Martin Felsen

Felsen earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech College of Architecture and Urban Studies in 1991 and a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation in 1994.{{cite web| url= http://www.metropolismag.com/December-1969/Tschumi-Steps-Down/ | date=December 1999| work=Metropolis (architecture magazine) | title= Tschumi Steps Down| author= Paul Makovsky | access-date=2018-04-01}} Prior to founding his own firm, he worked for Peter Eisenman, Stan Allen, and OMA/Rem Koolhaas in Rotterdam.

In addition to practicing architecture at UrbanLab, Felsen has lectured internationally, and curated and participated in several international exhibitions about contemporary architecture and urbanism. Two public exhibitions curated by Felsen were held at the Chicago Architecture Center in 2016 and 2017. The 2016 show, titled "50 Designers, 50 Ideas, 50 Wards," exhibited transformative proposals aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in each of Chicago's 50 wards.{{cite web| url= http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-architecture-foundation-exhibition-kamin-met-0605-20160603-column.html | date=2016-05-09 | work= Chicago Tribune | title= Chicago architects offer 50 ideas for 50 wards at exhibition | author= Blair Kamin | author-link= Blair Kamin | access-date=2018-04-01}} Felsen invited fifty notable architects and teams of architects/artists to participate and produce original work.{{cite web| url= http://archpaper.com/2016/05/50-designers-50-ideas-50-wards-caf/ | date=2016-06-05 | work= The Architect's Newspaper | title= UrbanLab explores the Windy City's unique urbanism with exhibit 50 Designers, 50 Ideas, 50 Wards | author= Matthew Messner | access-date=2018-04-01}} The 2017 show, titled "Between States - 50 Designers Transform Chicago's Neighborhoods," exhibited design solutions to transform underappreciated and underperforming parts of Chicago into rejuvenated civic anchors.{{cite web| url= http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ae-biennial-satellite-shows-kamin-1001-20170928-column.html | date=2017-09-29| work= Chicago Tribune | title= Bite-sized Biennial shows give the big exhibit a Chicago focus | author= Blair Kamin | author-link= Blair Kamin | access-date=2018-04-01}} Again, fifty notable architects and teams of architects/artists were invited to participate and produce original work.{{cite web| url=https://archpaper.com/2017/10/caf-50-wards-50-firms/| date=2017-10-17| work= The Architect's Newspaper | title= Fifty firms imagine 50 futures | author= Matthew Messner | access-date=2018-04-01}} Felsen has publicly spoken about these exhibitions, along with the importance of architecture in tackling urgent issues such as globalization in cities on several occasions.{{cite web| url= http://wgnradio.com/2017/11/15/city-club-of-chicago-make-new-history-discovering-the-chicago-architecture-biennial/ | date=2017-10-15| work= WGN (AM) | title= Make New History – Discovering the Chicago Architecture Biennial | author= City Club of Chicago | author-link= City Club of Chicago | access-date=2018-04-01}} Felsen was invited to participate in the Venice Biennale of Architecture (La Biennale de Venezia) in 2010 and 2012, and the Chicago Architecture Biennial in 2015 and 2017. In 2010, as the Director of Archeworks, an alternative design school, Felsen exhibited "Mobile Food Collective" in the U.S. Pavilion at the 12th International Venice Biennale of Architecture.{{cite web| url= https://archpaper.com/2010/06/smart-cart-farms-out-design-on-chicago-streets/ | date=2010-06-09| work= The Architect's Newspaper | title= Smart Cart Farms Out Design on Chicago Streets | author= Alan Brake | access-date=2018-04-01}} In 2012, Felsen and UrbanLab exhibited "Fresh Water District" at the 13th International Venice Biennale of Architecture curated by David Chipperfield.{{cite web| url= http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/2612-preview-americans-in-venice | date=2012-06-19| work= Architectural Record | title= Preview: Americans in Venice | author= Jayne Merkel | access-date=2018-04-01}} In 2015, Felsen and UrbanLab exhibited "Filter Island" at the Chicago Architecture Biennial curated by Sarah Herda and Joseph Grima.{{cite magazine| url= https://www.wired.com/2015/10/radical-visions-of-chicagos-future-skyline/ | date=2015-10-18| magazine= Wired | title= Radical Visions of Chicago's Future Skyline| author= Sam Lubell | access-date=2018-04-01}} In 2017, Felsen and UrbanLab exhibited "Re-Encampment" at the Chicago Architecture Biennial curated by Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee.{{cite web| url= http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-chicago-architecture-biennial-review-20170922-htmlstory.html | date=2017-10-22| work= Los Angeles Times | title= 'Make New History,' the second Chicago Architecture Biennial | author= Christopher Hawthorne | access-date=2018-04-01}} Felsen's work has also been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art,{{cite web| url=https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/1274 | date=2012-07-01| work= YAP 2012 Finalist: Virtual Water UrbanLab | title= Young Architects Program 2012 | author= Museum of Modern Art | author-link= Museum of Modern Art | access-date=2018-04-01}} the National Building Museum,{{cite web| url= https://www.nbm.org/learn/speaker-highlights/ | date=2014-07-01| work= National Building Museum Video Archive | title= Martin Felsen| author= National Building Museum| author-link= National Building Museum| access-date=2018-04-01}} and the Art Institute of Chicago.{{cite web| url= http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/artist/UrbanLab | date=2009-03-01| work= Permanent Collection | title= Visitor's Center Project | author= Art Institute of Chicago | author-link= Art Institute of Chicago | access-date=2018-04-01}} Felsen has been featured in several publications such as Architect Magazine.{{cite web| url= http://www.architectmagazine.com/architects/urbanlab.aspx | date=January 17, 2012| work=Architect magazine | title= UrbanLab| author= Ernest Beck | access-date=2018-04-01}} He has received many honors for his work, including several design awards from the American Institute of Architects.

