The Grotesque
Volume II
contents
002 Wasted Space + Wasted Time
Katie Cressall
030 Too Good to Go to Waste
Jarrett Fishman
090 Solar Harvest
Nathan Johnson
128 [Re]framing the Brand
Alivia Stalnaker
170 Productive Color
Dorothy Schwankl
222 Déjà Vu
Tadeusz Bazydlo
240 Urban Occupation: The Blob in Detroit
Ayesha Sarfraz
270 Rerooting Detroit
Matt Slingerland
288 Hitchhiker ’s Cities
Kahyun Lee
330 Detroit Abundant or Flip This City
Michael McBean
360 Detroit Water System
Lauren Jennifer Barry
386 The Detroit Wall?
Sarah Petri
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02
1-5-10 Wasted Space + Wasted Time
Source: Katie Cressall
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04
1 Empty Buildings + Empty Schedules The purpose is to stabilize an area that is hemorrhaging around 8 to ten thousand people a month. Where real estate can be purchased for $25, and a city that once stood at 2.2 million, finds itself with a population of under 900 thousand.
Source: Katie Cressall
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06
1
Proposal Officially, Detroit’s unemployment rate is just
Now they stay at home and have no where in
under 30 percent. But the city’s mayor and lo-
particular to go during the day. This lack of di-
cal leaders are suggesting a far more disturb-
rection and placelessness can create feelings
ing figure -- the actual jobless rate, they say,
of hopelessness. The lack of income can make
is closer to 50 percent.
it so that they cannot frequent the neighborhood establishments they used to, creating
Detroit is also plagued with abandoned,
an intense inward focus on their place of
neglected office towers, factories, and riv-
residence.
erfront structures. They used to be a place people would go to work, now in the decay of
The proposal is to combine the displaced
the economy, they are left in isolation.
population with the uninhabited buildings. They can be places to get connections for
The unemployed are a displaced population,
employment, get specialized job training,
they used to have multiple places to spend
be involved in community art projects, and
their time: home, work, and perhaps local
volunteer their unused time in a fulfilling way.
establishments.
Giving people a purpose during a troubling time is the best way to revitalize a city.
07
Proposed buildings to house: Packard Plant Fisher Plant UPS Book Depository
Source: flickr.com user: Patrick Austin 03/10/06
08
1
unemployed people + unemployed buildings Detroit is jobs-poor. The city has lost hun-
1 - Job creation should focus on taking ad-
dreds of thousands of jobs over the past
vantage of existing opportunities that utilize
decades, and far fewer of its residents
existing assets in Detroit.
hold jobs, or participate in the labor force, compared to the United States population as
5
a whole. The single most important economic
new opportunities.
- rely on using existing assets to create
development goal for Detroit should be to fill this “jobs gap.” That means not only cre-
10 - Detroit will focus on capitalize on
ating more jobs, but creating the sort of jobs
transforming new assets into new growth op-
that Detroit’s residents can access.
portunities.
Existing resource are the large numbers of skilled manufacturing workers looking for new opportunities and deep experience in global logistics and manufacturing. The city’s technological skills can be retooled to develop green energy industries
09
Fisher Plant
Packard Plant
Source: flickr.com user: Patrick Austin 03/10/06
Source: flickr.com user: Patrick Austin 03/10/06
10
1
Unemployment
Source:The New York Times. For the Unemployed, the Day Stacks Up Differently,. July 31, 2009
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12
1
[re]educate Emergency job training This stage would re-purpose the unskilled labor force and would provide training on how to reuse and recycle buildings. Training would be given on: - Smart dismantling - How to deal with contaminants - Construction and deconstruction techniques - Material evaluation - Quick assembly of parts
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14
1
new landscape within
Shop
Classroom
Entry
Computer Spine
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16
1 [re]train + [re]vitalize
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Arnold Home Some buildings would be entirely dismantled outside the classroom setting. Others could be used to housed the organized piles of materials. The Arnold Home is an example of a building that holds little architectural interest and has deteriorated beyond repair. It would be dismantled and stone, wood, and metal would be sorted and taken to the salvage warehouse - part of the 5 year plan.
