The mission of the Urban Design Studio (UDS) is to develop, document, and disseminate knowledge of urban design issues in Louisville and the Commonwealth. Founded in 2000, the UDS emerged from a series of conversations about bringing together Kentucky’s two research universities, Louisville’s metropolitan government, local practitioners, and everyday citizens to study and discuss issues in community development.

As a collaborative venture between UK’s College of Design, U of L’s Department of Urban and Public Affairs, and Louisville Metro Planning & Design Services, the UDS serves as a classroom, meeting point, resource base, and exhibition space. Professors and practitioners cultivate various research endeavors throughout the year and periodically join forces on special issues. The UDS frequently holds planning and design charrettes and discussion forums that help increase the level of public involvement. In addition, the UDS conducts research and spatial analysis, develops conceptual site plans, massing models and other analytical tools related to urban design, and produces graphics, maps and reports.  Reaching out to broader audiences, the UDS also serves as a gallery space for exhibits of art, design, and urban planning-related works.

The ability to draw from a regional pool of talented professionals, academics and students provides the UDS with a unique ability to research and respond to a broad range of urban design issues.
 

Advisory Board:

A panel of board members representing all three stakeholders as well as the local design practice meets serveral times a year to determine the directions of the UDS. Current UDS Board members include:

Mark O'Bryan, Associate Professor of Architecture

University of Kentucky - School of Architecture

Charles Raith, Architect

Michael Speaks, Dean
University of Kentucky - College of Design

Jack Trawick, Director