Making Our Own Space, the CUDC’s award-winning design/build program for middle and high school students has a new coordinator. Ben Herring has been a visiting instructor for several years, most recently working with the Glenville MOOS students this summer on two major seating structures. He is a skilled designer and craftsman, and a gifted instructor. We are thrilled to welcome Ben to the CUDC team!
In addition to running MOOS, Ben will continue to be Principal Designer at PAADG Studio where he specializes in visualizations and architectures for public good. Ben has spoken at various universities and conferences on topics ranging from design theory, to distributive justice, the future of public space and digital craft in contemporary design. Ben was administered various honors at Ball State University where he received degrees in Architecture and Economics. He has previously served as a board member for the Haitian Vision Foundation as well as PBS and NPR member stations in Southern Indiana. He presently serves on the board of the Refresh Collective (formerly known as the Fresh Camp)
Making Our Own Space, now in its eighth year, operates in six city neighborhoods and two inner-ring suburbs. This year, we’re launching a new MOOS Rapid Response Team with the generous support of The Cleveland Foundation. The Rapid Response Team is an 18-month enrichment program for middle and high school students who have an interest in design and the desire to be active changemakers in their neighborhood. Student participants will conduct research and develop design-based solutions to address issues in a Cleveland neighborhood, in collaboration with the staff of Kent State University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative (CUDC), guest designers, and community leaders.