DETROITISIT PRESENTS
SUSTAINABLE
URBAN DESIGN
SUMMIT
x Purposeful Forum
November 2025 • Detroit, Michigan
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF
SUSTAINABLE CITIES
The Sustainable Urban Design Summit (SUDS) is Detroit's premier gathering of architects, planners, policymakers, designers, and community leaders working together to build more sustainable, equitable, and resilient cities. Now in its fourth year, SUDS continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in urban development.
The central question: How do we evolve our cities without burying them in waste? How do design, technology, and human creativity converge to create sustainable futures?
SUMMIT TRACKS
Three core focus areas driving innovation in urban sustainability
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Infrastructure, design, technology, and smart city development. Exploring how we build and rebuild our cities with sustainability at the core.
- • Green building practices
- • Smart city technology
- • Circular economy principles
- • Climate-resilient design
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT
Equity, empowerment, and community planning. Sustainable design must move beyond theory to empower communities.
- • Community-centered planning
- • Equity in development
- • Stakeholder empowerment
- • Cultural preservation
MULTIMODAL MOBILITY
Transportation modes and equitable mobility solutions. Creating connected, accessible cities for everyone.
- • Public transit innovation
- • Bike and pedestrian infrastructure
- • Electric vehicle integration
- • Equitable access
KEY PRINCIPLES
Technology Meets Ecology
Architects and designers operate at the intersection of technology, human experience, and ecological systems.
Shifting Power Structures
True sustainability requires empowering stakeholders and shifting traditional power dynamics in development.
Theory to Policy
Sustainable design must move from theory to policy and regulation to create lasting impact.
Culture as Foundation
Culture and community are foundational to sustainability—design with, not for, communities.
HOSTED AT
NEW LAB
The summit takes place at New Lab in the Michigan Central innovation district—a fitting home for conversations about the future of urban design and sustainable development.
Location: Michigan Central Station
Detroit, Michigan
SUMMIT EVOLUTION
The Built Environment
Exploring the foundations of sustainable urban design and the built environment.
Climate & Social Justice
Connecting climate action with social equity and justice in urban planning.
Circular Economy & Neighborhoods
Focusing on circular economy principles and community-centered neighborhood development.
Design, Technology & Creativity
How design, technology, and human creativity converge to build sustainable cities.
STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY
STUDIO SHOWCASE
SUDS features the Student Sustainability Studio Showcase, where students and educators collaborate across institutions to design real-world solutions for urban sustainability challenges.
Featuring work from College for Creative Studies, University of Michigan, and other leading institutions.
PAST SUPPORTERS & SPONSORS
Organizations committed to sustainable urban development
BECOME A
SUMMIT SPONSOR
Align your brand with Detroit's leading sustainability event. Connect with architects, planners, policymakers, and community leaders shaping the future of urban development.
- Brand visibility at the summit
- Speaking opportunities
- Networking with industry leaders
- Digital and print presence
Sponsorship Inquiries
Contact us to learn about sponsorship tiers and partnership opportunities.
Contact Ushi@detroitisit.com