middle Of broad

middle Of broad: interdisciplinary community-engaged design studio, also known among students and faculty as “mOb studio” is an experimental design lab uniting a number of VCU departments to create a hotspot for the school’s up-and-coming designers, artists, and planners. We believe that good design makes a healthier city where citizens participate more fully in their environment, government, and culture.

With faculty mentors, students can work on community-engaged projects with clients and community partners from across the region. We strive to be good neighbors and serve our community partners by helping them to wonder about the possibilities.

Past projects include developing concepts for signage in the James River Park System, proposing retail strategies and garment collections for Carytown merchants, designing rain collection systems for Richmond communities, reimagining Richmond’s toll plazas, and more.

mOb studio is offered during both fall and spring semesters and is co-led by VCUarts faculty from diverse disciplines. For more information, please feel free to email current mOb studio faculty. To see mOb studio projects in progress, join us during one of our open studios during the Richmond Arts District First Fridays Art Walk or follow our Instagram!

To enroll in the mOb studio, look at course numbers FASH405 MIDDLE OF BROAD STUDIO and IDES491 TOP: MIDDLE OF BROAD STUDIO. Contact your advisor and mOb faculty, Jeannine Diego or Emily Smith, for enrollment questions.

Emily Smith
Assistant Professor of Interior Design, mOb faculty
smithea8@vcu.edu

Jeannine Diego
Assistant Professor of Fashion Design + Merchandising, mOb faculty
diegoj@vcu.edu