Beforethe first shovel hits the dirt, seniorindustrial and innovativedesignstudents atCedarville Universityarealready shaping the futureof Broadview Heights, Ohio.As part of a senior-level architecture course,thestudentsdrafted amaster plananddigital renderingsfor amore vibrant, connected city—centered around a“library of the future.”

Real-World Architecture Experience Through the ICC

This hands-on collaborationwith thecity of Broadview Heights and the Cuyahoga County PlanningCommissionis consistent with the projects and partnerships of theInternational Center for Creativity(ICC).Partnered with Cedarville, the ICC offersthe leadingdesign educational programamong Christian universitiesandemphasizes givingstudents industry experience.These projects provide communities with visionary concepts—often at no cost—and give students a competitive edge as they enter the workforce.

Building Skills in Urban Planning and Design

“The goal is to give the students a lifelike project to work on,” said Timothy Hunsicker,courseinstructorfor theICCand architecture design professional. “We are simulating what they might experience in the work world. Students work in teams, and they learn to work with other people.I want them to gain anappreciation for what goes into master planningand architectural designin theeconomic,socialandbuilt world.”

Designing a “Library of the Future”

The eight-week course, Architectural and Exterior Space Design and Interior Architecture,beganonOct.20with a site visit to Broadview Heightsand a meeting withcity officials andtheCuyahoga CountyPlanningCommission.Studentstouredthe city center andpotential locations for the proposed library— equipping them todesign plans and spaces that support community identity,accessibilityand long-term growth.

Preparing Future Innovators in Architecture and Design

The course concluded onDec. 11,whenthestudents presentedtheir proposals to the mayor and members of the local planning committee. Hunsicker, who grew up in Broadview Heights,sees the project as a win for both the community and his students.

“My hope is, even if the students do not go into architecture or architectural design, that they have a greater appreciation for the built environment and how that impacts the lives that we live,” said Hunsicker. “Good designimpactsus positively. Bad designimpactsus negatively. I hope that students will have a better appreciation of the built environment after completing this project.”

About Cedarville University

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts,sciencesand professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more atcedarville.edu.