The Kansas City Design Center aims to improve the public realm by addressing urban design issues while providing students a unique educational experience. The KC Design Center aims to improve the public realm by addressing critical urban design issues while providing students a unique educational experience. The mission of the KCDC is to facilitate deeper understanding and foster improved quality of life, economic development and environmental stewardship in the Kansas City area through design, planning, research and education about the built environment. The Kansas City Design Center is jointly operated by the Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning and Design and the University of Kansas School of Architecture, Design and Planning. The KCDC provides urban design assistance to community groups and non-profit organizations especially those representing underserved areas and underfunded initiatives, while providing an independent forum for discussion of the future of Kansas City. The activities and publications of the Kansas City Design Center are intended to instigate positive change, promote investment, and foster good-will and community engagement with the sponsoring institutions and organizations.