ABOUT
Michelle Buenavida
ARCHITECTURE
Michelle Buenavida is driven by a passion for designing spaces that positively impact communities and the environment.Focused on sustainable architecture and urban planning, she aims to address climate change and urbanization through innovative, inclusive, and affordable designs.Michelle envisions creating harmonious spaces that promote environmental stewardship and adapt to future needs with sustainable practices and technologies. Committed to fostering vibrant, accessible communities, she strives to improve quality of life for diverse populations.Her journey from Venezuela to the United States exemplifies her resilience and dedication to excellence, as she seeks to inspire and uplift through her work in architecture.
Where the journey began...
Michelle earned an Associate of Arts Degree with a GPA of 3.96 (Summa Cum Laude) from Santa Fe Community College, where she was on the Dean's List and graduated with honors.
"Despite facing the challenge of not knowing English and arriving with no acquaintances, I was determined to succeed."
— Michelle Buenavida
ABOUT
Where it took me...
Michelle transferred to the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Design in Architecture with minors in Sustainability, the Built Environment, and Urban and Regional Planning. She graduated Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.72.
Where I'm now...
In her undergraduate studies, Michelle was honored to receive the LAC (Latin American Caribbean) scholarship, motivating her to pursue her academic and career goals. This accomplishment, along with her other achievements, led her to apply to graduate programs, where she was accepted into the Master of Architecture program at Florida International University, where she is currently studying until May 2025.
ABOUT
RETRO-FIT
Natatorium
THE u337 tower
THE SPINE
MOBILITY CITY
THE u337 tower
New York City, NY. I High Mixed Use Bldg.
ADDESS: 33rd st and 7ave NYC
BLDG. HEIGHT: 963 ft tall
FLOORS: 70 stories
STRUCTURE: reinforced concrete
The tower is named the U337 tower or the U Tower, located between 33rd St. and 7 AVE. in NYC. The proposed client for this towers was Uber. Uber requires where to design a 70 story and 963 ft tall tower following the Vornado zoning requirements. Uber ’s motto is “We ignite opportunity by setting the world in motion”. Thus, one of the main pillars of this project is movement, which is a vital part of Uber ’s business, since it entails taking people from and to different places. Uber is known for its immense innovation in transportation, since it combines modern technology with the human need for movement. Since New York is not only one of the most important cities in the country, but it is the city that never sleeps, the city that is always in motion, Uber believes that a Uber Headquarters Tower in NYC is the perfect location.
MOVEMENT
The design not just represent the
movement reflected by Uber, but also represent the satisfaction of getting to the destination, which for many people and tourists are hotel rooms. The specific hotel being Marriot Inc, because of its mission and how it is similar to Uber ’s mission: to give quality service to their clients both in movement and at rest.
THREE ACCESS
There are three different ways to access the building, through the sky, through the pedestrian plaza, and through the uber stops. The building program is divided into three different programs: hotel, office, and retail, thus considered a mixed use building. The retail space consists of 4 floors. The retail base is a public space, the completely transparent glass engaging people within it. Its first main floor, right below the rest of its cantilever, has 2 angles on its exterior, amplifying the idea of captivation and movement to fluctuate throughout our site and into the tower.
RETAIL SPACE
The retail space consists of 4 floors. The retail base is a public space, the completely transparent glass engaging people within it. Its first main floor, right below the rest of its cantilever, has 2 angles on its exterior, amplifying the idea of captivation and movement to fluctuate throughout our site and into the tower.
RETRO-FIT
Miami, FL. I High Ridge Residence
AREA: 16239.32 ft2
FLOORS: 16 floors
STRUCTURE: reinforce concrete structure
The primary goal of this project is to redesign the facade of the existing IRS building in Miami, Florida, and transform it into a sustainable residential building. Alongside the facade redesign, the project includes the redesign of the softscape and hardscape in front of the building, all with a focus on sustainability and efficiency to minimize water intrusion and create a sustainable facade.
The architectural concept revolves around creating a field of hexagonal concrete frames of varying sizes. These frames are draped over the building, forming an intricate facade that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Taking advantage of this field of hexagonal shapes, the design incorporates five different typologies and hexagonal sizes or shapes, dividing the apartments into 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms.
MODULAR BALCONIES
The balconies consist of a reinforced concrete skeleton frame attached to the building and apartment floors. Each balcony includes space for a planter, with water consumed by the plants draining into the apartment's water system.
The railing and glass of the balconies are made of transparent photovoltaic panels, functioning as solar panels to generate electricity for the building.
TYPOLOGIES
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
WATER COLLECTION
The project incorporates a system of swales connected through a piping system, routing water towards the building's cistern tank. This collected water in the cistern tank will be repurposed as gray water for various uses within the building.
SUN ORIENTATION
The V-shaped plan and the tilted balconies are strategically oriented to maximize sunlight penetration into the apartments. The shape of the building rises from east to west, allowing sunlight to enter the apartments.