Since 1996, Felsen has taught architecture and urban design as an associate professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology.{{cite web| url= https://arch.iit.edu/people | title= IIT Faculty: Martin Felsen| access-date=2018-04-01}} He has been a visiting professor at Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis.{{cite web| url= http://www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu/node/6479 | title= Sam Fox School, Master's of Urban Design Studio | access-date=2018-04-01}} Felsen served as Director of Archeworks,{{cite web| url= http://www.archeworks.org/ | title=Archeworks | access-date=2014-04-25}} an alternative design school in Chicago from 2008-11.{{cite web| url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/01/17/alternative-design-school-to-name-team-co-directors/ | date=January 17, 2008| work=Chicago Tribune | title= Alternative design school | author= Blair Kamin | access-date=2014-04-25}} Under his leadership, Archeworks completed several significant public interest design projects,{{cite web| url= https://archeworks.org/cert-prog/all-projects/ | title=Archeworks Project Archive | access-date=2018-04-01}} and developed and organized two influential urban design workshops titled Infrastructures for Change.{{cite web| url= http://www.metroplanning.org/news-events/event/59| title=Infrastructures for Change Workshop 2010 – Great Lakes Model | author= Metropolitan Planning Council |access-date=2014-04-25}} During Felsen's tenure, Archeworks’ projects were exhibited internationally at the Venice Biennale of Architecture{{cite web| url= http://www.grahamfoundation.org/grantees/3776-mobile-food-collective-bringing-people-to-the-table | title= Workshopping at the 2010 Venice Biennale| access-date=2018-04-01}} and The Architecture Foundation in London.{{cite web| url= http://www.architecturefoundation.org.uk/programme/2011/critical-infrastructures | title= Critical Infrastructures at The Architecture Foundation, London| access-date=2014-04-25}} Felsen founded and served as editor of a new Archeworks publication titled Works.{{cite web| url= http://issuu.com/archeworks/docs/works| title= Works 01| access-date=2014-04-25}}

