The University of Memphis Design Collaborative (UMDC) is a university-based civic design & research center committed to increasing the capacity of planning and design to better serve communities. The Design Collaborative seeks to improve the relationship between citizens and the city (as a physical, social, and economic entity.) UMDC is a non-profit research partnership between the University of Memphis Departments of Architecture and City & Regional Planning in association with various university & community partners. Focus and Priorities: Our community engagement process has helped establish our direction and initial focus. The critical community issues that form our current work are centered around the built environment’s effect on quality of life through public health, safety, and mobility of Memphians and the Mid-South Region. We Prioritize Initiatives that: - Have a positive catalytic impact on the community at large - Engages citizens and stakeholders in the larger project area - Establishes and/or strengthens collaborative partnerships (non-profit focus) - Is a prototype that can be replicated (not a one off) - Provides an opportunity to share positive messaging to our target audiences - Maximizes the value and strengths of the Design Collaborative - Leverages and advances the UMDC’s multi-disciplinary research focus - Provides the opportunity to add resource capacity to the UMDC - Provides educational opportunities for the Center and the community - Are located in Delta region with a focus on Memphis (priority in Core City) If your work aligns with ours, please do not hesitate to contact us with partnership opportunities. www.memphis.edu/umdc or on facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/UMemphisDesignCollaborative/