The Initiative worked with non-profit organizations, community groups and local municipalities to advance the communities’ goals and enhance GSAPP students’ educational experience through real-world collaborations, both in the classroom through studios and seminars and beyond the classroom through applied research and design projects. The Initiative pursued projects that improve the built and natural environment by expanding social impact design, taking research and scholarship beyond the classroom, and providing community leaders and citizens with tools, techniques and knowledge to help build resilient communities.
In addition, the Initiative facilitated the production and exchange of knowledge between students, faculty and local leaders in the Hudson Valley in order to support further research, advocacy, planning and design across disciplines, and geographic and political boundaries, actively contributing to the future of the region. See below a selection of publications and studio work completed under the umbrella of the Initiative.