Detroit Collaborative Design Center
The Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC) is a multidisciplinary, nonprofit design center based in Detroit Mercy's School of Architecture & Community Development.
DCDC exists to bring high-quality and community-engaged design to all neighborhoods in Detroit. The practice does this by engaging, educating and promoting equity in design processes and outcomes. DCDC works with community partners citywide on a range of projects at different scales, prioritizing participation in the planning and design process with the belief that local expertise leads to the best ideas.
Teaching and
Experiental Learning
DCDC is committed to growing the practice of community design by supporting a diverse field of future practitioners.
Every semester, two to four student designers learn the practice of community-engaged design by working alongside our staff and partners through the SACD co-op program.
DCDC staff also teach in the Architecture and Community Development programs, including core courses across departments and the required Public Interest Design (PID) architecture studio, which focuses on a Detroit project with community and collaborative implications. DCDC also engages with nationwide conversations focused on PID education and opportunities.
For additional information, project and much more, please visit the DCDC website.
"I love being part of each impactful project. No day is alike, which is what makes the time spent very engaging. You learn so much at DCDC, both in the realm of design and from the community partnerships."