
Based at Ball State CAP: INDY, the Center for Civic Design (CCD) is a hub for education, activity, and advocacy about the built-environment disciplines across planning, development, design, and construction that shape cities, towns, neighborhoods, and places. Through CCD, students, faculty, and fellows of the R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning provide design, planning, and visioning support to community organizations and civic leaders. Our projects range in disciplines, including planning, development, design, and construction that shape cities, towns, neighborhoods, and places. The CCD is looking to find community partners and organizations needing assistance with community projects. Community partners can be nonprofit partners, government-led bodies, or community support organizations. The main focus area the CCD targets is Indianapolis, its neighborhoods, and the larger metropolitan area surrounding Indy. However, CCD is welcome to work in communities throughout the state and occasionally overseas.
Through these projects, students gain invaluable experience by working with experts, professionals, and stakeholders. By working with us, it will bridge the gap between public and private interests and bring built-environment professionals closer to the public. Together, we can help neighborhoods and other communities envision possibilities.
CCD Projects
- (2022) Tactical Urbanism Demonstration Project Grant (A collaboration between CCD, Nora Alliance, and Bicycle Garage Indy)
- (2022) Urban Design Solutions for E. Washington Street Corridor and Downtown Gateway, Indianapolis, Indiana (A collaboration between CCD, F23 LA 403 taught by Ann Hildner, 1820 Ventures, and BSU Office of Immersive Learning)
- Collaborating with the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside to develop formal designs and produce 3D renderings and animations of a large community space at 38th Street and Post Road in Indianapolis. The neighborhood plans to use the area for social gathering, skill-building, and outreach.
- Partnering with Steadfast Indiana, an organization to help provide homes for veterans in need, to redevelop an abandoned mobile home park in Indianapolis into an attractive and affordable community for veterans.
- Teaching civic design to city leaders across the state of Indiana through the Indiana Communities Institute’s Community Development course.
- Working with the Indiana Communities Institute to host and provide civic design expertise on new Main Streets programs being undertaken in communities throughout the state. In the program, Estopinal College students work with communities to help them envision what their “Main Street” should be.
- Partnering with Schmidt Associates and the Purdue University College of Engineering on a master plan for the 2-acre site of the Tumaini Innovation Center in Eldoret, Kenya, which teaches vocational skills to youth living on the streets of Kenya.
Work with Us
To discuss potential partnerships with the Center for Civic Design, please contact Nina Davis, Director of Operations at BSU CAP: Indy.