Source: flickr.com user: Patrick Austin 03/10/06
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1
time of transition
Source: flickr.com user: Patrick Austin 03/10/06
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20
5 [re]cycle + [re]motivate
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Detroit has too many buildings
Building Typologies to [re]cycle: - condemned houses - remote residential
In order to revitalize the city of Detroit, it
- outlying schools
needs to be consolidated in order to create a
- office buildings
healthy density.
- factories
[recycle] Existing buildings in remote ares of the city would be demolished and their building materials reused in the construction of new pieces of architecture used to redensify the city.
[reuse] Criteria for analyzing the building stock is the location. Recycled buildings would be in areas that are removed from density.
Source: Flickr.com user: Patrick Austin 03/10/06 Source: flickr.com user: Patrick Austin 03/10/06
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5 [re]purpose building stock
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Recycling and re-use of building materials is a sustainable practice which preserves the embodied energy of materials. Re-use of building materials also adds a sense of craft and finding new potential in a material. There is a sense of authenticity with using older, substantive materials that would normally go to landfills.
URBAN CENTER
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5 Multiplicity in resources
Source: [top] www.thecoolhunter.com
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26
10
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[re]use + [re]direct After Detroit is compacted and given the density of a healthy urban city, new programmatic modules with be used to create work and housing environments in the city, to be placed in preexisting buildings and on their own. These would be an urban infill project, a glue to hold the city together. They would consist of renovating buildings which were kept during the recycling process and making new structures using the cataloged and disassembled materials. Source: http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/6404
Project: Kvadrat Headquarters, Peter Saville and David Adjaye - NY, NY Source: flickr.com user: Patrick Austin 03/10/06
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10 [re]purpose + [re]size After Detroit is compacted and given the density of a healthy urban city, new programmatic modules with be used to create work and housing environments in the city, to be placed in preexisting buildings and on their own. These would be an urban infill project, a glue to hold the city together. The job centers would relocate around the city, fixing neighborhoods as they go. There would be waves of training from the initial building recycling program to training in areas needed to stimulate the community such as small business 101 and construction of the infill projects.
Curriculum: - Construction training
- Starting a small buisnesses
- Repairs of alternative energy
- Personal finances
machinery
- Urban Art Organizations
29
Case study of Urban Outfitter Headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Architect: MS&R [right] Dovecote Studio by Haworth Tompkins [left] Metropolitan Building Installation Visualization
Source: http://www. dezeen.com/2010/02/14/ the-dovecote-studio-byhaworth-tompkins/
Source: http://www.officesnapshots.com/2008/09/08/urban-outfitters-hq/
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Too Good to Go to Waste A Solution to Demolition Jarrett Fishman
Left : Tiger Stadium, once an icon of the city, now gone.
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2010:
CLEAR IT.
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Unfortunately, Detroit is populated with many abandoned spaces. Spaces that helped provide the city with a very unique character. These urban gems now face the fear of the wrecking ball. But have they lived their life to their fullest potential?
Venturing through Detroit, anyone is able to
challenged its character. They still stand
through offering considerable short-term
notice the vacant buildings that once had a
strong with minor scratches on their surface.
operations within that may be able to
glowing life force. However, as time passed,
Something must be said about their survival,
help the city realize what these buildings
these once functioning spaces fell victim to
perhaps their purpose and legacy have not
still have to offer. We will examine the
tensions of the city that left them as ghosts.
yet been carried out. We must acknowledge
potential throughout the next ten years
These buildings once contributed to the
these spaces not for what they were, but for
in order to determine the survival of
communities built around them. But now they
what they can become. The map on the right
these legendary structures. It would be
stand against their final destruction. The city
indicates several spaces that I have been
a shame to see something so elegant
has lost sight of opportunities within these
investigating, spaces that I feel are worth
be swept away, leaving behind nothing
excellent structures. Each space has endured
considering in opposition to demolition.
more than a void in its presence, or even
the physical elements over the past that have
Each space will be reviewed and explored
worse, some kitschy urban “park.�
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8
6
7
5 1
4
9 3
2
Are these buildings worth saving? 1. Cass Technical High School (1908-2007).
