Process

Generally speaking, early in the semester we explore the city through observation, data analysis, and community engagement. During this process, students reflect on how different stakeholder perspectives shape an understanding of the issues and any need for changes. Concurrently, students use their analysis and community engagement work to make high-level, implementable recommendations for housing, transportation, natural systems, economic development, and urban design. After the break, students work individually or in small teams to develop a recommendation in more detail. 

Successful plans arise out of a deep understanding of a place. Throughout the studio, students work with their colleagues to define an outreach strategy, directly engage with the constituencies, and document the outcome of the engagement process. A major goal is to solicit diverse feedback from diverse groups. As such, students are required to consider ways to connect with groups that might not otherwise participate in the planning process.

Building on community engagement, students conduct critical research into housing, transportation, economic development, natural systems, and urban design. A major goal here is to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

Building on community engagement and critical research, students make high-level recommendations for housing, transportation, economic development, natural systems, and urban design. Students work together to ensure that the recommendations reinforce each other and result in a big, bold idea that is nonetheless sensitive to existing dynamics.

In the second half of the semester, students work individually or in small groups to develop a recommendation in more detail. The only required criteria is that the proposed project can demonstrate how it builds on the engagement, research, and recommendations conducted earlier.