ABSTRACT
Experiential learning strategies are becoming more widespread within design schools, not only to educate future design professionals but also to promote an integrated approach to education that is place-based, problem-oriented, and transdisciplinary. Civic engagement teaches architecture students about the importance of co-creation in planning, design, and construction of public spaces at Tecnológico de Monterrey (Monterrey Tec). Civic engagement was used in the construction of the USAER XXXIV Training Center for Special Education (UTC). The training center was conceptualized in a senior design studio in collaboration with UTC users including teachers, students, and parents of children with special needs and was eventually built by volunteers and Monterrey Tec students. During the process, students were able to design strategies for community engagement, direct participatory design workshops, and engage in the construction of the training center using the service-learning platform. As a result, students were able to experience and reflect on the public purpose of their discipline and the university.
