communication | Teamwork | Leadership | Initiative
Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM) - Monterrey Campus
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture (B.Arch)
August 2020 - December 2024
• Best Academic Average in the Major | GPA: 98.23
• Honorable Mention for Excellence
• Vice president of the Architecture Student Society 2022
WORK EXPERIENCE
On Campus Intern | Tecnológico de Monterrey
July 2024 - December 2024 | Part-time Architecture Intern
• Edited, designed, and produced graphic materials for “Construyendo Comunidades: Memoria Cátedra INFONAVIT 2021-2023”, scheduled publication in 2025.
• Managed and organized documentation for the submission of “Cátedra ITESM - INFONAVIT 10°” to the “XIII Ibero-American Architecture and Urbanism Biennale” in the Pedagogies Category.
• Developed redesign strategies for the renovation of Architecture and Urbanism workshops and implemented visualization tools to enhance the design process.
September 2023 - May 2024 | Full-time Architecture Intern
• Recognized for professionalism and passion, exceeding expectations despite being early in career.
• Managed diverse project tasks across different project scales, from concept to detail and participated in design reviews.
• Executed projects ranging from graphic design to 3D modeling and construction detailing.
• Integrated into a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating strong collaboration and adaptability.
• Designed & refined presentation board for three projects in publication: El Croquis N. 228 RCR Arquitectes 2017-2024.
OAX Arquitectos | MCHAP 2024 - Monterrey, México
October 2022 - February 2023 | Part-time Architecture Intern
• Executed field measurements for a residential project.
• Refined architectural plans using 2D and 3D software production such as AutoCAD and SketchUp.
• Designed furniture proposals for getaway house renovation.
AWARDS & PUBLICATIONS
Time, Space, Existence | Venice Architecture Biennale 2025
February 2025 (Exposition: May 2025 - Nov 2025)
Selected project “Centro Habitacional Burócratas de Guadalupe” by the School of Architecture of Tecnológico de Monterrey.
El Croquis N. 228 (RCR Arquitectes 2017-2024)
Credited as a project collaborator. Contributed to:
• Rehabilitación Plaça Països Catalans (Execution Project)
• Centro Estudiantil de Actividades y Deportes (Visualization)
• Polo Artístico y Cultural Île Seguin (Visualization)
XL Premio Nacional a la Composición Arquitectónica
Alberto J. Pani | September 2024 | Participant Individual 3 day design charette - National competition Representative of Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey campus
Cátedra INFONAVIT 10° | June 2023 | Finalist Chosen representative team of Tecnológico de Monterrey. Project “Centro Habitacional Burócratas de Guadalupe”
PROYECTA Awards| Tecnológico de Monterrey
• Best Collective Housing Project | May 2023 | Winner
• Best Single Family Home | May 2023 | Winner
GILSA Design Awards | March 2023 | 2nd place
Selected representative team of Tecnológico de Monterrey.
COURSES
Arquitectos Fonseca Revit Course Beginner to Advanced | August 2024 Course Revit + 3ds Max + Vray | March 2023
Maira Medrano |
Mixed-Use Building Monterrey, México 2024
Single-Family Home
San Pedro Garza García, México 2022 CÁTEDRA INFONAVIT 10°
PABELLÓN
CA.
XL Premio Alberto J. Pani UNAM, Mexico City, México 2024
Architecture | Urbanism Tecnológico de Monterrey 2024
Mixed-Use Building Monterrey, México 2024
Temporary Residence for Artists Casa Wabi, Oaxaca, México 2022
CASA WABI FOR ARTISTS
PROJECT INFO
Mixed-Use Building
Residential Units| Commercial Space
Academic Project, 8th semester
Location
Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
In collaboration with:
Victoria Esquivel, Alexa Palagot
Total construction area: 61,056 m2
Year: 2024
RAÍCES AVA
BUILDING A UNITED COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR ROOTS
A project that combines the advantages of modern living with a focus on well-being, connection to nature, and community building.
Raíces AVA pays tribute to our colonial Mexican heritage, through central courtyards, creating captivating interior views while fostering a sense of community among neighbors and visitors.
The project will be developed at the edge of the Distrito TEC area in Monterrey.