MOBILITY CITY
Cape Coral, FL. I Mixed Used / Transportation Study (multimodal HUB)
This interdisciplinary design studio (Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, and Journalism) sponsored by the National Academies of Science (NAS) Gulf Research Program (GRP). This explores the critical challenges facing the Gulf of Mexico’s coastline and communities in the context of a changing climate including energy transition, changing Gulf Coastline, and community health and resilience. This studio focus on studying the critical challenges in Cape Coral, Florida, specially as a Mobility city, to improve the transportation system.This project was designed to create new development, improve the green corridors, the roadways, and to develop the canal as another way of transportaiton. Also, this project was designed envision how Cape Coral will look in the future, and that is how we have to came up with a a WHAT IF?This whole system works in the same way as the HUMAN BODY, therefore, we decided to gave name to the different elements of the site with Human body parts.
GOAL 1
Increase the capacity of the transportation network.
a. Redesign streets to accommodate for vehicles, bicycles, and, pedestrians.
b. Add bicycle lanes along key arterials and local roads.
c. Create comfortable and accessible bus stops.
d. Widen, buffer, and shade sidewalks to improve walking conditions.
e. Develop a transit hub that provides community green-spaces.
f. Promote interaction between a variety of modes, ecological
communities, and the canals by activating underutilized spaces to
create the "spine" of Mid-Cape Village.
GOAL 2
Create ecological corridors to facilitate movement of wildlife.
a. Develop an ecological corridor that connects nature on the
outskirts of Cape Coral to Mid-Cape Village.
b. Specify native plants to create habitat for local fauna.
c. Implement a series of pollinator gardens.
d. Create a recreational corridor along the canal.
SPINE - CENTAL LINKAGE
Create a SPINE in an urban conduit between two main Boulevards, Cultural Park and Del Pradro, forming a netweork of systems to improve the mobility within the city. This whole system comes together in different block typologies.
PULMONARY SYSTEM - GREEN
CORRIDOR
It is an urban blue-green ecological network to promote wildlife mobility.
JOINTS - BUS STOPS DESIGN
Improve the quality of the existing bus stops and add new bus stops.
CIRCULATION SYSTEM -ROADWAYS DESIGN
Imporvement of Roadways: Cultural Park Blvd, SE 9th St. Vizcaya Pkway, Del Prado, and Country Club Blvd. Promote Transit Oriented Development.
RECREATIONAL STORMWATER PARK
This park treats runoff from the surrounding areas. It includes a Boat marina and a Boardwalk.
THE SPINE - CENTRAL LINKAGE
Cape Coral, FL. I Mixed Used / Transportation Study (multimodal HUB)
This project, located in Cape Coral, Florida, is designed to create a SPINE in an urban conduit between two main Boulevards, Cultural Park and Del Prado, forming a network of systems to improve the mobility within the city. Knowing the existing conditions, it is strategically located between the old city of the 1960’s to the south and the new development happening to the north; a central node linking the two areas, THE SPINE.
PROGRAMS
The Multimodal Hub will allow the city to connect different modes of transportation, such as buses, scooters, and bikes; making it easier for people to travel efficiently and conveniently between different places. The mixed used Residentail buildings will give to the city a new type of housing more affortable. The mixed use building/ commercial will serve to the hospital, and to develop offices as well franchises. Additionally ,this spine will promote walkability, cycling, and automobile transportation.
CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATION
The architectural concept is derived from an in-depth study of swimmer strokes, specifically the freestyle. The fluid and dynamic movements of the swimmer inspire the sweeping curves of the building's roofs, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the human body in motion and the element of water. This concept shapes a holistic community center where diverse sports and wellness activities converge under the embracing canopy of two main roofs.
BLOCKS
MIXED USE BLDG.
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
MIXED USE BLDG.
COMMERCIAL / BIG STORES
MULTIMODAL HUB
RETAIL
PARKING GARAGE
Natatorium
Little Haiti, FL. I Sports & Rehab Center
ADDRESS: 373 ne 70th Miami, Florida
FLOORS: 5 floors
STRUCTURE: reinforce concrete & curtain high impact windows
Situated at 373 NE 70th St, Miami, Florida, the Little Haiti Natatorium & Rehab/Sports Center emerges as a beacon of community development and wellness in an economically challenged area. Envisioned as the heart and center of Lemon City, this facility is designed to address the community's need for a public space that fosters physical activity, rehabilitation, and social cohesion.
CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATION
The architectural concept is derived from an in-depth study of swimmer strokes, specifically the freestyle. The fluid and dynamic movements of the swimmer inspire the sweeping curves of the building's roofs, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the human body in motion and the element of water. This concept shapes a holistic community center where diverse sports and wellness activities converge under the embracing canopy of two main roofs.
MATERIALITY
The building's materiality reflects durability and modern aesthetics:
• Structural System: Four interconnected structural column systems with concrete beams and footings ensure stability.
• Materials: Reinforced concrete, laminated impact glass, aluminum perforated panels, stainless steel, and wood accents provide a contemporary and enduring aesthetic.
• Roof Cover: EDPM rubber membrane offers protection against water and fire.
