Projects

Programs

Territory Urban Design Team

Territory Urban Design Team (TUDT) is an intro program for high school students ages 14-19 interested in gaining new skills doing urban design, public art and community engaged planning projects. TUDT teaches the principles of design and collaboration through small hands on projects. Pay: stipend. Requires Territory application and After School Matters application.

Territory Advanced Design Studio (TADS)

Territory Advanced Design Studio (Junior Associates) is for young people ages 16-24 who have design or community experience through Territory or other programs. TADS participants are planning and building Territory projects and taking leadership roles in their community. Pay: hourly minimum wage. Requires Territory application and One Summer Chicago application may also be required.

Territory Internship for Design Equity

About Territory

Mission

Territory is a place-based urban design studio where young people are building better futures for themselves and their communities through the practice of design. Territory is located in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. Doing projects in public spaces, young people use their lived experience, gain civic problem-solving skills, discover transformative career pathways in design, and advocate for including young people in the design and planning of Chicago.

Our Values

Youth Agency

We elevate young people as leaders and advocates through relevant, hands-on, place-based action.

Collaboration and Teamwork

We nurture safe, judgment free spaces to connect with peers, community partners, and city-wide to increase our shared effectiveness and be accountable.

Design Equity

We use the design process to empower young people, and we reimagine the practice of design to be inclusive of young people with a focus on those populations most often excluded from design.