NEED FOR COLLECTIVE HOUSING
SITE POTENTIAL
The site is located next to the Arroyo Seco and has a 9-meter slope, with Calle Argos being the highest point of the land. The proposal emphasizes views towards the surrounding natural elements, such as the dry stream and the hills.
CONCEPTUAL IDEA
By reconnecting with our roots, we promote culture and well-being, social gatherings, and a sense of belonging. Through an active ground floor that includes amenities such as restaurants, commercial gyms, self-service stores and a cultural gallery.
INTERIOR
Ice Cream Shop
Yogurt Shop
Bar
Bakery
Area
Art Workshop
Bookstore
Playroom
Parking area
GENERAL PLAN
The proposal focuses on offering users exterior and interior views, natural ventilation and lighting through volumes with interior courtyards and gallery-style circulation, allowing for greater connectivity within the complex.
AMENITIES
Each section includes an amenity area on the first level of the third tower, featuring a gym, a coworking space, and two terraces. Privacy from the commercial areas on the first level is ensured through a lattice design.
Rooftop Terraces
Additionally, each section offers two rooftop terrace areas and game rooms, providing views of different parts of the city.
Maira Medrano
• 1 Room • Living Room
Kitchen
Dining Room
• 2 Rooms
• Living Room • Kitchen • Dining Room
1 Flex
1 Bathroom
Laundry area
1 deck
1 Bathroom • Laundry area
2 decks
• 2 Rooms
• Living Room • Kitchen • Dining Room • 3 Rooms • Living Room • Kitchen • Dining Room
• 2 Bathrooms • Laundry area
1 deck
• 2 Bathrooms • Laundry area • 2 decks
332 apartment units
61,056m2 | Total construction area
30,382m2 | Total saleable area
$19,292 | Cost/m2
• 4 Rooms
• Living Room
• Kitchen
• Dining Room
• 1 Flex
• 3 Bathrooms
• Laundry area
• 3 decks
The housing typologies feature covered exterior walkways overlooking the interior courtyards. The proposal is divided into two sections, each with three towers.
The first tower has five residential levels, the second has eight, and the third has five, each with its own circulation core. The unit sizes range from 54 m² to 117 m²
Maira Medrano
Interior Views
All interior spaces offer views of natural elements, fostering a sense of warmth and harmony that enhances the connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.
REAL STATE PROJECT
This project proposal was presented to the Monterrey-based real estate developer GM Capital, who owns the land.
The objective was to develop a valuable architectural proposal within a real context, creating the entire financial model to ensure the project’s feasibility through a market study and real cost analysis.
This simulation provided insights into architectural projects by analyzing their financial viability, enabling us to evaluate design decisions, costs, and profitability from an economic perspective.
CASA FERRO
PROJECT INFO
Single-Family Home
Academic Project, 5th semester
Location
San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México
In collaboration with:
Daniela Salomé & Alexa Palagot
Area: 261.67 m2
Year: 2022
UNDERSTANDING OUR CLIENT’S CONTEXT AND INTERESTS.
The property is situated in the Urban Area of San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León on Independencia street, between Av. Corregidora and Lic. Benito Juárez.
Our client profile consists of a family of five who enjoys engaging in activities together, including cooking and playing music.
They not only enjoy spending time together as a family but also value having distinct spaces where they can pursue their individual tasks and pastimes.
VARIETY OF SCENES FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME.
In Casa Ferro, the patios and garden play a significant role in establishing a connection with the outdoors as users walk thorugh the interior spaces.
The house has a total area of 262 square meters, where there are social areas such as the interior patios and living and dining room. On the other hand, the private areas of the house include an office, bedrooms and multipurpose room.
The houses located in the urban center of San Pedro Garza García exhbit the architectural style known as Mexican Colonial Style Norestense. This style’s features includes less permeable facades and larger frames in windows and doors.
To pay homage to the the traditional architecture of Nuevo León, the house incorporates a modern reinterpretation of the frame at the entrance of the garage, with diagonal withdrawals on its sides. This accentuates the entrance and generate a welcoming atmosphere for the family and their guests.
