MARÍA PADILLA
ARCHITECT & URBAN DESIGNER
Education
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Monterrey Institute of Technology - MEX
Bachelor in Architecture, 2017
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Polytechnic Institute of Milan - IT
Erasmus Program, 2016
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Acknowledgments and Professional Affiliations
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The Future is Local
Public Lecture , 2019
Queretaro, Mexico
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Water is the driver of Urban Design
Public Lecture, 2020
Queretaro, Mexico
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Assistant Professor
Monterrey Institute of Technology
Queretaro Campus. MEX, 2018-2020
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Jury Member Studio Evaluator
Monterrey Institute of Technology Campus Morelia. Morelia, 2018Campus Queretaro. Queretaro, 2019
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Chair Professor
Monterrey Institute of Technology
Campus Morelia. MEX, 2017
Software
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AUTOCAD
3DS MAX
CORONA
VRAY
ENSCAPE
RHINOCEROS
GRASSHOPPER
ADOBE SUITE
GIS
Languages
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Spanish
English - proficient
Italian - proficient
French - limited
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The intersection between emerging technologies and the urban design practice is a concept that inspires me. I firmly believe this can have a radically positive impact in our built environment. As a designer, I have participated in projects that vary in scale and context, from a 350 hectare master planning effort for a new satellite city in China, to a small community-scale regenerative project that aimed to bring value and improve the quality of life in an underutilized historical neighborhood located in the South side of Chicago.
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As a Mexican and passionate of Latin American cities, I dream of places that are more inclusive and intelligent with their resources, but most of all, the place where we would all enjoy living.
Professional Experience
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Urban Designer
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
2018-2020 | Chicago, IL
I worked as a member of the City Design Practice Studio.
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Selected Projects
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Burnham Lakefront
Chicago, IL
I assisted the design of the overall urban framework and architectural massing strategy of the 49 acre, currently vacant, old Michael Reese hospital site. I performed climate analysis that guided the desired density and urban shape of the project.
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Wuhan, New District
Wuhan, China
According to the project’s GFA target and program requirements, I was responsible of the conceptual framework and massing strategies for the project. With more than 10,000 acres of development, the challenge was to explore the relationship between urban and natural systems.
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Lincoln Yards
Chicago, IL
I participated on the conceptual design development of the project. I performed site visits, context studies, analyzing its climate and social positioning within the city. I assisted the design of the proposed massing and open space framework. The idea of celebrating the site’s industrial past guided my design concepts.
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Student Intern
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
2017-2018 | Chicago, IL
I worked as a student designer in the City Design Practice Studio.
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Selected Projects
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The 78
Chicago, IL
I developed conceptual design ideas for elements of the Master Plan, such as the landscape design of the Riverwalk and Central Meander Park.
The 62 acre site asked for a mixed use program that would include housing, retail, education, culture, and entertainment.
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The Red Sea
Saudi Arabia
I was responsible of the conceptual design of the “Coastal Town” district that refers to one of the islands designated to be part of the new Eco-Tourism city of Saudi Arabia. With more than 100,000 acres of development, the challenge was to be able to coordinate the design of each one of the pieces of the city.
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Detroit East Riverfront Framework Plan
Detroit, Michigan
I was responsible of representing the big ideas of the plan. My tasks were mostly focused on the production of imagery and diagrams. As a 2 mile long, 450 acres site, the project explored different elements of the city, such as economy and urban infrastructure that would help frame a strategy for its future growth and development.