Preparing for the Future of Urban Design and Technology
“I want to empower students to leverage AI so that they can lead with curiosity and empathy in undertaking socially relevant, ecologically minded work.”
“I want to leverage the scaling capacity of technology so that people can lead the lives they want.”
“I want to create a future in which designers have the business and tech chops to make their ideas happen.”
In response to the evolving fields of architecture, planning, and real estate, Taubman College at the University of Michigan is developing a new graduate program. Last September, faculty, alumni, and advisers gathered to shape this initiative, focusing on how design thinking can transform educational experiences to address emergent needs.
To navigate the changing landscapes in these fields, the guiding question emerged: How can we equip students to shape the built environment beyond existing roles and degree pathways? Through intensive workshops and collaborative discussions, they developed a framework for a one-year master’s program. This program, pending approval, will launch in fall 2027 and aims to empower students with the tools to advance urban systems like housing, mobility, and water management.
The new Master of Urban Technology aligns with initiatives in Advanced Technology and sustainability, building on the success of Taubman College’s Bachelor of Science in Urban Technology. Launched in 2021, this undergraduate degree has matured into a comprehensive liberal arts education, supporting student ambitions in areas such as automation and sustainability.
This fall, the University of Michigan Center for Innovation will open in Detroit, where the Master of Urban Technology will feature prominently. The center is envisioned as a hub for research, education, and entrepreneurship, aiming to enhance Detroit’s and Michigan’s technological and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Designing with a Purpose
The degree development was informed by innovative practices, involving faculty workshops and data-driven insights on job market trends and student preferences. The program design also benefitted from industry expert consultations and insights from U-M’s alumni network, which includes leaders like Jim Hackett and Josh Sirefman, who have made significant contributions to urban technology.
The program’s curriculum is designed to foster innovation and best practices, informed by market research and engagement with the industry. AI tools played a role in accelerating the process, broadening the scope of input and feedback.
Taubman College’s deep connections across the industry have been essential in shaping this program. An industry immersion in New York allowed faculty to engage with leaders in urban development, learning from their expertise in fields like modular construction and energy systems.
As AI continues to disrupt traditional industries, such educational advancements highlight the critical importance of experiential learning and networking. The Master of Urban Technology promises to equip students with the skills required for future challenges, building on the invaluable relationships fostered through Taubman College’s extensive alumni network.
— By Jonathan Massey, dean of the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, and a professor of architecture. Massey is an accomplished scholar of modern architecture and a leading authority on architecture and planning education.