GROUND FLOOR
1. Garage
2. Access
3. Body of water
4. Guest restroom
5. Multipurpose room
6. Living room
7. Dining
8. Workspace
9. Interior garden
10. Kitchen
11. Office
12. Backyard
The social areas of the dining room, kitchen and workspace are seamlessly interconnected through the use of a linear furniture design that adapts to the space.
UPPER FLOOR
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. Workspace
6.
To enhance privacy and provide a connection to nature, each sibling in the house has their own bedroom with a view to at least one of the three gardens.
Bedroom 1
Laundry room
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3
Master bedroom
NATURAL ELEMENTS ON INTERIOR SPACE
The layout of the house aims to provide a visual connection to the natural elements surrounding the indoor space. It allows natural light to permeate the interior and create a sense of openness.
The small body of water and vegetation enhance the feeling of being outdoors while remaining inside the home.
Longitudinal Section (A-A’)
Context Elevation
Rear Elevation
BIOCLIMATIC ATTRIBUTES
The open spaces generate natural light and ventilation, which greatly enhances the thermal comfort and overall well-being,
This is specially important in a city with extreme climatic changes, as it allows for better control of indoor temperatures.
PROJECT INFO
Single Unit House
Academic Project, 6th semester
Location
Juárez, Nuevo León, México
In collaboration with:
Daniela Salomé, Daniel Cantú & José Ángel Chapa
Year: 2023
CÁTEDRA INFONAVIT 10°
INFONAVIT, NATIONAL HOUSING FUND
Instituto del Fondo Nacional de Vivienda para los Trabajadores (INFONAVIT) is a social service organization that manages the resources of the National Housing Fund.
Its main objective is to establish and operate a financing system that allows its beneficiaries to obtain affordable and sufficient credit to acquire a home.
In Mexico, there are 8.5 million housing units that are in a state of deficit due to deteriorated materials or inadequate living conditions.
BUILDING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SELF-BUILT HOUSING
The tenth edition of “Cátedra Infonavit” focuses on revitalizing a study area in Juárez, Nuevo León, to create self-production housing models and improve public spaces, roads, facilities and economic growth.
“Centro Habitacional Burócratas de Guadalupe,” with 867 inhabitants and 324 housing units, faces challenges such as urban voids and underutilized lots. These spaces present opportunities to incorporate diverse housing models, facilities, and public spaces, fostering development and community growth.
MOBILITY
The proposal includes formalizing transit stops, adding routes from Av. Sindicalismo to Monterrey’s center and increasing trip frequency daily.
Strategically located at three scales, offering childcare, senior services, health centers, and recreational spaces to enhance community
STREAM REGENERATION
The stream revitalization strengthens community connections through flow restoration, expansion, stabilization, and water cultivation.
CURRENT SITE CONDITION
55% of the area consists of underutilized lots, presenting an opportunity to introduce housing, services, and facilities, transforming urban voids into functional spaces and fostering development.
COST-SAVING PROCESS
Exisiting Housing Lot division
Housing costs heavily impact families due to high construction expenses.
Dividing land price lowers investment costs by up to 67%.
Housing Proposal
Proposal promotes diverse, mixed units for an affordable housing model.
HOUSING MODEL
Detached House
The design alternates structural spaces and courtyards along a central axis, linking common front areas with private rear areas, while front terraces foster connections with the urban environment.
Attached House
The design increases density, promotes commerce, enhances proximity, expands courtyards for better environment, and uses a central wall axis to structurally support vertically stacked services.
Stacked House
The ground floor is freed up for permeability and connection between blocks, while also accommodating housing units with the same characteristics of adaptability, sustainability, habitability, and flexibility.
ADAPTATION FOR FACILITIES
The facilities are based on the typology of attached housing, allowing for different adaptations in the floor plan without modifying the structure, resulting in a variety of uses such as a healthcare center, care for the elderly and individuals with special needs, childcare, markets, and space for local events. This generates a process of proximity and diversity through their combination.
Care for seniors, aged 60 and above
Facility #3
Childcare center ages 0-3
Facility #2 Health center
Facility #4
Specialized commerce - Market
Facility #5
Space for celebrations / Local events
Facility #1
TRANSFORMATION DEVICES
1. Stairs:
Prepared for future expansion.
2. Patios:
Allows sustainable densification.
