The Center for Transformative Urban Design
The Center for Transformative Urban Design is an interdisciplinary design justice studio dedicated to the inclusive and equitable development of cities, neighborhoods, and towns led by founder and president Paul Bauknight.
His work is grounded in the belief that social and economic inequality are foundational parts of the systems and policies that govern the development of land and buildings in the United States, and the built environment can continue to support these injustices or be used as a foundation for change.
Reimagining the Civic Commons
Environmental Initiative serves as a fiscal sponsor Paul’s Twin Cities convening of Reimagining the Civic Commons (RCC), a collaboration of national foundations and local civic leaders working to reimagine public spaces in ways that benefit communities.
We are also avid partners in the work and embrace his spatial justice lens. For Minneapolis and St. Paul, this means recognizing that while the Twin Cities are nationally known for having rich public realms, including exceptional park systems, a vibrant art scene, and other public outdoor spaces, they still face some of the worst racial disparities in the nation. The cities have been, and continue to be, difficult places for people of color to live.
To counter these trends, we are leveraging place and space for hope, healing, and systemic change. Our initiatives include work on Lake Street, West Broadway Avenue, and Arcade Street.
Collaborators
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) Minnesota
- Black Business Network
- Create Balance
- Humphrey School of Public Affairs
- Metropolitan Council
- Minneapolis College of Art and Design
- Minneapolis Office of Community Safety
- Payne-Phalen Community Council
- Penumbra Theatre Company
- Reconnect Rondo
- Redesign
- St. Paul Parks and Recreation
- Springboard for the Arts
The design studio for social intervention defines spatial justice as a frame for reclaiming our rights to be, thrive, express and connect. Space is the medium where we exercise all of these rights. For me, RCC is a powerful tool—a platform to leverage space and place as a change agent. Our work seeks to be truly transformational by positioning space as the connective tissue for changing the unjust systems buried just below the surface in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
2025 Photos
Recent stories
The three pillars of civil resistance: Lessons from the Twin Cities
What emerged during Operation Metro Surge, and what continues today, offers a crucial lesson that local leaders across the country cannot afford to ignore. Protecting a free and civil society requires three pillars working in concert: brave people, willing organizations, and robust public space.
National initiative announces local investment in public spaces that advance healing and systemic change
Reimagining the Civic Commons recently announced a $750,000 expansion into Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Environmental Initiative will collaborate with Paul Bauknight in ongoing work to revitalize public spaces in ways that benefit communities.