SPOTLIGHT: Design Wisconsin

Design Wisconsin is a University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension research-based community design charrette program that helps communities discover and implement a shared vision of their community.

Design Wisconsin is a community design program offered by the University of Wisconsin-Extension that combines best practices and expertise from applied research in community development, economic development, natural resources, positive youth development, organizational and leadership development, and sustainability. Design Wisconsin helps communities identify and visualize their short-, medium-, and long-range visions.

Design Wisconsin is a 3-phase process that begins with community capacity building, transitions into a public participatory process, and ends with implementation. During community capacity building, Extension educators and specialists work with the local planning team to prepare them for the second and third phases of the program. After 6- 12 months of training, the local planning team is ready for the second phase of the program-a 3-day community design charrette (a fast-paced and intense period of community visioning). The third phase is implementation: a whole new planning process led by the local planning team and supported by Extension professionals that begins soon after the charrette.

• Timeframe to Complete Project: Months to Years

• Cost Range: $5,000+

• Key Words: community, public spaces, Intermediate, Public Spaces & Gathering Places, public art, Downtown Vision, volunteers, planning, youth

The project was organized by Design Wisconsin, offered by the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Community Vitality & Placemaking Team “Signature Effort”. Click on the button below to learn more.

The University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Community Vitality + Placemaking Team developed the Wisconsin Team Workbook with help from the Minnesota Design Team (MDT) and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.