3. Roofs:
Possibility of vertical expansion
4. Active ground floor:
Generates passive income.
CONSTRUCTION DETAIL
Manual for construction of a module, which, when replicated, solves the rest of the housing.
20cm thick slab with joist and block system.
Finish on the floor according to the choice of the living unit.
Cement/sand mortar plastering with a thickness of 4cm.
Concrete floor f’C = 150 kg/cm2 thickness of 15 cm, reinforced with welded wire mesh 6-6 / 10-10
Prefabricated beam
Problock #6, ANHIX brand, set in mortar cement/sand ratio 1:3
Plastering and finishing with mortar cement/sand ratio 1:4 with a thickness of 1.5 cm
Vinyl paint of choice by the living unit
Adhesive for coating
Isolated footing
Bovedilla
DESIGN / PUBLIC SPACE INTERVENTIONS
The neighborhood has three types of roadways: Av. Sindicalismo, the surrounding secondary streets, and the tertiary streets. The organization and design of these roads aim to promote non-motorized mobility. Additionally, four public space interventions were created in which the stream evolves into an urban lung with recreational and commercial activities.
The neighborhood has three types of roadways: Av. Sindicalismo, the surrounding secondary streets, and the tertiary streets. The organization and design of these roads aim to promote non-motorized mobility. Additionally, four public space interventions were created in which the stream evolves into an urban lung with recreational and commercial activities.
The neighborhood has three types of roadways: Av. Sindicalismo, the surrounding secondary streets, and the tertiary streets. The organization and design of these roads aim to promote non-motorized mobility.
The neighborhood has three types of roadways: Av. Sindicalismo, the surrounding secondary streets, and the tertiary streets. The organization and design of these roads aim to promote non-motorized mobility. Additionally, four public space interventions were created in which the stream evolves into an urban lung with recreational and commercial activities.
The sidewalks are divided into three types of strips:
The sidewalks are divided into three types of strips:
The sidewalks are divided into three types of strips:
1. Transition strip between active urban fronts and public space ROAD DESIGN / PUBLIC SPACE INTERVENTIONS
1. Transition strip between active urban fronts and public space
1. Transition strip between active urban fronts and public space
1. Transition strip between active urban fronts and public space
2.
2. Obstacle free circulation strip to facilitate mobility.
2. Obstacle free circulation strip to facilitate mobility.
BUILDING PROXIMITY, DIVERSITY, AND DENSITY
BUILDING PROXIMITY, DIVERSITY, AND DENSITY
BUILDING PROXIMITY, DIVERSITY, AND DENSITY
BUILDING PROXIMITY, DIVERSITY, AND DENSITY
3. Equipment strip for municipal services, urban furniture and vegetation.
2. Obstacle free circulation strip to facilitate mobility. 3. Equipment strip for municipal services, urban furniture and vegetation.
3. Equipment strip for municipal services, urban furniture and vegetation.
3. Equipment strip for municipal services, urban furniture and vegetation.
According to the principles of Soft City by David Sim, cities contribute to creating more sustainable and happier communities for their residents when the scale of buildings is reduced, diversity of housing typologies and non-domestic
According to the principles of Soft City by David Sim, cities contribute to creating more sustainable and happier communities for their residents when the scale of buildings is reduced, diversity of housing typologies and non-domestic
According to the principles of Soft City by David Sim, cities contribute to creating more sustainable and happier communities for their residents when the scale of buildings is reduced, diversity of housing typologies and non-domestic
uses per level is promoted, resulting in ensembles with multifunctional activities that generate proximity. These principles formed the basis for the housing and urban proposal in Centro Habitacional.
uses per level is promoted, resulting in ensembles with multifunctional activities that generate proximity. These principles formed the basis for the housing and urban proposal in Centro Habitacional.
uses per level is promoted, resulting in ensembles with multifunctional activities that generate proximity. These principles formed the basis for the housing and urban proposal in Centro Habitacional.
Inspired by Soft City, the Centro Habitacional proposal promotes reduced building scale, diverse housing, and multifunctional spaces, fostering proximity, sustainability, and community through mixed-use urban design principles.
Obstacle free circulation strip to facilitate mobility.
