Maria Villalobos Hernandez

Maria Villalobos Hernandez, an Associate Professor at Illinois Institute of Technology's College of Architecture, is the inaugural Latinx director of the Master of Landscape Architecture and Urbanism (MLA+U) program. Her work bridges landscape architecture, environmental justice, and urbanism, with a focus on tropical cultural landscapes and post-disaster recovery.

• Ph.D., École National Superior du Paysage (LAREP), 2015
• MDes., Harvard University, 2004
• M. Urban Design, Metropolitan University, 2000
• B.A. Architecture, Rafael Urdaneta University, 1997

Her research emphasizes equitable urban design and green infrastructure, particularly in regions impacted by resource extraction. She founded the organization Botanical City in 2015 to address tropical landscape preservation and develop performative research methods.

Award highlights include:

• First woman to win the Venezuelan Architecture Biennial (2017)
• Regional Environmental Preservation Award (2013)
• Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture Excellence in Design Studio Teaching Award (2022)

Her publications explore intersections between design theory, cultural heritage, and ecological resilience, particularly in Latin American contexts. She continues teaching in the MLA+U program while leading its academic direction.