Master of Architecture students Valerie Wertenstein and Giovanna Burigatto have been awarded Second Place in the Resilient Futures: Architecture for a Changing Climate Competition, an international competition exploring innovative architectural solutions that address the challenges of climate change and the future of the built environment.
Organized by Archiol Competitions, the Resilient Futures challenge invited architects, designers, and students from around the world to imagine adaptive and resilient environments capable of responding to an increasingly uncertain climate future.
A Collaborative Vision Rooted in Human Experience
Valerie Wertenstein, who is among the School of Architecture students completing the Master of Architecture program at the end of Spring 2026, brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to design. Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Valerie has long been drawn to creativity, arts and crafts, and the built environment. After graduating high school, she moved to Miami to pursue architecture at Florida International University.
Throughout her studies, Valerie has developed a strong passion for design that goes beyond aesthetics. Her work focuses on how spaces are experienced and used by the people who inhabit them. She is particularly inspired by architecture that explores materiality and form, present in many projects seen in Japan, where structure, design, and human experience intersect. Valerie summarizes her design philosophy simply: “Designing with purpose and for people.”
The award-winning project was developed as part of an architectural design studio (D10) at Florida International University led by Professor Thomas Spiegelhalter.
Design as Memory and Meaning
For Giovanna Burigatto, who will also graduate with a Master of Architecture in Spring 2026, the competition held a deeply personal significance. Born in Miami and raised in Brazil, Giovanna grew up surrounded by diverse cultures, places, and architectural styles. International travel throughout her life further broadened her perspective and strengthened her passion for architecture and design.
Giovanna sees architecture as a medium for shaping meaningful human connections through the built environment. She explains:
“Architecture allows me to translate culture, memory, and human experience into physical spaces that can inspire, connect, and positively impact people’s everyday lives.”
The project also became a significant tribute during the design process. Reflecting on the experience, Giovanna shared:
“This competition was especially meaningful to me. The project carried a deeper personal significance because it was dedicated to my father, who passed away. Working on this design became a way to honor his memory and channel my emotions into something meaningful, making the experience far more valuable than the result itself.”
Recognizing Innovation in Climate-Responsive Design
The Resilient Futures Design Competition recognizes forward-thinking architectural proposals that address climate resilience and the evolving needs of the built environment. By earning Second Place, Wertenstein and Burigatto join an elite international group of designers contributing innovative ideas for how architecture can respond to environmental challenges while supporting communities and future generations.
Their recognition highlights the innovative work emerging from FIU’s School of Architecture and the role of design education in addressing global environmental challenges.