OWL PARK
The owl symbolizes observation and vigilance, Owl Park promotes security through recreational spaces.
KOBAN
A permeable ground floor police booth and observation deck enhance security through natural surveillance.
REUSE OF TIRES & URBAN BEACH
Reused tires delimit the stream, increasing absorption and creating spaces for social interaction, recreation.
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
The bridge connects both neighborhood sectors, promotes pedestrian mobility and local economic activity.
PROJECT INFO
Reuse the thermae - Curinga
Reuse Italy Competition, Location
Curinga, Catanzaro, Italy
In collaboration with:
Ana González, Jules Aubron & Tzu-Chin Huang
Year: 2024
SEE AND BE SEEN
BRIEFING FOR THE COMPETITION
The thermae was the central regulating place in the life of the Romans. Regardless of class and social status or whether you were a man or a woman, the Romans went every day to these places reserved for the hygiene and pleasure of the body and the spirit.
The thermal baths represent timeless spaces, places where everyone could feel for a few moments like the emperor himself, escaping from the monotony of everyday life where promiscuity and nudity erased inequalities.
The Thermae’s design guides visitors along a route through pools of varying temperatures and activity rooms, emphasizing the competition themes of protection and musealization.
The concept restores the original pathway using a fluctuating platform, with wider sections marking areas for longer stays and narrower sections for shorter stops, creating a space that celebrates the body and social interaction.
Site photos by: Reuse Italy
PROTECTION & MUSEALIZATION
The platform is supported by metal slats that guide the route, allowing or preventing access to specific spaces. The walkway is covered by a roof with a mirror inside.
The roof with thin structure blends seamlessly into the surroundings.
The walkway gradually unveils and opens up views of the ruins.
The route considers time users spent in each room in the thermae.
The horizontal mirror allows users to observe others and themselves.
This horizontal surface over the ruins enables users to see other partes of the space and observe fellow users walking in the space. Preserving an idea of interconnection.
PREMISES
The proposal recovers the exaltation of the body and the lack of intimacy, so intimate, that was generated in the Roman baths.
For materiality, Corten Steel was chosen because, like the body, it is a changing material that blends with its surroundings over the years.
Section A
Section B
PROJECT INFO
Collective Housing Academic Project, 5th semester
Location Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
In collaboration with: Daniela Salomé, Alexa Palagot & Rodrigo Ortíz.
Area: 831.44 m2
Year: 2022
ROMALDA
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES IN COLLECTIVE HOUSING
“Distrito Tec” is an urban regeneration project promoted by Tecnológico de Monterrey, along with various associations, citizen groups and district authorities. Its impact will be reflected in 24 neighborhoods surrounding the university campus.
NEED FOR COLLECTIVE HOUSING
Since 1980, the urban area in Monterrey has increased five-fold, accompanied by rapid population growth. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the demand for collective housing, particularly in sectors where students, families and independent adults are seeking affordable housing options.
The property is situated at the intersection of Río Pánuco street and Av. Del Estado in the Tecnológico neighborhood, within the Distrito Tec polygon in Monterrey, Nuevo León. It covers an area of 831.44 m2.
The design of the building places a strong emphasis on outdoor spaces that serve both recreational & cohabitational purposes of both public and private areas of the building.
The building has a total of 5 levels, with 4 of them dedicated to departmental use. There are 4 different housing typologies available, ranging from 1 to 4 rooms. On the contrary, the ground floor and rooftop areas are designated for social and commercial use.
Architecture Portfolio | 2023
Architecture Portfolio | 2023
The rooftop is a private social area for the building’s residents.
The rooftop is a private social area for the building’s residents.
The rooftop is a private social area for the building’s residents.
The terraces act as an extension of the social or private spaces of the apartments.
The terraces act as an extension of the social or private spaces of the apartments.
The terraces act as an extension of the social or private spaces of the apartments.
The terraces act as an extension of the social or private spaces of the apartments.
Every apartment has at least 1 terrace depending on its typology.
Every apartment has at least 1 terrace depending on its typology.
Every apartment has at least 1 terrace depending on its typology.
in the interior facade there are patio areas and multipurpose spaces for the residents.
The ground floor accommodates commercial facilities along the exterior facade. On the contrary, in the interior facade there are patio areas and multipurpose spaces for the residents.
