lawrence technological university's master of urban design builds upon detroit's resurgence

detroit is in the midst of a resurgence, as seen in its redeveloping downtown with the 52-story, 734-foot tower by SHoP and the first US-based project by schmidt hammer lassen architects. this is further evident in its increasing financial investment, marked influx of residents and businesses, and a radical shift from the decay of the city’s past life to a landscape of renewed innovation. this metropolitan area – the first of which to be designated a UNESCO ‘city of design’ in the US – is increasingly becoming a place where artists and designers from around the world, students and professionals alike, congregate to discuss pressing, prevalent, and progressive issues surrounding architecture, urban design and planning. it is in this context that a graduate program in urban design is offered by the college of architecture and design (CoAD) at lawrence technological university (LTU).

monroe blocks development by schmidt hammer lassen architects (SHL)
image courtesy of SHL
(main image also courtesy of SHL)

built upon the promise of detroit’s future and a clear mind to its past, the LTU CoAD’s master of urban design is centered on holistic, practical, and socially responsible practices in the aim of creating healthier, smarter, and more sustainable urban environments. in a place whose downtown is benefiting from new ideas and strategies, their teachings are not only applicable to this city, but to communities around the world. it addresses the challenges and opportunities facing 21st century urban and suburban contexts by teaching future practitioners whilst rooted and collaborating in their community. this emphasis places students in the context of practice and offers them the opportunity to work side-by-side with local residents and develop projects that address real-world concerns.

the intense, 34-credit-hour course can be completed within three semesters
image courtesy of LTU’s college of architecture and design

welcoming students with diverse undergraduate degrees and backgrounds, the post-baccalaureate challenges students with an intensive 34-credit-hour program that can be completed in as little as three semesters. the coursework consists of design studios, core theory and core practice, where pupils can move seamlessly between modalities and learn online or on-campus. with its community centered approach and balanced, holistic method to design, students are encouraged to collaborate internally and externally. the city’s infusion of creatives is key to this, enabling them to participate with experts from around the world to help develop actual schemes and change lives in their environment.

image courtesy of LTU’s college of architecture and design

dr. joongsub kim, who directs the master of urban design program, has similarly worked with detroit communities long before the city was seen as an appropriate subject for the venice architecture biennale in 2016. bringing a methodical and meticulous approach, his teachings are fundamentally changing the dynamic within communities and neighborhoods in the US city. for the future, the program hopes to generate passionate future practitioners who will test new ideas and develop strategies for urban planning across the globe.

to be part of the change and redevelop our future cities for better, find out more about the masters of urban design program and how to apply here.

design workshops allows students to research with local communities
image courtesy of LTU’s college of architecture and design

students are enabled to work on projects that address real world issues
image courtesy of LTU’s college of architecture and design

the urban design program builds upon the redeveloping environment of detroit
image courtesy of LTU’s college of architecture and design