Mission + Methods
Detroit Mercy's School of Architecture & Community Development educates and nurtures diverse and distinctive architects and community developers who strive to create just, ecological and inspiring communities and cities. SACD is an international resource on equitable development and architecture for all people.
SACD exists to provide an excellent student-centered, accredited professional architectural education in an urban context. A Detroit Mercy SACD education seeks to develop architects and community developers who:
- approach design with sensitivity.
- exhibit technical competence.
- uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.
- embody social responsibility and cultural awareness.
- serve both the community and the profession.
SACD envisions a world with just, ecological and inspiring communities and built environments, which in turn create just, ecological and inspiring cities.
Core Values
We are committed to:
- Educating students who will adapt to and lead in the changing disciplines of architecture, urban design and community development.
- Advancing social and environmental justice in our neighborhoods, cities and planet.
- Cultivating equity in education and the profession by providing pipelines of access and support for underrepresented people.
- Nurturing engaged global citizens who can think broadly and act locally.
- Emphasizing a progressive and rigorous approach to design and community development education.
- Fostering a mosaic of students who reflect the diversity of people that make up our communities.
Strategic Priorities
SACD works to:
- Provide broad perspectives for students, faculty and staff.
- Be a community-engaged school, because Detroit is our home and not our laboratory.
- Amplify social, economic and environmentally just design for all people.
- Deliver a rigorous and forward-thinking curriculum.
- Achieve continued improvement in meeting our core values through assessment and accreditation.
"The philosophy and the passion for design has remained the same. If you think about how our graduates have impacted the human cause in a positive way, it’s a reason to celebrate."