Urban Design Committee (UDC)

The AIA Denver Urban Design Committee (UDC) focuses on being a community resource of expertise to assist in reviewing the development of designs involving local and regional urban issues. The committee assists the chapter in taking positions on key issues affecting Denver, surrounding municipalities and its architects. The committee has assisted the chapter in taking positions on key issues affecting Denver and its architects, including the new Denver Zoning Code, the 16th Street Plan and Union Station.

Committee Background and Mission

The committee was formed by a group of interested professionals in the early 1960s.

Members and Meetings

Members of the committee represent a diverse group of architects and designers who vary in area of practice, background, firm size and specialty. Everyone with an interest in urban design is encouraged to come check out the next meeting! Meetings generally take place the third Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Recordings of past meetings are available as podcasts through Urban Design Podcast, hosted by Arina Habich, Assoc. AIA.

Committee Initiatives

The committee is involved in reviewing and assessing a number of issues of importance to AIA Denver, its members and the community, including:

• Denver Zoning Code: The committee was actively involved in the review and assessment of the Denver Zoning Code and its impact on urban design.
  
• 16th Street Plan: The committee completed an assessment of the new 16th Street Plan, resulting in a position paper from the AIA Denver board of directors and in-depth recommendations from the committee members.
• Union Station Redevelopment
• McNichols Building Modifications
• Colfax Streetcar Initiative

Transit-Oriented Development Film

In 2007, the Urban Design Committee worked on AIA Denver's transit-oriented development film, Reshaping The Great American City. Copies are available by calling 303.446.2266 ($17+tax+S&H - AIA Members; $20+tax+S&H - Non-AIA Members).