MADELYN MALDONADO PORTFOLIO
Urban and Regional Planning- BS, Urban Design Track
linkedin.com/in/madelynmaldonado
Texas A&M University
ABOUT ME
Asafourth-yearurbanplanningstudent,Ihavedevelopedastrongpassionforarchitectureandurbandesign, particularlythediversestylesandculturalinfluencesfoundincitiesaroundtheworld.Oneofthemostimpactful experiences in my academic journey was studying abroad in Bonn, Germany, where I lived for three months. Duringthattime,ItraveledacrossEurope,exploringdifferentcities,cultures,andlanguages.Experiencingfirsthand how people live in these places walking through centuries-old cities filled with Gothic cathedrals, Baroque facades, Neoclassical boulevards, and contemporary urban spaces gave me a deeper appreciation forarchitecturaldetail,historicalcontext,andcitylifebeyondwhatweoftenseeintheU.S.
I am especially drawn to urban design styles that prioritize walkability, green infrastructure, and human-scale development. My design interests range from classic European plazas and mixed-use neighborhoods to modernminimalistarchitecture,mid-centuryurbanforms,andNewUrbanismprinciples.I’mparticularlyinspired by Art Nouveau—with its flowing lines, organic forms, and intricate details—as well as the vibrancy of MediterraneanstreetscapesandthedensityandefficiencyfoundincitieslikeAmsterdamandBarcelona.
Additionally,Iamfascinatedbyhowelementslikescale,color,andmaterialcanshapehowpeopleexperiencea space—how a narrow alley can feel intimate, while an open plaza invites gathering, or how natural materials createasenseofwarmthandbelonging.
Throughoutmyacademicjourney,IhavedevelopedskillsinsoftwaresuchasSketchUp,AutoCAD,Photoshop, InDesign, and Lumion. I am also proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. These tools have helped me create a range of projects, from residential and commercial plans to site layouts and land use maps. My studies have fueled an interest in how the built environment shapes human experiences, and how thoughtful design can foster vibrant, inclusive communities. As I continue to grow as a designerandplanner,Iampassionateaboutcontributingtoprojectsthatprioritizesustainability,walkability,and human-centereddesign creatingspaceswherepeoplefeelconnected,safe,andinspired.
ELPASO PLAZA
This rendering was created using AutoCAD and Photoshop to display a possible development and the incorporation of green space in an area of El Paso. Some features include pickleball courts, a splash pad, and an amphitheater with seating. I enjoyed this project because it allowed me to elevate a space while gaining insight of ways to improve my renderings—especially working with small details such as color, blending, and highlights—that can make a big difference in the overall look of my designs.
ELPASOPLAZA
RESIDENTIALINFILL
Initially,this20,00sqft.lotfeatured a single trailer home and a large drivewaywithsomegreenery.
Toreimaginethespace,Idecided to develop it into a townhome residential block, with two-story structuresreachingaheightof24 feet.
I aimed to enhance space efficiency in my project by maximizing living space while minimizing land use, thus mitigating urban sprawl. Additionally, I sought to provide an affordable housing option for families or individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford a single-family home.
URBAN RETAIL
This redevelopment project in the Bryan area spans at approximately 30 acres. The design is aimed to incorporate green infrastructure and enhance walkability. Placing a green space in the center of the commercial plaza improved connectivity and reduced car dependency, offering customers a more enjoyable experience while navigating the area.
Ourproposedplanincluded13commercialdevelopments, comprising grocery stores, retail outlets, and restaurants. Thisprojectinvolvedadherencetovariouscodes,including those related to fire lanes, fire hydrants, crosswalks, and designstandards.
The site encompasses a total of 180 acres with a diverse scope of land uses to comply with zoning laws and implement effective planning strategies. High-Density student apartments are planned to cater to the student population of Texas A&M University. Additionally, a Tiny Home Park is proposed to offer affordable housingoptions.
Redevelopment
of the Texas A&M University Golf Course into a mixed-use development that fosters a people-oriented, sustainable, and vibrant community, promoting a high quality of life where individuals can live, work, play, and thrive.
RIVERFRONT REVITALIZATION
While studying abroad, Texas A&M urban planning and landscape architecture students partnered with PSU students in a charette to revitalize the riverfront in Bornheim, Germany. Working in teams, we proposed different ideas to transform the site into a vibrant, community-centered space focused on engagement and accessibility. As an urban planner, this project was especially challenging because we weren’t allowed to incorporate any physical structures — the main goal was todesignanoutdooropenspacethatinvitedpeoplein.
Additionalpathways,andabufferbetweenbike lanes will create a safer, more walkable environment.Addressingkeylimitationssuchas flooding, lack of ADA accessibility, and poor nighttimevisibilitywillbeessentialinmakingthe spaceinclusiveandfunctional.Byincorporating interactive features such as playgrounds and an amphitheater, the site will attract residents from surrounding neighborhoods and offer diverserecreationalopportunities.