2400 Block, 2 Avenue, Detroit, MI.
2. David Broderick Tower (1926-2007).
2010 Block, 15 & Marantette, Detroit, MI.
6. Fisher Body 21 (1919-Mid 1990s).
No
E. Grand Boulevard & Concord, Detroit, MI.
9. Park Avenue Building (1922-Early 1990s).
No
2240 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI.
8. Packard Plant (1903-1955).
Yes
600-900 Blocks, Piquette Street, Detroit, MI.
7. Lee Plaza Hotel (1929-Early 1990s).
No
100-118 Sproat Street, Detroit, MI. #
Yes
th
5. Eddystone Hotel (1924-? ).
No
2210 Park Avenue, Detroit, MI.
4. Detroit Public School Book Depository (?-1987).
No
10 Witherell Street, Detroit, MI.
3. The Detroit Building (1923-?).
Yes
nd
2001-2017 Park Avenue, Detroit, MI.
No
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To discover the potential of these spaces, we must ask ourselves: 1. What is the proximity of the location with respect to the city? 2. Does the space have potential to serve the community or specific groups (communal or residential)? 3. Are the areas of interest within the space near ground level?
14. Are these required changes suitable and beneficial to other activities that might take place? 15. Would the potential activities require anything that visitors themselves would not be able to provide?
4. Are there proper means of egress to easily reach these areas?
16. How much of each building is able to be occupied?
5. Is the current infrastructure within the space detrimental?
17. What does this mean for the portion of the building that isn’t of
6. Are there open spaces or does the prospect have many walls? 7. Does the space have fixed objects that would require professional removal? 8. How difficult would it be to clear the space of its existing debris and wreckage? 9. Does the space have the potential to serve the community or specific groups (communal or residential)?
a certain interest? 18. Can the activities that occupy the space be cleared out quick enough to allow shared use? 19. How long do these activities go on within these locations? 20. How many people will each location serve at any given time? 21. Would these activities require electricity? 22. Would these activities require water?
10. How are people supposed to access the location?
23. Do these activities ask for internet access?
11. If the space requires travel by vehicular means, where are
24. How could these visitors provide the necessary utilities to
these vehicles supposed to park? On site? Off site? 12. What activities are possible within each space? 13. What do these activities require as far as modification to the existing spaces?
engage in their desired activities? 25. Would the changes made to the space be at risk of damage or possible theft? 26. What activities would exhibit the potential of each location?
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27. Is the space hazardous to public health?
39. Would the space require sandblasting?
28. Does the location have issues of mold or mildew that might
40. Is the location defaced in any way that might discourage potential
harm potential visitors? 29. If electricity is an issue, are there certain activities that would still find opportunity during the day? 30. Without electricity, would there be potential activities that could use the space at night? 31. If electricity is an issue, could visitors provide an alternative means of lighting that wouldn’t cause potential harm? 32. Would the activities require heating in the colder seasons? 33. Would the activities ask for cooling in the warmer seasons? 34. Is the location able to offer occupation throughout all seasons? 35. If the space cannot offer potential occupation for all seasons, what must be done to do so? 36. Who would be willing to provide the funds to allow the spaces to become operable? 37. How many activities can the location offer to the community? 38. When a certain activity is not operating, what is done with its components?
visitors from occupying the space? 41. What would need to be done to remove offensive material from the location and who would provide these services? 42. What would the accommodations to the space to suit potential activities cost? 43. Will these activities leave the space in a worse condition than it was originally found?
