What is the Urban Design Challenge

The Urban Design Challenge is a service learning event where participants work in teams to redesign high-profile urban spaces communities. In this challenge, multidisciplinary teams compete and undertake future scenarios to improve urban design solutions. Teams use systems thinking to improve connectivity between water, energy, transportation, and people. Teams integrate water, energy, and community priorities into their designs and receive external feedback. They also plan for future generations and emerging technologies while managing zoning laws and other restrictions. Once teams plan out their design, they visualize designs using LEGOs to bring their design to life.

Why Participate in the Urban Design Challenge

Participates will:

  • Gain knowledge and experience working with challenges facing cities
  • Explore and redesign high-profile urban spaces
  • Deep dive into energy systems, systems thinking, and low impact water strategies
  • Work with experts in the field
  • Practice integrating water, energy, and community values into urban designs
  • Become Immersed in the design through an interactive LEGO challenge

Additional Details

  • Next Urban Design Challenge: 2027
  • Registration Deadline: To be determined
  • Location: To be determined
  • Who is eligible: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, and Early Professionals