Urban Design Studio I is the first core studio in the Master of Urban Design (MUD) program and integrates the College of Architecture and Planning's core disciplines of urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture. The studio, led by Adjunct Associate Professor Peter Park , simulates a professional, cross-disciplinary consultant–client experience, emphasizing design excellence and implementation while preparing students to collaborate across disciplines and translate design thinking into practical strategies for complex, real-world, urban challenges.

During the fall 2025 semester, students examined how small-scale, incremental urbanism can accelerate implementation of Blueprint Denver via compatible neighborhood infill and vibrant, human-scaled development along planned bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors. Through the review of land use legislation, policy analysis, case studies, neighborhood documentation, and design test-fits, students examined how various typologies can advance housing and equity goals and explored strategies to promote development on small and medium-sized sites. 

A graphic highlighting the missing middle within an urban and urban edge context. (Image provided by Peter Park.)

Students worked in two teams. The Neighborhood Team explored missing middle housing as a practical, context-sensitive approach for expanding housing supply, choice, and affordability. The Corridor Team focused on Denver’s planned BRT corridors where small- and medium-scale development can support an integrated system of streets and pathways designed to provide safe, accessible, and connected travel options.A

The final deliverables included a taxonomy of Denver-specific missing middle housing and corridor site typologies, design proposals, and implementation strategies presented to local practitioners and staff from Denver Community Planning and Development. The students’ work contributes to ongoing conversations about equitable growth, housing affordability, and human-scaled urban design in Denver and will be featured in the 2026 Denver Urban Design Spotlight event this spring.

The studio included graduate students Brittney Contreras, Nick Esquibel, Hogan Henz, Kristina Higgins, Taya Loran, Stavros Roditis, Dan Schumacher, Lauren Simmons, Nettie Skievaski, and Jack Suva-Urwin. (Photo provided by Peter Park.)