40
1. Cass Technical
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2. David Broderick Tower
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3. The Detroit Building
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4. Detroit Public School Book Depository
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5. Eddystone Hotel
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6. Fisher Body Plant #21
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7. Lee Plaza Hotel
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8. Packard Plant
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9. Park Avenue Building
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What could happen if this space were cleared? Imagine what this could be if decayed datums were to disappear.
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2010-2019:
USE IT.
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Cass Technical In 1908, Cass Technical High School opened
began in 1981 and was completed in 1985.
to facilitate the needs of Detroit magnet
An addition was designed by Albert Kahn
students. 1918, it offered space to Ford
Associates. This new wing included a
Motor Company, outside of regular school
gymnasium, various music rooms, a recital
hours. Cass granted Ford employees access
hall, and a practice room. On the wing’s
to the industrial training facilities within
second floor was an enclosed lunchroom,
the building. During the 1920s, Cass held
able to hold 700 students. Classes in
classes in chemistry, bacteriology, biology,
the business wing were also renovated.
and dietetics for local nurses in addition
On Monday July 30, 2007, the old school
to printing classes. By 1970, the school’s
building was set on fire, and the school was
condition became quite a concern. It was
entirely abandoned. Since then, efforts to
feared that Cass was inevitably deteriorating
improve the condition Cass Technical have
beyond repair. Allegations surfaced that the
been proposed. But unfortunately, all have
school and its curriculum were in jeopardy
currently been rejected. Much opportunity
of elimination. Modernization of the school
still exists and awaits in this great space.
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DPS Book Depository This abandoned space began as a Detroit
conditions. The building manages to attract
Post Office, designed by Albert Kahn. This
large numbers of Detroit graffiti artists,
3-story building eventually became part of
and still finds ways to entertain. It has been
Detroit Public Schools, as a storage facility
said that hockey has been played in the
for books and student records. For years
DPS Book Depository after a pipe burst,
the facility continued to operate under the
flooding the floor and freezing to create a
control of Detroit Public Schools. However,
makeshift hockey arena. This facility has not
in the 1980s, a fire left the building and
yet lived to its full potential. The guerilla
its contents in inoperable condition. The
activities and arts found still going on in
school supplies and textbooks waiting to
this space are a direct explanation as to why
be distributed to students were left to rot,
this building must not be ignored. It was
along with the building itself. In 1997, the
designed to stand through time regardless
building was set for demolition, but its cost
of what forces it encountered. A fire was
for destruction would be extreme. Albert
unable to bring down its walls, why should
Kahn had designed the facility to endure all
we let a wrecking ball negate its struggle?
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Fisher Body #21 This auto-manufacturing plant was iconic in
the plant can be considered as a Mecca of
its time. In 1919, Albert Kahn used innovative
Detroit tagging. The spaces inside allow
structural columns that took away from the
and encourage a broad variety of activities.
need to line facades with solid walls, allowing
The factory is composed mostly of wide,
natural lighting within an industrial setting.
open, single-story spaces. The scale of the
Like all other Kahn buildings of this time, the
factory would provide a generous amount
factory was designed to hold up structurally
of space for many activities to operate
through the years. The building served the
simultaneously. Fisher Body #21’s spectrum
automotive industry for many years, building
of distinguished spaces could make it the
car bodies but not cars themselves. The plant
most valuable and flexible space in Detroit
stayed open until the early 1990s, when it was
for reincarnation. At one point, the building
left to face the same fate as many other auto
had been proposed to be converted into a
plants in the Detroit area. Fisher Body 21
“data farm.” However, like many other spaces
still appeals to many. Beautiful graffiti can
studied here, the proposals were clearly
be found all throughout the factory, and
unsuccessful. Fortunately, it’s not over yet.
