Martin S. Felsen

Martin S. Felsen is a Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at the College of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology. He is also a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and co-founder of UrbanLab, an architecture and urban design firm in Chicago.

• Education:
  • B.ARCH., Virginia Tech
  • M.S. Advanced Architectural Design, Columbia University

Felsen’s research focuses on environmentally resilient architecture, blending design and research to create progressive, site-specific projects. His work emphasizes sustainable urban ecosystems, integrating architecture with infrastructure and natural systems.

His publications, including the 2017 book Bowling: Water, Architecture, Urbanism and 2008’s Researching Growing Water, highlight trends in water-sensitive urbanism and resource-aligned design. These works align with his advocacy for reimagining architecture in response to ecological challenges.

Scientific Awards:

• American Institute of Architects College of Fellows Latrobe Prize
• History Channel’s 'City of the Future' competition
• Multiple American Institute of Architects Chicago awards (2017, 2016, 2014)

Felsen’s professional work includes prominent projects like the United Center, Vertical Farms, and Calumet Environmental Center, alongside exhibitions at the Venice Architecture Biennale (2010, 2012) and Chicago Architecture Biennial (2015, 2017). UrbanLab’s practice spans residential, commercial, and large-scale urban infrastructural projects.