The ground floor accommodates commercial facilities along the exterior facade. On the contrary, in the interior facade there are patio areas and multipurpose spaces for the residents.
The ground floor features commercial spaces on the exterior and multipurpose areas for residents inside.
Levels 1, 3 and 5
Ground Floor
2 and 4
Levels
Rooftop
DESIGN PREMISES
The design is based on bays that define the size and organization of spaces, balancing solid volumes with emptiness. The building’s orientation and shape maximize natural lighting and privacy through terraces.
Each floor has 4 apartments, with staircases and elevators serving 2 apartments per nucleus. Levels 1, 3, and 5 feature typologies 2 and 3, while levels 2 and 4 have typologies 1 and 4.
Terraces respect privacy and provide outdoor spaces for residents.
Architecture Portfolio | 2023
Architecture Portfolio | 2023
Typology 1, (Level 2 & 4)
Typology 1, (Level 2 & 4)
• 1 room
• 1 room
Typology 1, (Level 2 & 4)
• 1 room
• 1 restroom
• 1 restroom
• 1 restroom
• 2 balconies
• 2 balconies
• 2 balconies
= 44.61 m2
= 44.61 m2
= 44.61 m2
Typology 2 (Level 1, 3 & 5)
Typology 2 (Level 1, 3 & 5)
• 2 rooms
• 2 rooms
• 2 rooms
• 1 restroom
• 1 restroom
• 1 restroom
• 1 balcony
• 1 balcony
= 58.74 m2
= 58.74 m2
Typology 2 (Level 1, 3 & 5) = 58.74 m2
• 1 balcony Typology
Maira Medrano | Selected Works
Maira Medrano | Selected Works
Typology 3 (Level 1, 3 & 5)
Typology 3 (Level 1, 3 & 5)
• 3 rooms
Typology 3 (Level 1, 3 & 5)
• 3 rooms
• 3 rooms
• 2 restrooms
• 2 restrooms
• 2 restrooms
• 2 balconies
• 2 balconies
= 73.14 m2
= 73.14 m2
• 2 balconies
= 73.14 m2
Typology 4 (Level 2 & 4)
Typology 4 (Level 2 & 4)
Typology 4 (Level 2 & 4)
• 4 rooms
• 4 rooms
• 4 rooms
• 3 restrooms
• 3 restrooms
• 3 restrooms
• 2 balconies
• 2 balconies
• 2 balconies
= 95.60 m2
= 95.60 m2
= 95.60 m2
Maira Medrano
INTEGRATION WITH THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT
INTEGRATION WITH THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT
As part of the urban plan for Distrito Tec, the revitalization project for Av. del Estado aims to create accessible sidewalks to enhance the urban image of the area and increase opportunities for entrepreneurship and housing.
As part of the urban plan for Distrito Tec, the revitalization project for Av. del Estado aims to create accessible sidewalks to enhance the urban image of the area and increase opportunities for entrepreneurship and housing.
The design of the ground floor foster a sense of community and interaction through the use of public spaces and commercial facilities.
The design of the ground floor foster a sense of community and interaction through the use of public spaces and commercial facilities.
Constructive Detail
MATERIALITY AND BIOCLIMATIC STRATEGIES
The materiality includes apparent concrete along copper for railings, window frames and door frames.
Openings in the facade facilitate cross ventilation and enhance natural airflow.
Balconies provide shade during summer and allow the entry of natural light during the winter season.
Longitudinal Section (A-A’)
BALCONY AND VIEW
The balconies on the main facade of the building offer a pleasant view of the urban context and serve a functional purpose by extending the social area of each apartment.
Alternatively, the balconies facing the interior patio of the complex are designed to provide a private and intimate space for residents.
Maira Medrano
PROJECT INFO
Premio Alberto J. Pani
- Individual 3 day Arch. Charette
Representative Tecnológico de Monterrey campus Monterrey 8th semester
Location
Av. Insurgentes Sur 2410, Facultad de Arquitectura de la Universidad Autónoma de México
Total construction area: 1190m2
Year: September 2024
PABELLÓN UNIVERSITARIO CA.
