· Applied Research · Urban Visualization · Resident Fellowship · Publications

Design Projects and Applied Research

The KCDC undertakes a variety of applied research projects to raise public awareness of design issues and evaluate public policies in light of best practices in other cities. We also provide technical assistance to community partners, and use research to explore urban design alternatives to strengthen Kansas City's public realm.

Our research efforts support our leadership initiatives by evaluating planning, design and development issues in consultation with key stakeholders. In each case, the KCDC serves as a technical resource, research clearinghouse, and network access point to engage community leaders and other civic organizations with national and international expertise on issues ranging from affordable housing to the creation of vital commercial districts.

In 2002, the KCDC sponsored a resident design fellowship to support research and conceptual design projects with the potential to transform the character and vitality of Kansas City’s public realm.