Celebrating design for civic good in Denver.
Common Ground brings together civic leaders, community organizations, designers, and students to co-create public pavilions that show the power of design to create a Denver where everyone belongs.
Five community organizations from around Denver were paired with teams of architecture students and faculty at the University of Colorado Denver to co-create public pavilions that celebrate their unique mission and identity. The pavilions will be on display at a first-of-its-kind design festival for Denver, at the Denver Performing Arts Complex for a limited time starting September 24. Following the festival, each organization will own the pavilions, creating lasting impact in their communities.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 - Community Reception
5:00 - 7:00PM (Remarks at 5:30PM)
Denver Performing Arts Complex (1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204)
Free & Open to All
Join for the unveiling! You’ll get to interact with an installation representing belonging for identities across Denver, including youth, queer, and immigrant communities. Plus, get a first look at a storytelling exhibit featuring voices from across the city reflecting on the identity of downtown.
Enjoy light bites & beverages, and great conversation.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 - Civic Forum Panel: Parts of Common
3:00 - 5:00PM
Denver Performing Arts Complex (1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204)
Free & Open to All
The Civic Forum brings together nationally recognized leaders in community-centered design: Joseph Altshuler, Akima Brackeen, and Wendell Joseph, who has contributed to transformative civic initiatives such as Exhibit Columbus, the Chicago Sukkah Design Festival, and Envision Resilience.
Following brief presentations by each speaker, the panelists will be joined by local design professionals and community leaders for a moderated conversation on the role of community-centered design in fostering more equitable and resilient cities. The discussion will be moderated by Assistant Professor Danny Wills.
Space is limited - Registration is encouraged.
