Minnesota Design Center (MDC)

The Minnesota Design Center (MDC) is currently accepting applications from College of Design faculty (adjunct, P&A, and tenure-track) for research funding that aligns with MDC's mission.

Proposals (limited to 5 pages total) should include:
- Scope of work
- List of collaborators
- Project timeline
- Detailed budget (not to exceed $5,000)

APPLY NOW

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To support broad access to funding, a PI may receive funding through this program no more than once every three years. Please reach out to Emma Fisher at [email protected] with any questions.

Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Project (ESMC) Webinar on " Thinking about Existing Buildings (+ Sites)"

Time: Thursday, Oct 22, 2026, 12:00 PM CT

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Professor of Architecture Richard Graves will present research that focuses on regenerative design as an approach that must be required of architecture across scales (from the building to the neighborhood to the city) to achieve sustainable and resilient development in a dynamic world. 

Much of the focus of development projects is on new buildings and sites. Studying the redevelopment of existing buildings and sites is essential for Midwest communities because it supports thoughtful change in use that preserves local character while meeting evolving housing, commercial, and civic needs; rigorous code review during reuse projects uncovers opportunities to align historic structures with modern safety, accessibility, and energy standards; targeted performance improvements—from envelope upgrades to HVAC optimization—reduce operating costs and improve occupant health; integrating climate resilience and adaptation measures (flood‑proofing, passive heating/cooling, stormwater management, and microgrid/solar readiness) protects communities from increasing extreme weather; and prioritizing reuse advances overall sustainability by conserving embodied carbon, lowering lifecycle emissions, and directing investment toward equitable, long‑term community benefits.