Madlen Simon

Madlen Simon, AIA, is a Professor of Architecture at the University of Maryland's School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. Her work focuses on design thinking as a methodology for envisioning equitable futures, integrating research, education, and practice to address global societal challenges. Simon holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University, and her career spans academic leadership, architectural practice, and community-driven design projects.

Education:

• Master of Architecture, Princeton University, 1977
• Bachelor of Arts, Princeton University, 1974

Research Focus: Simon's work revolves around six interconnected strands: (1) History and Theory of Design Education, (2) Design Thinking Methodologies, (3) Design History and Criticism, (4) Design Practice Innovations, (5) Environment-Behavior Studies in Urban Contexts, and (6) Design Thinking in Academic Leadership. Her recent projects include VR/EEG-based design evaluation with Ming Hu, funded by the AIA Upjohn Grant, and master planning initiatives for College Park, Glen Echo Park, and Girl Scouts of Central Maryland.

Teaching & Leadership: She leads the Global Classrooms Initiative course ARCH601 Topical Studio: Bridging the Gap with Al-Nahrain University in Baghdad, and teaches ARCH270 Design in Practice, a multidisciplinary course emphasizing real-world applications. Simon also pioneered the St. Petersburg Urban Redevelopment Studio, an intercultural education program fostering international collaboration.

Grants & Impact: As co-Principal Investigator of the Solar Decathlon-winning WaterShed project, she demonstrated sustainable design innovation. Her current research explores neuroscientific approaches to architectural decision-making. Simon's work is supported by grants from the AIA Upjohn Initiative and community partnerships.

Labs & Collaborations: Simon's research integrates academic, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. She collaborates with faculty across disciplines and mentors junior faculty and graduate students to advance design research. Her projects often involve graduate students in real-world design challenges, creating synergies between education and practice.