#
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How we can reincarnate these spaces: 1. Laser Tag
23. Fashion/Modeling Shoots
2. Jogging
24. Drawing Workshops
3. Bowling
25. Parade Float Construction
4. Dodgeball
26. Fencing
5. Paintball
27. Stunt Practice
6. Street Hockey
28. Pet Training Courses
7. Stickball
29. Tee Ball
8. Kickball
30. Indoor Soccer
9. Art Shows
31. Aerobics Courses
10. Concerts
32. Internet Cafe
11. Poetry Shows
33. Food Festivals
12. Karate Sparring
34. Motorcycle Trick Shows/Practice
13. Teaching Kids to Ride Bikes
35. Online Gaming Groups
14. “Hide and Go Seek”
36. Emergency Shelter
15. Capture the Flag
37. School Dances
16. Painting Workshop
38. Swing Dance Workshops
17. Underground Fights
39. Plays and Theatre
18. Street-Skate Competitions
40. Film Screening
19. Photography
41. Exam Administration
20. Breakdance Competitions
42. Academic Tutoring
21. Auctions
43. Shooting Range
22. TV/Film Production
44. Track Practice
71 45. Card Games
67. Archery
89. Intimate Dining
46. Beer Brewing
68. Techno Shows
90. Animal Shelter
47. Corn Hole
69. Public Lectures
91. Emergency Shelter
48. Police Training Courses
70. Public Seminars
92. Yoga
49. Urban Camping
71. Gymnastics
93. Fire Training
50. Business Conferences
72. Rock Climbing
94. Terrorism Exercises
51. Unofficial Town Group Meetings
73. Flea Market
95. Slot Car Racing
52. Video Arcade
74. Public Garage Sales
96. Model Train Expo
53. Pool Tournaments
75. Substance Abuse Meetings
97. Domino Competitions
54. Private Repair Business
76. Fashion Shows
98. Ping Pong Tournaments
55. Center for Craigslist Exchanges
77. Rugby
99. Rube Goldberg Machine Workshop
56. Urban Picnics
78. Polo
100. Horseback Riding
57. Urban Canvas
79. Mental Rehabilitation Clinic
101. Ceramic Workshops
58. Ice Skating Rinks
80. Single-rent Office Spaces
102. Software Tutorials
59. Ice Hockey
81. Holiday Food Drive
103. Field Hockey
60. Blood Donation (Red Cross Stations)
82. Donation Center
104. Basketball
61. Survey Location and Market studies
83. Coffee Shop
105. Ballet Workshops
62. Rollerskating Rink
84. Medical Marijuana Grow Facilities
106. Two-Hand-Touch Football
63. Recycling (Drop-off and Pick-up)
85. School for Graffiti
107. Haunted Houses
64. Election Stations
86. Phone Hotline Center
108. Tap Dancing Workshops
65. Book Clubs
87. Music Workshops
109. Four Square
66. Religious Meetings and Groups
88. Glass Blowing
110. Shuffleboard
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38, 105, 108
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3
4
12
26
31
47
89
92
98
74
20
36
43
110
56
75
8,
76
#
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67
78
#
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30
80
5,100
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58,59.
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2020:
TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT... PLEASE?
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Cass Technical
Detroit Public Schools Book Depository
Fisher Body #21
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What if we could only save one? Which one would it be?
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Images have been sourced from various on-line sources, including: 1. http://www.artificialowl.net/ 2. http://www.flickr.com/ 3. http://www.forgottendetroit.com/ 4. http://forgottenmichigan.com/ 5. http://silentbuildings.com/ 6. http://www.sweet-juniper.com/
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The students have attempted to cite sources whenever possible and make no claim of ownership to the visual imagery or statistical data used.
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solar harvest
proposals for Detroit’s energy production & consumption
“Michigan is fast becoming the eco-pennisula, where green is the new gold.� 1
91
DETROIT, MI Utilizing the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and their initiative, the Michigan Advantage, the city of Detroit will become the test incubator for alternative energy with the help of the businesses this campaign is luring to the state of Michigan. The proposals seek creative solutions to decrease the amount of energy consumption in Detroit and instill a model for the state of Michigan to promote in the Michigan Advantage campaign.
