The School of Architecture (SOA), as part of a Catholic university in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, exists to provide an excellent student-centered, accredited professional architectural education in an urban context. A UDM SOA education seeks to develop architects who are sensitive designers; technically competent; exhibit the highest ethical and professional standards; are socially responsible and culturally aware.
The City of Detroit has undergone an enormous transformation in the last five decades. The physical and social problems created by the City's deterioration pose an exceptional challenge to the next generation of architects. Detroit, we believe, is not a unique case, rather it is a bellwether for America's urban future-it is to many the ultimate post-industrial city. Any discussion of the architect's responsibility to society must inevitably confront the issue of the city. To formalize the School's relationship to the City, the Detroit Collaborative Design Center was formed. This center's mission is to seek collaboration among community organizations, local governments and private developers to confront the social, economic, cultural and political realities which have for years contributed to the physical deterioration of urban Detroit". The center contracts with non-profit neighborhood and civic organizations to provide design and planning services and to facilitate other services that lead to implemented, built projects. Students, work study students, interns and coop students are active in all types of projects provided through the Design Center. The most visible academic vehicle for student involvement is an upper level, vertical studio offered each term by the Design Center. The work of the Design Center has been so successful that other upper level studios also provide community based projects.
School of Architecture University of Detroit Mercy is located in the City of Detroit. The school stresses its responsibility to the "urban context" and in understanding of shrinking cities. It is recognized both in government and in the community at large as having one of the most important community outreach and engagement programs at any university in the region. Its reputation is based on this tradition of community service.
School of Architecture University of Detroit Mercy 4001 W.McNichols Rd Detroit, MI 48221