BRIEFING FOR THE COMPETITION
“CA” means “to be” or “to exist” in Nahuatl, the language of the Tenochtitlan culture. Walking through the University City (Ciudad Universitaria), the pre-Hispanic heritage is celebrated, respected, and promoted across various campus spaces through murals and sculptures.
CA University Pavilion seeks to preserve this heritage beyond campus boundaries. It serves as a haven for UNAM students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and workers. A space for reading, social activities, forums, and gardens that pay homage to natural elements central to Mexico City’s history.
At the node adjacent to the project site, The intersection of Av. Insurgentes Sur and Av. Copilco, hinders walkability and traffic flow in the area. The intervention involves widening the sidewalk on the right side of Av. Insurgentes, repurposing the corner for commercial stands and seating for pedestrians to rest.
The project’s layout connects the Metrobus station to Rufino Tamayo Plaza and Paseo del Río. The proposal is a modern reinterpretation of the Tenochtitlan pyramids, featuring gardens that pay tribute to the now-piped Magdalena River, which once crossed the site.
Floor Plan Concept
Elevation Concept
GROUND FLOOR
Using 5x6 m modules, the architectural plan and volume were configured. The ground floor includes a bookstore, a café with seating for 70 people, and restroom facilities.
UPPER FLOOR
The pyramid was inverted so the top street, housing a multipurpose forum events that can be enjoyed by passing
top level is seen directly from the forum for live music, conferences, and passing pedestrians.
ROOFTOP
The final design and configuration of the project spans 742.5 m² of footprint and 1,190 m² of construction.
STRUCTURE
The project uses glass and corten steel materials, referencing the Pedregal de San Ángel, whose volcanic rock lies at the site’s edge. The reddish hue recalls the lava that once flowed through this area.
Its orientation toward the left corner of the lot invites passersby to take this shortcut and discover a space fostering cultural activities.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
The stepped design maximizes terraces and outdoor spaces while maintaining a pedestrian-friendly height. Surrounded by gardens with native vegetation, it aims to welcome passersby & encourage reflection on our culture and its preservation.
1 | West Elevation
2 | South Elevation
3 | North Elevation
PROJECT INFO
GILSA Design Awards 2022
GILSA S.A. Competition, Location
San Pedro, Monterrey, México
In collaboration with:
Daniela Salomé, Alexa Palagot, Paola Nava & Carolina Pérez
Area: 7.86 m2
Year: 2022-2023
GILSA DESIGN AWARDS TEC
GILSA COMPANY AND DESIGN AWARDS
Gilsa is a business that specializes in the distribution and sale of floors and tiles, founded in Monterrey, México in 1982.
To promote the creation of architectural spaces and showcase the store’s latest products, the first edition of the GILSA Design Awards was held in 2016.
Prestigious universities from across the country participate in designing restrooms that will be later exhibited at one of the stores & evaluated by a jury of renowned architects from the city.
COMPETITION CHALLENGE
At the beginning of the design stages, we were informed that the client’s profile was a couple between 25 and 35 years old who desired a restroom inspired by the avant-garde style.
This style is characterized by blending simplicity with modernity, stemming from the exploration of diverse spatial arrangements and solution.
The design is centered around a central element that distributes the space and accomodates fixtures and installations.
Frontal Elevation
Section A-A’
Right Elevation
Left Elevation
INSPIRATION
The composition is centered around an L-shaped wall that divides the spaces for toilet usage, washing and showering.
The L-shaped countertop serves multiple functions. Adaptable to the user’s needs while maintaining its unity as a single piece.
MULTIPURPOSE ELEMENT
The countertop captures the user’s attention as soon as they enter the showroom. As they proceed into the shower area, the countertop seamlessly transforms into a bench, serving a completely different purpose.
This distribution provides enhanced privacy in the toilet area, allowing users to carry out their necesssities in a comfortable and elegant space and ensuring a discreet experience 1
PROJECT INFO
University Workshop Renovations On Campus Intern, 8th semester
Location
Teconológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, México
In collaboration with:
ARQ. Jorge Salinas, Director of the Architecture Department, Northern Region
ARQ. Juan Carlos López, Architecture Program Director Year: 2024
ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN DESIGN WORKSHOP RENOVATIONS
INTERVENTION
As part of my work at the Architecture Department during my last semester of university, and in collaboration with professors and directors, we developed a proposal for renovations to the Architecture and Urbanism Workshops.
