Claudia Bernasconi

Claudia Bernasconi is a Professor of Architecture and Community Development at University of Detroit Mercy's School of Architecture & Community Development, where she serves as Director of the Graduate Architecture Program. She coordinates graduate thesis studios and teaches Thesis Research Methods and Preparation courses. As faculty advisor for the award-winning Dichotomy Journal, she advances discourse on design, architecture, urbanism and community development.

Her research focuses on two primary areas: design pedagogy/engaged learning, and environmental perception/transportation studies. She employs mixed-methods research on transformative learning and perception studies using eye-tracking technology. Professor Bernasconi has led DOT-funded research grants and serves on editorial boards of several academic journals.

She received the 2024 UDM Faculty Excellence Award recognizing lifetime achievements in teaching, research and service. Her interdisciplinary collaborations span community development, psychology, engineering, and performing arts.