92
Above: Residential neighborhood in Detroit , Michigan. Middle: River town District in Detroit , Michigan. Right : Aerial of Inter state 696 in Royal Oak , Michigan
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1.5.10. proposals The State of Michigan established a program,
The following three proposals intend to
the Michigan Advantage, that gives the state
establish solutions for the consumer to
the opportunity to utilize the technology of
participate in this alternative energy initiative
the future for energy consumption and allows
with
the state to become a test incubator for this
manufacturing companies. The exploration
technology. This program has brought in many
of biomimicry that mimics nature in process
companies manufacturing and researching
or form can help establish new technologies
alternative energy resources that can allow
that capture solar energy. The proposals will
the state to lead the country in sustainable
explore new ways to implement the up and
manufacturing. However, this program’s main
coming technologies in a variety of different
focus is to reinvigorate the state’s economy
mediums to harness solar power to reduce
and does not instill rules for consumers to
the impact of Detroit’s dependence on the
utilize these technologies.
electrical grid.
assistance
from
the
established
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biomimicry
bios meaning life
mimesis meaning to imitate
Biomimicry is a discipline that studies natural phenomena and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. Far from inspiring designs that necessarily look like natural objects do, the principles of biomimicry inspire designs that work like natural things do.3 By following the principles life uses, you can create products and processes that are well adapted to life on earth.
4
The conscious emulation of life’s
genius is a survival strategy for the human race, a path to a sustainable future. The more our world functions like the natural world, the more likely we are to endure on this home that Above: Photo provided by
2
is ours, but not ours alone. 5
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electricity Electricity is in great demand and now alternative energy has become the popular
686 kwh
2007 average monthly residential consumption
10.21¢
average retail price (cents per Kilowatt-hour)
$70.02
average monthly bill (dollar and cents)
topic regarding the consumption of energy. However,
current
technologies
can
not
harness enough electricity to provide great efficiency and the products offered presently contain
materials
that
produce
carbon
emissions that offset the idea of sustainable energy.
Nevertheless,
new
technology
is
being produced that is created with low emission materials and processed through
The current statistics above are for electricity
environmentally friendly means. The following
use in Detroit, Michigan in 2007.
proposals will explore the use of these materials for greater electric efficiency. Above: Statistics provided by the United States Energy Information Administration.
6
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net-zero district The Rivertown District in Detroit, MI is
as much alternative energy as the building
designated as a net-zero zone to initiate a
would typically use on a conventional electrical
movement of alternative energy production
grid over the course of a year. The district will
and use. This district will serve as a model of
recognize rehabilitation as a typical standard
alternative energy utilization on a large scale
for business use and demolition will only be
and act as a incubator for the small business
allowed if the structure can no longer be saved
culture. The city of Detroit, the state of
to help retain the character of this district.
Michigan, and the federal government will offer
Through this proposal the city of Detroit will
immediate help to any business or individual
hopefully recognize the net-zero Rivertown
that moves into the Rivertown District by
District as a standard of living and working
offering grants to provide the finances to
and these practices will spread throughout
install alternative energy products for zero
the city to reduce the total dependency on
grid power. Specific rules will mandate that
manufactured electricity.