Color Palette and Symbolism
The strategic use of red in the building's design symbolizes energy, passion, and strength. In the realm of sports psychology, red is associated with heightened athlete performance, aligning with the center's goal of empowering individuals during exercise and rehabilitation. The varied color palette throughout the design reflects different emotions, physical states, and virtues associated with each space, fostering a multisensory experience for users.
Recreational Plaza
Adjacent to the facility, a recreational plaza serves as a public space for the community. It includes a basketball court, an outdoor gym, walking trails, and a playground, fostering an environment where residents can engage in various sports and recreational activities.
Programmatic Elements
The five-story facility boasts a comprehensive program catering to a wide range of community needs:
1. Ground Level: Main entrance, lobby, locker rooms, and Olympic swimming pool.
2. First Level: Therapeutic pools, spectator seating for the pool.
3. Second Level: Running track, library with a computer center, sports shop, therapy/medical center.
4. Third Level: Restaurant/cafeteria, meditation space (doubling as a community center), outdoor courtyard, administrative offices.
5. Fourth Floor: Fitness center, physical therapy center for athlete rehabilitation.
SECTIONS
LONG SECTION
A
LONG SECTION
B
LONG SECTION
C
DETAILS
The five-story facility boasts a comprehensive program catering to a wide range of community needs:
1. Ground Level: Main entrance, lobby, locker rooms, and Olympic swimming pool.
2. First Level: Therapeutic pools, spectator seating for the pool.
3. Second Level: Running track, library with a computer center, sports shop, therapy/medical center.
4. Third Level: Restaurant/cafeteria, meditation space (doubling as a community center), outdoor courtyard, administrative offices.
5. Fourth Floor: Fitness center, physical therapy center for athlete rehabilitation.
FLOOR PLANS
FLOOR PLAN
GROUND FLOOR
FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL 1
FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL 2
FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL 3
FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL 4
STRUCTURAL
LET’S CONNECT
Michelle Buenavida Silvera
+1 (786) 674-1990
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
May 2025
Miami, FL.
GPA: 3.80/4.00
Bachelor of Design in Architecture
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
May 2023
Gainesville, FL.
GPA: 3.72/4.00
Associate of Arts in Architecture
SANTA FE COMMUNITY COLLAGE
May 2019
Gainesville, FL.
GPA: 3.96/4.00
LANGUAGES
English — Fluent
Spanish — Fluent
Hebrew — Intermediate
SKILLS
Rendering
Sketching
Laser Cutting
Photography
Digital Modeling
Diagram/Analysis
Communication
Teamwork
Time Management
PROGRAMS
Revit
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe lnDesign
AutoCAD
Rhinoceros 3D Modeling
Lumion
Enscape
ArcGIS
Microsoft Office Word
Microsoft Office Power Point
AWARDS
• Latin American Caribbean Scholarship at Florida International University.
• Latin American Caribbean Scholarship at the University of Florida.
• Dean List at the University of Florida.
• Dean List at Santa Fe Community College.
WORK EXPERIENCE
BIM DESIGNER-ARCHITECTURAL I Monarch Design Company
June 2022 - August 2022 I Gainesville, FL
• Executed projects using BIM technology, completing the exterior and interior using
Revit.
• Collaborated with engineers, architects, project managers, and other design
professionals to ensure the accuracy of drawings and create a comprehensive digital
model of the project.
• Produced construction drawings, and renderings of the projects.
• Participated in weekly meetings and site visits with the team to review the project.
ARCHITECTURE STUDIO - TEACHER ASSISTANT I College of Design at the University of Florida
January 2023 - May 2023 I Gainesville, FL
• Provided support and help to students with their projects and questions alongside the
primary teacher to help students in their learning process.
• Assisted students one-to-one as they are doing the project and tutored about
Photoshop, InDesign, and Revit.
INTERIOR DESIGN INTERN I PUNKT Design Company
June 2021 - August 2021 I Tel Aviv, IL
• Created professional content and developed ideas for clients.
• Visited sites for projects and developed architectural ideas for them.
• Developed social media and created a whole new concept for it.
INTERIOR DESIGN INTERN I Hinojosa Design Company
June 2020 - August 2021 I Miami, FL
• Researched concepts and followed industry trends to provide knowledgeable insight to
clients regarding Sustainability and Well-Being.
• Communicated with vendors to request samples and material for use.
• Created a professional presentation to creatively communicate the design intent and
direction of a commercial Hotel Development Plan.
FREELANCE ARCHITECT I Florida Legal Chambers
June 2018 – July 2018 I Gainesville, FL
• Assisted the principal architect in the creation of an architectural plan for a home
• project.
• Conducted site visits including measurements and photographic documentation.
• Communicated with top management in the execution of the design process and
• remodeling.
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LEADERSHIP
ALPHA RHO CHAI FRATERNITY AT UF I Fundraiser Director and Social Media Director
August 2021 – December 2022 I Gainesville, FL
• Developed fundraising strategies and overseeing all fundraising activities.
• Managed social media with an incrementation of 40% in followers.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA CHABAD ON CAMPUS I Fundraiser Director and Social Media Director
August 2020 - December 2022 I Gainesville, FL
• Managed and maintained a strong social media presence across Facebook and
Instagram.
• Increased the social media followers by 35% in followers.