Design and Urban Ecologies Thesis
Parsons School of Design: School of Design Strategies
CRN: 2871
Credits: 6
Building on the research and preliminary design scenarios developed in Studio 3, students advance their work into actionable projects aimed at impactful urban interventions. This course encourages students to build external partnerships, engage local communities and institutions, and participate in peer-to-peer dialogue to strengthen their work. Students are expected to produce a well-defined, context-sensitive project that integrates rigorous research, planning and design. This includes developing and testing intervention strategies, assessing their feasibility and potential impact, and articulating clear implementation pathways.Thesis projects may take diverse forms—such as urban and community plans, initiatives, policy platforms, physical interventions, documentary films, or socially engaged art practices—as long as they are grounded in the program’s justice-oriented approach. As the culminating course of the program, the Thesis Studio guides students through the development, refinement, and implementation of their final projects. The course concludes with the submission of a thesis that bridges theory, method, and action to address complex urban challenges. Final presentations take place in a public forum or symposium setting.
College: Parsons School of Design (PS)
Department: School of Design Strategies (SDS)
Campus: New York City (GV)
Course Format: Seminar (R)
Modality: In-Person
Max Enrollment: 15
Repeat Limit: 2
Add/Drop Deadline: February 3, 2026 (Tuesday)
Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 14, 2026 (Tuesday)
Seats Available: Yes
Status: Open*
* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 12:28pm EDT 10/7/2025