Providing design assistance to rural communities in N.C.

The Community Design Initiative (CDI) is developing and advocating effective design practices and decisions to improve the quality of life in North Carolina’s rural communities.

Our researchers work in rural North Carolina communities to design public spaces and create connections among local and regional resources so that towns can better preserve their local heritage while enjoying new economic growth. CDI employs planning and design as means of preserving the character, culture, history, natural environment, and charm of rural communities. CDI is a conduit of resources from NC State University in the form of helpful technologies and student engagement.

CDI is an initiative of the Laboratory for the Design of Healthy and Sustainable Communities, College of Design. CDI collaborates with the NC Cooperative Extension, NC Rural Economic Development Center, NC Main Street Center, local and regional political bodies, and the citizens of the community.

For more information, visit the Community Design Initiative website.