Architecture in Post-María Puerto Rico: Business Response and Recovery Center
Sponsored by
Latino’s in Architecture
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Date: Thursday, June 16, 2026
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Cost: $10 AIA, $5 Associate AIA, $15 Non members
Venue: Zoom
AIA Credit: 1 AIA HSW
Program Description
This program explores the emergence of a new architectural psychology developed in Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, focusing on the Business Response and Recovery Center designed for the Iniciativa Tecnológica Centro Oriental (UNTECO) in Caguas, Puerto Rico by Manuel Bermudez of Manuel Bermudez Arquitecto CSP. Participants will examine how architecture can support resilience, mental wellness, emergency preparedness, and community recovery in post-disaster environments. Through the lens of this project, the session will address the integration of health, safety, and welfare principles into resilient design strategies that respond to climate vulnerability, social infrastructure, and human-centered recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.
AIA HSW Learning Objectives
Analyze how post-disaster architectural design strategies can support occupant health, psychological well-being, and long-term community resilience following major climate events such as Hurricane Maria.
Identify planning and building design approaches that improve safety, emergency response, and operational continuity for business and community recovery centers in hurricane-prone regions.
Evaluate how resilient materials, environmental systems, and site-responsive design contribute to the welfare and sustainability of occupants and surrounding communities in post-crisis environments.
Discuss the role of architects in shaping trauma-informed and community-centered spaces that address social recovery, economic revitalization, and public welfare after natural disasters.
SPEAKER
Biografía Mariela Bravo 2026
Mariela Bravo AIA obtuvo un bachillerato en Arquitectura de la Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico en el 2011 y la Licencia de Arquitecta en el 2022.
Luego de colaborar por un corto período en el Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico pasó a trabajar en Manuel Bermúdez Arquitectos en el 2011. Desde el 2014 asumió la responsabilidad de dirigir la fase de observación de obra de todos los proyectos desarrollados por la oficina. Después de los Huracanes Irma y María, su trabajo se concentró en desarrollar proyectos de recuperación de desastres en Puerto Rico. A partir del 2020 es responsable también por la fase administrativa de la firma.
Desde sus primeros años como estudiante, Mariela ocupó posiciones de liderazgo en instituciones dedicadas al desarrollo profesional de los estudiantes de arquitectura y posteriormente de los profesionales emergentes. Fue Presidenta del Capítulo del Instituto Americano de Estudiantes de Arquitectura (AIAS) de la Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico. A partir del 2011 fungió en varias juntas de gobierno como Delegada de la Comisión de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas en Entrenamiento del Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico (CAAPPR). Allí, desarrolló una plataforma en línea para facilitar la preparación a los profesionales emergentes para tomar los exámenes de reválida (ARE).
En el 2025 fue elegida Presidenta Electa del Capítulo de Puerto Rico del Instituto Americano de Arquitectos (AIA) para el año 2026. En la Junta de la AIA ha propulsado valiosas iniciativas, entre ellas el Comité de Mujeres en la Arquitectura del AIA de PR.
Mariela Bravo, AIA, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico School of Architecture in 2011 and obtained her Architect License in 2022.
After collaborating for a short period with the Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico, she joined Manuel Bermúdez Arquitectos in 2011. Since 2014, she has been responsible for directing the Construction Observation phase of all projects developed by the Firm. Following Hurricanes Irma and María, her work focused on developing Disaster Recovery Projects in Puerto Rico. Since 2020, she has also been responsible for the Firm’s administrative operations.
From her early years as a student, Mariela held leadership positions in organizations dedicated to the professional development of architecture students and later emerging professionals. She served as President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter at the Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico.
Beginning in 2011, she served on several governing boards as Delegate of the Commission for Architects and Landscape Architects in Training of the Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico (CAAPPR). There, she developed an online platform to help emerging professionals prepare for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
In 2025, she was elected President-Elect of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for the year 2026. On the AIA board, she has promoted valuable initiatives, including the Women in Architecture Committee of AIA Puerto Rico.