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College of Design 
Affordable Housing + Sustainable Communities

Services

Research2

Funded Research

Funded Research projects typically address specific needs issues or areas. They are led by a professor with expertise in the project’s subject area who assembles a team of graduate research assistants and, depending on the project, faculty from the college and/or university, professional advisors, and visiting experts. The timetable for Funded Research projects is flexible and not limited to the academic calendar.

Studios2

Funded Studios

Funded studios are best for problems and issues where a range of ideas and approaches are needed. These types of projects are conducted in advanced graduate or undergraduate design studios led by a professor with expertise in the project type. The design team can also include graduate research assistants, faculty from the college and/or university, professional advisors, and visiting experts. The timetable for Funded Studios needs to align with the semester structure of the academic calendar.

Our Approach

Who We Collaborate With:

  • Non-profit housing and community development organizations
  • Municipalities and communities across the state
  • Community-based advocacy organizations.

The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Initiative typically works in communities of need and organizations that cannot afford professional services. We do not replace professional services, but provide research that is typically not part of traditional services and preliminary “seed design,” so that our partners can effectively advocate, educate and fundraise to achieve their long-term goals.

How We Work:

Depending on the project and funding type, the project processes may include the following:

  • Neighborhood walkthroughs, windshield surveys, inventories, and assessment
  • Surveys of stakeholders
  • Community-based design workshops.
  • Public forums and/or presentations

What We Deliver:

Funded research and studio projects result in tangible results and applicable solutions for our community partners. As designers our goal is to effectively research, design and visualize the most appropriate solutions, including:

  • Presentation materials for public display or posting on websites
  • Publications that document the project processes and outcomes
  • Affordable housing and sustainable communities models and prototypes
  • Handbooks of design solutions and best practices
  • Educational symposia, workshops and presentations.