Melanie Fessel

Architect and Designer Melanie Fessel initiated ONE (Open Network Ecology) Odyssey, an interdisciplinary research enterprise based on philanthropic design principles, to integrate ecological issues into the urban environment. Ecology in design is not only a philosophy that inspires visions of sustainability and social justice, but also a focused scientific endeavor.

Melanie is currently the Director of Design Research at Terreform ONE, Ecological Design Group for Urban Infrastructure, Building, Planning, and Art. Her process focuses on the synergy of architecture, urban studies, and ecological science.

She received her post-professional degree Master of Architecture II from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art with a focus on the history, theory, and criticism of architecture and urban studies. Prior to Cooper Union, Melanie earned her Diploma in Architecture and Engineering from Berlin University of Technology, Germany after attending the Escuela Superior de Architectura, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. She was trained and worked as an architect and urban designer in Spain, Switzerland, and New York City, with a focus on municipal buildings and masterplanning.