Ball State CAP: INDY is an extension of the R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University in nearby Muncie, Indiana.
The CAP: INDY initiative draws from the rich interdisciplinary nature of the college’s programs in architecture, construction management, interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning, historic preservation, and urban design. Combining this richness with the urban context offered by Indianapolis allows for a unique opportunity to help shape not only future professionals, but also the future of Indiana's capital and largest city.
We are a catalyst for recovering and redefining the experience of civic spaces in order to build sustainable and equitable cities, towns, neighborhoods, and places. This mission implies dedication to social and ecological responsibility, to partnerships, and to preservation, planning, and design. This will be accomplished through the combined interdisciplinary knowledge and actions of academia, professional practitioners, municipal leaders, and communities. To fulfill this mission, Ball State CAP: INDY operates across the following three areas:
Urban Experience (Education)
We conduct a wide-range of academic programs across Ball State CAP: INDY. This includes serving as the home for the college's master of urban design program as well as a one-year live/work/learn experience for students of the two master of architecture program tracks. We also provide immersive learning opportunities for on-campus students and provide support for Indianapolis-based student thesis and creative projects.
Community Resource (Assistance)
We are committed to providing assistance to residents of Indianapolis and beyond. Students, faculty, and fellows of the Ball State CAP: INDY-based Center for Civic Design (CCD) provide design, planning, and visioning support to neighborhoods and other community organizations in the Indianapolis area and across the state. Many projects have involved the collaboration of our students, faculty, communities, and community leaders.
Design Advocate (Facilitation)
We believe that innovative design and planning is critical to maintaining a viable, competitive region, and we strive to support initiatives, learning opportunities, and partnerships that improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers. As a collective of diverse and objective expertise, Ball State CAP: INDY is able to bridge differences, broker resources, and lead on issues of design and planning across Indiana cities, towns, neighborhoods, and places.