The University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning (TCAUP) Detroit Community Design Center focuses on providing ethical, participatory, socio-economically sensitive, aesthetically innovative and implementable design and planning solutions to public, private and institutional clientele in primarily, but not exclusively, underserved urban communities. Its method of environmental engagement is one of teaching and practicing in a manner that derives from, is relevant to, and vigorously engages the community in which the architecture and planning are placed.

In short, the TCAUP Detroit Community Design Center aspires to plan and design with, not for, local community-based development organizations, residents, as well as interested public and private institutions. We fulfill our mission by employing three primary strategies of engagement – design, education and research.