UrbanLab: Bowling is a new book about UrbanLab's work authored by Martin Felsen and Sarah Dunn, published by Applied Research + Design.{{cite web| url= http://appliedresearchanddesign.com/book/urbanlab-bowling | date=2017-07-30 | work= UrbanLab | title= UrbanLab: Bowling | author= Martin Felsen and Sarah Dunn | access-date=2018-04-01}} The book explores relationships and realities between cities, architecture and water.{{cite journal| date=2016-05-26| journal= Journal of Landscape Architecture|volume = 11| issue= 2| pages= 54–65| title= Towards a new infrastructure: aesthetic thinking, synthetic sensibilities | author= David Salomon | doi=10.1080/18626033.2016.1188574| s2cid= 147876171}}{{cite book| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=hBLa2aiok8MC&q=%22Martin+Felsen%22&pg=PA67 | date=2008-12-12| title= Cities and Water: A Handbook for Planning | author= Roger L. Kemp | access-date=2018-04-01| isbn=9780786434695}} As populations steadily increase in cities, the world's natural resources are consumed at ever-faster rates.{{cite web| url= https://archpaper.com/2016/11/urbanlab-ecology-water-urban-planning/ | date=2016-11-07| work= The Architect's Newspaper | title= UrbanLab is Combining Water Infrastructure with Architecture to Reimagine How Cities Work | author= Matthew Messner | access-date=2018-04-01}} The majority of the world's populations live in countries where clean water supplies are dwindling, and these water shortages are also quickly translating into food shortages. What can designers do to avert looming water-related realities?{{cite web| url= https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/sep/25/what-flood-proof-city-china-dhaka-houston | date=2017-09-25| work= The Guardian | title= What would an entirely flood-proof city look like? | author= Sophie Knight | access-date=2018-04-01}} UrbanLab: Bowling views potential water crises as opportunities to speculate on future urban design possibilities, especially in cities.{{cite web| url= https://www.citylab.com/environment/2017/12/the-story-of-the-great-lakes-in-8-maps/547517/ | date=2017-12-01| work= CityLab (web magazine) | title= The Story of the Great Lakes in 8 Maps | author= Zach Mortice | access-date=2018-04-01}}{{cite web| url= http://www.abitare.it/en/current-issue/2015/05/05/abitare-544-en/ | date=2015-05-15| work= Abitare | title= Waters Free to Circulate | author= Fabrizio Gallanti | access-date=2018-04-01}} Several projects are presented that take an ecological approach to re-thinking received urban design methodologies of addressing the design of water-related infrastructures in existing and new cities.{{cite web| url= http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-plan-of-chicago-edit-0921-bd-20140921-story.html | date=2014-09-18| work= Chicago Tribune | title= A new Plan of Chicago: 12 ways to heal a city | author= Chicago Tribune Editorial Board | access-date=2018-04-01}}{{cite book| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=H9Y4z68WSgUC&q=%22Martin+Felsen%22&pg=PA99 | date=2010-10-25| title= Biophilic Cities: Integrating Nature Into Urban Design and Planning | author= Timothy Beatley | access-date=2018-04-01| isbn=9781597267151}}

