An essential human need is supportive and attractive physical surroundings. With this view that “good design” is an essential force in establishing human relations and cultural stability, the Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC) fosters university and community collaborations and partnerships that create inspired and sustainable neighborhoods and spaces for all people. We are dedicated to urban and community revitalization through an educational and participatory design process. The sustainability of any neighborhood lies in the hands of its residents. Thus, the Design Center provides not only design services but also it empowers residents to facilitate their own process of urban regeneration.

The Detroit Collaborative Design Center not only designs a vision of what our neighborhoods can be, but it also makes that vision real. Our participatory community design process is a workshop setting that enables us to “amplify the voices” of those who have been under-represented or neglected in our community. The results are actual built projects and working master plans. In addition, the Design Center’s participatory process made it possible for each stakeholder in the neighborhood to engage mind, heart, and muscle to crystallize (and come together on) a dynamic vision and give it physical form.