URP 610, Section 2

The urgent demolition of a structure at the Dabls African Bead Museum site this past Summer,
underscores the critical need for visionary planning rooted in an AfroUrbanist ethos of cultural
preservation, self-determination, and collective thriving. This graduate-level studio invites students to
reimagine Dabls’ nearly full city block as the centerpiece of a transformative cultural and eco-district. By
integrating zoning innovation, land use, environmental justice, historic analysis, and cultural
stewardship, students will craft a master plan that not only safeguards this iconic portal but also
amplifies its potential to inspire diasporic connection and sustainability. With Detroit at a crossroads,
this course is a call to action: harness the power of AfroUrbanism to shape a future where Black heritage
and creativity lead the way. Join us to design a legacy that honors the past while shaping the future.