• 2017 named Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) {{cite web| url= https://network.aia.org/cof/home| date=2014 | title= American Institute of Architects College of Fellows| access-date=2017-01-28}}
• 2017 AIA Chicago Distinguished Building Award Citation of Merit {{cite web| url= http://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=443584# | date=2017 | title= AIA Awards | access-date=2018-04-01}} - Mohawk House
• 2016 AIA Chicago Regional & Urban Design Honor Award {{cite web| url= http://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=341925# | date=2016 | title= AIA Awards | access-date=2018-04-01}} - Masterplan for Changde, China
• 2015 Chicago Architecture Biennial,{{cite web| url= http://archpaper.com/2015/10/bold-new-visions-for-the-future-city/#more-109399 | date=October 2015 | work=The Architect's Newspaper | title= Bold New Visions | author= Matt Shaw | access-date=2016-09-18}} The State of the Art of Architecture
• 2014/15 MCHAP: Mies Crown Hall Architecture Prize, Nominated Work{{cite web| url= http://www.arch.iit.edu/prize/mchap/selected-works/2016/all/nominated | date=2015| title= MCHAP Awards | access-date=2016-09-18}} – Mohawk Residence
• 2014 AIA Chicago Distinguished Building Honor Award {{cite web| url= http://www.aiachicago.org/dea/2014/morgan-street-live-work | date=2014| title= AIA Awards | access-date=2014-11-05}} – Morgan Street Live/Work
• 2014 AIA Chicago Unbuilt Design Award, Special Recognition {{cite web| url= http://www.aiachicago.org/dea/2014/virtual-water | date=2014| title= AIA Awards | access-date=2014-11-05}} – MoMA PS1
• 2014 Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts Publication Grant
• 2013 AIA Chicago Sustainability Leadership Special Recognition Award {{cite web| url= http://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=179219# | date=2013| title= AIA Awards | access-date=2018-04-01}} – MoMA PS1
• 2012 Venice Biennale of Architecture,{{cite web| url= http://archrecord.construction.com/news/2012/06/120619-Preview-Americans-in-Venice.asp | date=June 19, 2012 | work=Architectural Record | title= Preview: Americans in Venice | author= Jayne Merkel | access-date=2014-04-25}} the 13th International Exhibition
• 2012 AIA Chicago Small Project Award - Video Arcade, Merchandise Mart
• 2011 AIA Chicago Regional & Urban Design Honor Award {{cite web| url= http://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=87158# | date=2011| title= AIA Awards | access-date=2018-04-01}} - Vertical Farming the Union Stock Yards
• 2010 AIA Chicago Interior Architecture Honor Award {{cite web| url= https://www.aiachicago.org/dea/ | date=2010| title= AIA Awards | access-date=2014-04-25}} - Hennepin House, Hennepin, Illinois
• 2010 Buckminster Fuller Challenge, Honorable Mention{{cite web| url= http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/the_2010_buckminster_fuller_challenge_finalists/| date=April 29, 2010| work= Bustler.net | title= 2010 Buckminster Fuller Challenge Finalists | access-date=2014-04-25}}
• 2010 Emerging Voices,{{cite web| url= http://archpaper.com/news/articles.asp?id=4332 | date=2010-03-03 | work=The Architect's Newspaper | title= UrbanLab | author= Julie Iovine | access-date=2014-04-25}} Architectural League of New York - lecture delivered at the New Museum
• 2010 Venice Biennale of Architecture,{{cite web| url= http://www.workshopping.us/?p=23 | title= Workshopping at the 2010 Venice Biennale| access-date=2014-04-25}} Archeworks at the 12th International Exhibition
• 2009 AIA Chicago Distinguished Building Award {{cite web| url= https://www.aiachicago.org/dea/ | date=2009| title= AIA Awards | access-date=2014-04-25}} - Hennepin House, Hennepin, Illinois
• 2009 AIA Chicago Urban Design Award {{cite web| url= https://www.aiachicago.org/dea/ | date=2009| title= AIA Awards | access-date=2014-04-25}} - Growing Water, Chicago
• 2009 Latrobe Prize,{{cite web| url= http://www.bdcnetwork.com/aia-college-fellows-announces-winner-2009-latrobe-prize | date=August 11, 2010| work=Building Design+Construction | title= AIA College of Fellows announces winner of 2009 Latrobe Prize| author= Matt Tinder | access-date=2014-04-25}} from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows.
• 2009 Named Global Visionary {{cite web| url= https://www.wbez.org/shows/wbez-news/sarah-dunn-and-martin-felsen-want-to-use-city-streets-to-recycle-water/e58a5410-e20f-486d-9edf-4b51301605e1 | date=March 2, 2009| title=Global Visionaries WBEZ | access-date=2018-04-01}} by WBEZ, Chicago Public Radio
• 2008 AIA Chicago Unbuilt Design Award,{{cite web| url= https://www.aiachicago.org/dea/ | date=2008| title= AIA Awards | access-date=2014-04-25}} Growing Water, Chicago
• 2008 Excellence in Education Award, American Institute of Architecture Students
• 2007 AIA Chicago Dubin Family Young Architect Award,{{cite web| url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/12/12/pitt-making-celebrity-work-for-homes-in-new-orleans/ | date=December 12, 2007| work=Chicago Tribune | title= Pitt making celebrity work for homes| author= Blair Kamin | access-date=2014-04-25}} AIA Chicago
• 2007 AIA Chicago Divine Detail Award {{cite web| url= https://www.aiachicago.org/dea/ | date=2007 | title= AIA Awards | access-date=2014-04-25}} - Hannah’s Bretzel
• 2007 National Grand Prize, The City of the Future: A Design and Engineering Challenge,{{cite web| url= https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9907EED6113FF93AA35751C0A9619C8B63 | date=February 9, 2007| work=New York Times | title= Chicago Firm Urban Design Winner| author= Robin Pogrebin| author-link= Robin Pogrebin| access-date=2014-04-25}} The History Channel
• 2003 Emerging Visions Competition Prize, Chicago Architecture Club
• 1995 Lloyd Warren Fellowship: 82nd Paris Prize, Van Alen Institute

• UrbanLab: Bowling (Applied Research + Design Publishing, 2017) {{ISBN|1940743133}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.urbanlab.com] UrbanLab's official website

{{DEFAULTSORT:Felsen, Martin}}

Category:1968 births

Category:Living people

Category:Virginia Tech alumni

Category:Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation alumni

Category:Illinois Institute of Technology faculty

Category:Architects from Chicago

Category:Jewish architects

Category:Architectural theoreticians

Category:Washington University in St. Louis faculty

Category:Fellows of the American Institute of Architects

Category:21st-century American architects