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About Territory

 MISSION STATEMENT
 

Territory is a place-based urban design program where young people are building better futures for themselves and their communities by regenerating public spaces through design. Territory offers intro and advanced programs for young people ages 14-21, and supports youth-led advocacy projects. Territory’s home base is in the Austin neighborhood on the west side of Chicago.

WHAT WE DO

Territory employs teens doing out of school time design projects. Using their lived experiences and community networks, teens identify urgent issues, develop and build solutions. Through this process they learn the tools and vocabulary of urban design and the design thinking process. As they develop a project, they gain high-level skills in verbal and visual communication, project management, budgets and scheduling. Territory’s nationally recognized programs and design projects include placemaking, pop-up events, public art, walking tours, and workshops.