Consider the things that affect the image your town projects: sidewalks, landscapes, lighting, town entrances, directional signage, commercial buildings, residential properties, and maintenance. At the end of an intense two-day workshop with a DesignWorks team of professionals, a community can identify how it can maximize its existing assets and take advantage of available resources to help develop a more prosperous future.
Here's how it works:
First, DesignWorks provides communities with a video that demonstrates the benefits of good community design.
Next, the design team visits your town and works closely with community members to identify local needs and to set goals for improvement. This on-site visit consists of an intensive two-day workshop with the community to uncover potential design initiatives that could significantly improve the town's image.
Finally, the community receives a design manual and resource directory for future reference.
The video, design team workshop, design manual and resource directory combine to offer a plan for improving community image and create the beginnings of successful community revitalization. The entire DesignWorks program is available with a small cost-sharing investment from the community.
DesignWorks can help a community make a dynamic first impression, add value to a community, and boost the sense of pride felt by everyone who lives there. It is a unique program that provides an avenue for communities and design professionals to come together to help improve the image of Oklahoma towns. Capitalizing on existing assets to improve the quality of life is a great starting place for successful economic revitalization.
Read what people are saying about DesignWorks:
"The DesignWorks team interviewed several Braman residents and found one strong impression: Bramans are very proud of their oil heritage. We were inspired by the team's visit to create a town entrance that included a 25-foot oil derrick to express our pride to visitors."
--Jeanne McCulloch, Braman Town Clerk
"Because of DesignWorks, we have merchants and residents interested in downtown revitalization who have never been interested before."
--Annetta Franks, Pawnee City Clerk
"The quality of the professionals was very apparent with their interest, knowledge, compassion and understanding of the workings of the small communities."
--Hennessey Resident
DesignWorks was developed through a partnership between the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Oklahoma Main Street Center at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, and OSU Cooperative Extension.
How To Apply
To apply for DesignWorks, contact the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to request an application:
Tracey Cox
405-815-5124
800-879-6552
