UNT System

UNT opens Design Research Center in Dallas

A new University of North Texas Design Research Center (DRC) has opened in downtown Dallas to serve as an "urban laboratory" where graduate students and faculty members can spark and sustain design-driven solutions to pressing contemporary problems.

Construction began in December to renovate the 3,000-square-foot space — a former police substation — adjacent to the UNT System Building at 1908 Elm St. The renovated space includes a conference room, student work stations and classrooms. At the DRC, interdisciplinary teams of faculty and students will work closely with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and corporations in the community to address social, environmental, economic and public policy concerns. Classes began in the building on Jan. 18.

"This urban laboratory is helping the College of Visual Arts and Design answer the challenge for UNT to become a Tier One research university," said Keith Owens, director of the Design Research Center. "The DRC is just a few blocks from the Dallas Arts District and near several major museums and galleries, the World Trade Center and businesses, so our students will gain rich experience in the hub of Dallas.

Likewise, Dallas-based businesses and cultural institutions will have access to a wealth of academic resources offered by the center, which is the first of its kind in the region."

Photo: Keith Owens, director of the Design Research Center, teaching a class at the center. Photo credit: Jonathan Reynolds/UNT.

Several research projects have already started. They include:

• Working with KERA-TV to create a best in class "Kids and Family" entertainment, learning and parenting portal and community website. UNT researchers and KERA staff will develop online experiences that build and enhance PBS children's programming and related KERA educational content.
  
• Collaborating with the nonprofit organization Downtown Dallas Inc. to help invent innovative solutions to unique challenges faced by distinct districts in downtown Dallas — starting with the Historic West End. Faculty led student researchers are investigating ideas for improving the economic vitality and quality of life in the West End and will seek to generalize these ideas for use by other Dallas districts, such as Deep Ellum and the Farmers Market. 
  
• Helping employees of the World Factory corporation to become more innovative idea generators to develop new products.
  

The Design Research Center will support graduate students pursuing MFA and MA degrees in Innovation Studies in the College of Visual Arts and Design along with faculty members from the College of Visual Arts and Design, College of Business, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management and College of Arts and Sciences.

A grand opening for the Design Research Center is being planned for the spring. Researchers are expected to present preliminary results of some of their studies at that time.

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