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design your world

your ideas shape your world

Design+Build

SKILLS YOU'LL GAIN

WHY IT MATTERS

The Community Design Lab Design+Build is a hands-on program where high-school students, neighbors, and artists come together to reimagine public spaces. 


At BlackRock, you will spend five half-day sessions learning design skills, working with mentors, and creating a new landscape that manages stormwater, supports pollinators, and makes BlackRock more welcoming to the community.

WHY IT MATTERS

SKILLS YOU'LL GAIN

WHY IT MATTERS

Parking lots are everywhere, but they do not have to be lifeless.


With your help, the BlackRock parking lot will become a greener, healthier, and more beautiful space.


Conservation landscapes filter stormwater, reduce flooding, and support wildlife


while showing how young people can lead visible change in their neighborhood.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

SKILLS YOU'LL GAIN

SKILLS YOU'LL GAIN

Learn how art and design can solve real environmental problems.


Explore the BlackRock site and develop ideas for a new conservation landscape.


Work with professional designers, artists, and environmental mentors.


Use digital tools and hands-on model building to shape your ideas.


Help bring the design to life by planting and caring for the new landscape.

SKILLS YOU'LL GAIN

SKILLS YOU'LL GAIN

SKILLS YOU'LL GAIN

Creative problem-solving, Environmental Design Skills, Teamwork and collaboration, Understanding of conservation, stormwater, and nature-based design



These skills stay with you after the Lab. You can bring them into school projects, volunteer opportunities, and even join us in future community design-build projects with your friends.

YOUR VOICE, YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR IMPACT

Interest Form

Spring 2026 Design+Build is now in session

Program snapshot

The Spring 2026 Design+Build will focus on creating a conservation landscape for the parking lot at BlackRock Center for the Arts. High school students will spend five Saturdays designing and installing the project to help improve the Seneca Creek watershed.


Through the Community Design Lab, students will learn design skills, work as a team, and make a visible impact in their community. Participants can also earn up to 20 hours of Montgomery County Student Service Learning (SSL) credit through this program.


  • Teens, ages 13-19, in Montgomery County, especially those in Germantown and Upcounty Montgomery County
  • Students curious about art, nature, design, or their community
  • No experience required, just ideas and positive vibes.
  • Earn up to 20+ Hours of SSL Credits
  • Need-based, transportation support is available. 

Example Schedule

  • Week 1: Welcome and introduction to design + nature
  • Week 2: Explore the site, brainstorm, and sketch
  • Week 3: Develop ideas, test concepts, and collaborate
  • Week 4: Final Plant Selection 
  • Week 5: Build Day 


APPLICATIONS Will Open Soon For The Next DESIGN+BUILD!

APPLICATIONS Will Open Soon For The Next DESIGN+BUILD!

APPLICATIONS Will Open Soon For The Next DESIGN+BUILD!

APPLICATIONS Will Open Soon For The Next DESIGN+BUILD!

APPLICATIONS Will Open Soon For The Next DESIGN+BUILD!

APPLICATIONS Will Open Soon For The Next DESIGN+BUILD!

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COMMUNITY DESIGN LAB | NATURE BY THE PEOPLE

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