Roberta M. Feldman is an American architect and educator, recognized for her contributions to architectural education and her focus on community-oriented design. She is Professor Emerita at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Architecture, where she has collaborated with Chicago housing and community organizations to address challenges in low-income neighborhoods.[1][2]
Feldman studied at the School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Chicago. In 1994, she co-founded the City Design Center at the University of Chicago,[4] an interdisciplinary initiative that encompasses research, design, and community engagement.[5] Her works are based on communities methodological approach of participatory design and action research.[6] During her time at the university, she served as Director of Architecture Graduate Studies and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.[citation needed]
Feldman, along with her colleagues Bryan Bell, Sergio Palleroni, and David Perkes, received a grant from the 2011 Fellows of the American Institute of Architects' Latrobe Prize to study public interest strategies in architecture in the U.S. and internationally.[7] Their report, "Wisdom From the Field: Public Interest Architecture in Practice", describes the work of 100 public interest design and research practitioners and 50 of their community and governmental partners, particularly focusing on 'how to' engage in this type of work.
In addition to the awards she has won, Feldman also has an award named after her: the Roberta Feldman Architecture for Social Justice Award, established in 2020 and awarded by AIA Chicago.[8][9]
Association for Community Design Award for Excellence, 2001
EDRA/Places Research Award, 2005
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Collaborative Practice Award, 2007-2008[10]
Co-author of The Dignity of Resistance: Women Residents’ Activism in Public Housing with Susan Stall.
Feldman, Roberta A. (2013). "Social Justice Through Historic Preservation". Architectural Encounters: Historic Preservation and People's History. Jane Adams Hull Museum.
Feldman, Roberta M.; Kim, Jieun (2012). "Residential Autobiographies". In Carswell, Andrew T. (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Housing (Second ed.). Sage.
Feldman, Roberta M. (2011). "Supporting Grassroots Resistance: Sustained Community/University Partnerships to Contest Chicago's HOPE VI Progra". In Sutton, Sharon E.; Kemp, Susan P. (eds.). The Paradox of Urban Space: Inequity and Transformation in Marginalized Communities. Palgrave Macmillan.
Feldman, Roberta M.; Wheaton, James (2007). The Chicago Greystone in Historic North Lawndale. University of IL Chicago City Design Center. ISBN978-0-9789650-0-6.
Feldman, Robert M.; Stall, Susan (2006). The Dignity of Resistance: Women Residents' Activism in Public Housing. Cambridge University Press. ISBN978-0-521-59686-2.[15]