To better visualize the interventions, these spaces were modeled in 3D, and proposals were made for exhibition areas, new furniture arrangements, adding windows and shelves for models in classrooms.
Note: The exhibition boards are representative and do not belong to me. Background elements from Cátedra Distrito
included as contextual references.
Santa Lucia - Tecnológico de Monterrey
Maira Medrano
PROJECT INFO
Mixed-Use Building
Academic Project, 8th semester
Location
Dominio Cumbres, Cumbres-García
Nuevo León, México
In collaboration with: Victoria Esquivel, Elena Funes, Luis Hurtado, Ernesto Viveros
Total construction area: 261.67 m2
Year: 2024
RELIEVE
DISCOVERING VIEW AND SPACE AT EVERY STEP
The property is located along Ruiz Cortinez Avenue in Cumbres García, Nuevo León.
It Situated in a developing area within the Cumbres domain, offering key access points to various parts of the city and surrounding areas, including Saltillo and García.
Potential for uninterrupted views due to the project’s low scale and central courtyard.
The goal is to preserve and recover the memory of ancient Mexico through central courtyards, fostering community interaction among residents.
Creating friendly cities with gathering spaces, designed to be welcoming for families. Main users are nuclear households, as well as single-person households or co-living spaces.
Diagrams: Soft Cities, David Sim
HEART OF THE PROJECT
Stepped volume with a commercial front strip, followed by semiprivate amenity areas and 85 residential units in the most private section.
Three typologies, all surrounding the heart of the project with views toward Cerro de las Mitras or Cerro del Topochico. Seven residential levels at the highest point to the north and four at the lowest point.
Three levels with amenities, 14 commercial spaces over two levels, two levels of underground parking, one recreational area at the rear, one central courtyard, and common area.
TYPOLOGY A | 54 m2
• 1 Room + 1 flex
• Living Room
• Kitchen
• Dining Room
• 1 Bathroom
• Laundry area
• 1 Deck
• 1 Parking space
TYPOLOGY B | 85 m2
• 2 Rooms + 1 flex
• Living Room
• Kitchen
• Dining Room
• 2 Bathrooms
• Laundry area
• 1 Deck
• 2 Parking spaces
TYPOLOGY C | 100 m2
• 3 Rooms
• Living Room
• Kitchen
• Dining Room
• 3 Bathrooms
• Laundry area
• 2 Decks
• 2 Parking spaces
INTERIOR VIEWS
Interesting views from social areas, with interior spaces that welcome and surprise residents and guests.
Good natural lighting and ventilation invite social interaction through thoughtful design.
Maira Medrano
PROJECT INFO
Single Unit House Academic Project, 5th semester
Location
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, México
In collaboration with:
Sofia Santiago
Area: 35 m2
Year: 2022
CASA WABI FOR ARTISTS
CASA WABI FOUNDATION
The non-profit civil association aims to promote social development through artistic activities in communities in Tokyo, Mexico City & Puerto Escondido.
The residence program is designed for both national and international artists and aims to create an active exchange between the artists and the communities near Casa Wabi.
The project aimed to create additional temporary residences for emerging artists at the headquarters of Casa Wabi in Puerto Escondido, México.
The use of vernacular materials from the Oaxaca coast and the incorporation of bioclimatic strategies was a key consideration to provide a comfortable and sustainable living.
GROUND FLOOR
The design incorporates the use of wooden louvers and folding doors, providing flexibility to the living spaces. These elements allow for cross ventilation, enhancing airflow within the spaces, and also redirect natural light,
Right Above
The residence features brick barrel vaults in beige tones, chosen to blend with the color of the sand. The interior walls and slab are constructed using concrete providing stability to the structure
UPPER FLOOR
The private space is designed to be distinct from the social area and is located on a separate floor. It features a small workspace and folding doors that open up to a balcony.
Right Below
Custom-made wooden frames are incorporated into the design to provide privacy while still allowing residents to appreciate the surrouding landscape.
Ample space provided for artists to create, relax and engage.
