Prof. Dr. Melanie Fessel was appointed Professor of Sustainability, Aesthetics and Inclusion at the Faculty of Design Computer Science Media of Hochschule RheinMain (HSRM) on March 15, 2024. She studied at Cooper Union College, Technische Universität Berlin and Universitat Polytècnica de Catalunya, where she obtained a Master of Architecture II and a Dipl.-Ing. Subsequently, she completed her doctorate at ETH Zurich, where she taught at the Chair of Architecture and Urban Design. Furthermore, Professor Fessel was head of continuing education at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Outside of academia, she was also Head of Design Development at Alice Aycock Ltd., a member of ONE LAB, editor of Ecogram and Associate Fellow at the Cooper Union Institute for Sustainable Design. She curated “Designing Urban Imaginaries” for the 9th Bi-City Biennale for Urbanism/Architecture (UABB) in Shenzhen, China, and was co-curator of the Vienna Biennale for Change 2021 at the MAK – Museum of Applied Arts. Melanie Fessel is Principal at Terreform X, Director of Design at Terreform ONE and a member of the urbanthinktank_next network.

What aspect of your research fascinates you the most?

To have the opportunity to bring about direct and positive change in our built environment through my research in the areas of sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion. The interdisciplinary nature of my work allows me to develop innovative solutions that are both ecologically sustainable and aesthetically pleasing and inclusive.

What does “good teaching” mean to you?

Good teaching inspires students to think critically and develop their own innovative ideas. It creates a space that encourages experimenting, questioning and creative problem-solving.

What did you want to be growing up?

My childhood dream was to become a painter and architect. These passions are still shaping my professional career today. I now explore the connections between art and architecture with a focus on sustainability.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Architecture and cities are my passion, which I like to explore around the world in all their diversity. Traveling allows me to gain new perspectives. I find balance in the nature and culture around Lake Constance going stand-up paddling, road biking, hiking and doing yoga. Reading climate fiction and non-fiction and visiting contemporary art exhibitions broadens my understanding of current environmental issues and how they influence our society, cities and architecture. These experiences deepen my understanding of sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion in design, architecture and the design of living spaces.