FIU Campus Projects

Miami, USA

FIU School of Architecture. Planned for a young and growing regional public university in a city that feels the pulse of the Caribbean and Latin America, the School of Architecture focuses on designing communal spaces to activate the student body and promote discussions and interactions beyond the classrooms and studios. Designed by Bernard Tschumi Architects, the award-winning project is organized around a central courtyard housing approximately 480 students and 70 faculty members. It includes undergrad and graduate studio spaces, offices, a lecture hall, a gallery, a rooftop terrace, small review rooms, computer labs, and flexible classrooms. Mr.Berenblum was the executive architect and principal of another firm. The project received the Miami AIA Award and was featured in several publications. FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business. The forward-looking academic building is organized around two interlocking courtyards to foster interaction between students, faculty, and administrators while supporting the independence required by the educational programs. Classrooms are accessed through an open-air arcade that takes advantage of the sub-tropical climate. The 92,000-sf building includes a 300-seat auditorium, student support spaces, classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, an executive board room, a stock trading room, lockers, and administrative and faculty offices. KPF designed the project; Mr. Berenblum was the executive architect while he was the principal at another firm. The Graduate Business School received the Chicago Atheneum Museum of Architecture and Design American Architecture Award (2008) and the Construction Association of South Florida Craftmanship Award (2008)—a project characterized by its intelligent adaptive reuse that elevates the passenger experience.   *Project by G. Berenblum as Principal of another firm.

Project Details

Year: 2007

Location: Miami, USA

Status: Complete

Client:Florida International University

Team: Gustavo Berenblum

Image Credits:ESTO

Both projects focus on designing communal spaces to activate the student body and promote discussions and interactions beyond the classrooms and studios.

Graduate School of Business
A building that demonstrates the value of bringing creativity to a school environment.
FIU PDF#2 Submittal 14
image - 2023-05-31T141702.730
Ground and 2nd floor plan

The courtyard as an appropriate strategy to foster interaction between students, faculty and administrators

FOUNDING PRINCIPAL

Gustavo Berenblum

Gustavo Berenblum, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, is an award-winning architect, a native of Buenos Aires, and holds a Master of Science Degree from Columbia University. 2010, he co-founded Berenblum Busch Architects in Miami, following a decade-long partnership at a prominent national architectural firm.

With over 30 years of experience in design and project management in the United States and abroad, Mr. Berenblum possesses a comprehensive understanding of architecture. Internationally recognized as a leader in maritime transportation design, he boasts an impressive portfolio of completed cruise terminals, waterfront developments, destinations islands, and intermodal centers. His leadership in these projects highlights his significant contributions to the field.

Gustavo Berenblum is particularly passionate about planning and designing future-proof buildings that provide enjoyment to guests and users, maximize resiliency, and optimize
operations. As an advocate for the industry, he regularly lectures on cruise port design, sharing his wealth of knowledge and insights.

Beyond his architectural practice, Gustavo serves as the co-chair of FIU’s CARTA Dean’s Council, showcasing his commitment to advancing community development and the architectural profession. He is also a valued member of Wynwood’s District Design Review Board and has previously contributed to Columbia University’s Alumni GSAPP board. In these roles, he actively shapes architecture’s future and fosters excellence in the built environment.

FOUNDING PRINCIPAL

Claudia Busch

Claudia Busch, Assoc. AIA is a renowned architect and founding principal at Berenblum Busch Architects. Originally from Germany, Claudia holds an architecture degree from Hamburg and a Master of Science Degree from Columbia University. With an impressive background working alongside esteemed architects such as Zaha Hadid in London, Bernard Tschumi, and Richard Meier in New York, Claudia brings a fresh and unique perspective to the field of architecture.

With over 30 years of experience, Claudia leads and directs multifaceted projects of various scales, emphasizing structure, organization, and clarity in each architectural concept. Her innovative and distinctive approach to design is rooted in careful analysis of climate, culture, and functionality. Claudia’s work has gained international recognition through competitions, publications, and awards, particularly in advancing new technologies and integrated design for sustainable and resilient developments.

Claudia’s portfolio includes various award-winning residential, commercial, and interior design projects. Notable among these are her projects in Miami, which encompass high-end residences, adaptive reuse, and multifamily residences. These projects seamlessly blend interior and exterior spaces, creating unique experiences that harmonize with the vibrant and ever-changing city of Miami.

In addition to her architectural practice, Claudia is an Associate Teaching Professor at the FIU School of Architecture. She focuses on educating students about architecture, design, and the critical aspects of the built environment in an ever-changing technological landscape. Committed to shaping the future of architecture, Claudia merges her practical experience with a dedication to art, design, and developing resilient strategies for climate change through community-based studios.

Claudia is also an active board member of MCAD, the Miami Center of Architecture, and a strong advocate for advancing 3D print technology for building innovation. Her passion for pushing the boundaries of architectural design and her commitment to sustainable and resilient development make Claudia Busch a true pioneer in her field.