Faculty of Architecture

Community Design and Planning Centre (CDPC)

The Community Design and Planning Centre (CDPC) provides equitable, accessible, inclusive, and multicultural design and planning services and is a hub for community engaged research and projects in the University of Manitoba Faculty of Architecture. Students, staff, and faculty develop and carry out research, educational activities, and design and planning projects in collaboration with communities in Manitoba, northern Ontario and southeastern Saskatchewan. 

The CDPC understands ‘community’ as the ever-cycling interrelatedness of land, water, people, and animals. Our work is informed by the Indigenous concept of ‘kinship,’ the interconnectedness of all forms of life – human and more-than-human. This foundational perspective grounds our understanding of all histories, identities, and knowledge systems being based in place and underscores the importance of relationships founded on respect and reciprocity.

a draft image to be used as cover for the CDPC website.

Community Design and Planning Centre (CDPC)

Mission

The CDPC collaborates with community partners and professionals from diverse disciplines to create well-designed climate-responsive environments, enhance quality of life in underserved communities, and make meaningful social impact through planning and design innovation and leadership.

Vision

The CDPC addresses essential social needs by co-creating healthy, socially just, and thoughtfully designed and planned environments that benefit all citizens of Manitoba and beyond.

What we are working on

  • A group of six people stands in a classroom, attentively examining architectural drawings on a large whiteboard. The atmosphere is focused and collaborative.

    Brandon University Indigenous Storytelling Space

    CDPC members Alixa Lacerna, Hanan Alahmad, Jory Thomas, and Mimi Locher are collaborating with Dr. Michelle Lam, Canada Research Chair, and the administration at Brandon University to develop annotated pre-design drawings for an Indigenous Storytelling Space in the Faculty of Education. The drawings incorporate local Indigenous teachings and motifs and will be used by Dr. Lam to work with a licensed architect and the Brandon University Administration.

  • A person walks on lush green grass near an old, collapsed yellow tent surrounded by dense greenery and under a partly cloudy blue sky, suggesting a calm, serene outdoor setting.

    Star Blanket Cree Nation Indoor Sweat Lodge

    In Spring 2024, Star Blanket Cree Nation, represented by Victor Starr, approached the CDPC at a retreat hosted by the University of Manitoba College of Rehabilitation Sciences to explore the development of an indoor sweat lodge. From Summer 2024 through Fall 2025, CDPC engaged in site visits, relationship-building, community engagement sessions, and collaborative sweat lodge construction to support a community-led process grounded in trust, healing, and long-term partnership.

  • A spacious room with high ceilings and string lights showcasing a large floor map with colorful models. People gather around, engaging in a creative, collaborative atmosphere.

    Art City

    The CDPC partners with Art City, an art-focused Winnipeg nonprofit, to develop hands-on educational workshops for children in after-school programs. Through interactive art, play, and making, participants explore how cities are designed and experienced, fostering creativity, critical thinking, spatial awareness, and early understanding of urban life and community.

Click here for more projects

Events

  • A woman presents architectural designs to a group seated around a table in a meeting room with blue carpet and white walls.

    Monthly potlucks

    Since 2024, the CDPC has hosted monthly potlucks that bring together students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and industry professionals to connect, share food, and build community. Those interested in joining are welcome to contact Alixa Lacerna for more information.

  • Storefront window with bold text "What if buildings could talk to each other?" next to simple line drawings of skyscrapers.

    Volunteer orientations

    Each term, the CDPC hosts volunteer orientation sessions for students and professionals interested in getting involved. Students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals are welcome to attend and learn about CDPC projects, values, and opportunities. To register or learn more, please contact Alixa Lacerna at alixa.lacerna@umanitoba.ca.

  • A panel of five speakers sits at a table in a seminar room.

    Design Meets Community

    In partnership with Storefront Manitoba, the CDPC hosts a monthly discussion series during the Fall and Winter terms. The series brings together local design firms and community organizations to explore diverse themes related to design, planning, advocacy, and community roles. More information is available through the Faculty of Architecture and Storefront Manitoba’s websites and social media channels.

Work with us

Our strength lies in our ability to engage deeply with those we serve, fostering partnerships that empower communities to shape their own environments. We are driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that each project centers the diverse voices, gifts, and needs of the people involved.

If you would like to start a conversation or are interested in working with us on a project please email cdpc@umanitoba.ca.

Our team

The Community Design and Planning Centre (CDPC) is a collaborative group of students, staff, faculty, and dedicated volunteers from the University of Manitoba. With a passion for creating inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking design and planning solutions, we bring together a wide range of expertise and perspectives to address the unique challenges faced by communities.

Leadership Team

 

Faculty Affiliates

  • Raphael Ayambire
    Assistant Professor, Department of City Planning
    University of Manitoba
  • Shawn Bailey 
    Professor, Department of Architecture
    University of Manitoba
  • Sarah Cooper 
    Professor, Department of City Planning
    University of Manitoba
  • Shauna Mallory-Hill, 
    Associate Professor, Department of Interior Design
    Associate Dean (Research), Dean's Office
    University of Manitoba
  • Richard Milgrom
    Associate Professor, Department of City Planning
    University of Manitoba
  • Michelle Lam
    Canada Research Chair, Curriculum and Pedagogy Department
    Brandon University 

Professional Affiliates

  • Alex Ross, M.L.Arch., B.A. (Geography)

 

Student Research Assistants

  • Sophia Sacco Sophia Sacco (Work-Study Student – Fall 2025-Winter 2026, Summer 2025)
  • Jory Thomas (Work-Study Student – Fall 2025-Winter 2026; Indigenous Summer Student Internship Program 2025)

Past Research Assistants

  • Hanan Alahmad (Undergraduate Research Award Student - Summer 2025)
  • Howl Phan (Undergraduate Research Award Student - Summer 2024)
  • Athena Santiago (Work-Study Student Fall 2024 - Winter 2025

Volunteers

Among the list of volunteer opportunities are grant writing, event coordination, research and engagement opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, and graphic design assistance. If you are interested in volunteering at the CDPC, please reach out to Alixa Lacerna at alixa.lacerna@umanitoba.ca.

  • Brend Abarquez
  • Maryam Amini
  • Saba Ammari
  • Lila Asher
  • Lealyn Carlos
  • Suiden Duplassie
  • Eva Hagel-MacPherson
  • Devin Lam
  • Sarah Lenius
  • John Manahan
  • Angelica Mandapat
  • Miku Morioka
  • Doménica Naranjo
  • Howl Phan
  • Taza Pratt
  • Juan Ramos
  • Jae Rivera
  • Athena Santiago
  • Ethan Wong

Past Volunteers

  • Vandana Arya
  • Jade Butterfield
  • Annika Hofstede
  • Grace Olokun-Jaiyesimi
  • Eva Rodriguez
  • Leslie Then

Contact us

Community Design and Planning Centre
245 Portage Ave
Winnipeg, MB
R3B 2A6

cdpc@umanitoba.ca