businesses or individuals will need to produce
year proposal Right : Aerial of Detroit , Michigan with Year 1 proposal highlighted
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existing/new business
government grants + funding
installation of solar panels and green roofs
net-zero district
existing/new residence
The map to the right displays an aerial of the
any approved alternative energy product to
- Riverfront views
Rivertown District with existing businesses
balance the amount of power consumed by the
- Close proximity to Foxtown, Renaissance
and residences labeled for potential upgrades
occupant in a years time. The city of Detroit
Center,
for the net-zero initiative. This district will
would also offer heavy tax breaks for the existing
Financial District
institute specific rules that will mandate the
occupants. New businesses and residents are
- Recreational activities include: Riverwalk,
energy consumption of the occupants who
offered a vast amount of incentives to inhabit
Tri-Centennial State Park, Dequindre Cut,
live or work here. Existing occupants will be
this district. The Rivertown District offers the
Chene Park
offered applications to city, state, and federal
following incentives for new businesses and
- Unique diversity of business types and
grants that would fund the installation of
residents to move to this new net-zero district.
residences
Left : River town District in Detroit , Michigan
Greektown,
Bricktown,
and
the
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green roof
solar panels
- trap and filter rain water
- environmentally friendly; pollution free
- increase roof life span
- renewable resource
- provide habitat for birds, insects, and small
- free energy
animals
- no generated noise pollution
- brings color to the urban environment
- continual economic benefit
- filters pollutants and CO2 out of the air
- technology is continually improving
- provides insulation in winter and reduces
- require very little maintenance
heat loads during the summer
- can last a lifetime 10
- filters pollutants and heavy metals out of rainwater 9
Top: Image of a green roof in urban environment s Above: Image of a solar panel
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7
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solar green roof green roofs help reduce solar PV temperatures which increases the efficiency of PV capture solar panels provide shade to the green roof reducing evaporation rates and the amount of watering needed for upkeep in the vegetation shade by the solar panels also increases biodiversity 11
Above: Image of a solar panel installed in green roof
12
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The Energy Pod is a device to capture solar
The intent here is to reduce the overall use of
energy that can reduce the dependence
electricity in the city and create a movement
of a residence or small business on the
of education of alternative energy to the city’s
electrical grid. This pod can also mimic a leaf ’s
hosts accelerating the use of alternative energy
photosynthesis process of creating food, or
as a major source of energy production and
fuel, for the use of automotive fuel. The pod
consumption. They can be purchased, rented,
has a built in storage tank that stores the fuel,
or donated with the intent to help reduce the
methanol, which is produced from a mixture
total energy use in the city and start to reduce
of sunlight and water. The consumer can fuel
the city’s carbon footprint. The pods will be
their vehicle with the methanol or sell it to a
created through a Michigan Advantage team
gas station equipped to sell methanol. The
of businesses that can provide knowledge and
pod can self deploy but also has the capability
equipment in creating the Energy Pods.
for user override to control the deployment of the solar capturing device.
year proposal Right : Aerial of Detroit , Michigan with Year 5 proposal highlighted
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process Photosynthesis is a phenomenon by which the plant, helped by solar energy, obtains its food solar energy
(glucose) from the air and the soil and releases
leaf
oxygen into the atmosphere.
carbon dioxide absorption
Mimicking the photosynthetic process could
release of oxygen
allow for greater efficiency in capturing solar energy. New research is showing that the Sun
glucose stem absorption of water and mineral salt s
produces enough energy in one day to power our world for an entire year. Harnessing this power will greatly increase our independence from artificially produced electricity and allow us to lessen the impact we create on our natural environment. 14
Above: Image showing process of photosynthesis 13
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energy production Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory,
materials like polyethylene, a plastic that’s
are developing a novel way to collect energy
commonly used in bags and plastic wrap. 17
from the sun with a technology that could potentially cost pennies a yard, be imprinted
Scientists
on flexible materials and still draw energy
development of an “artificial leaf ” that mimics a
after the sun has set. This technology is called
real leaf ’s chemical magic with photosynthesis
nantenna which uses “nanoantennas” that are
— but instead converts sunlight and water into
as wide as 1/25 the diameter of a human hair.
a liquid fuel such as methanol for cars and
Research estimates individual nanoantennas
trucks. This technology would allow anyone
can absorb close to 80 percent of the
to create methanol and use it to power their
available energy output from the Sun. The
automobiles through a cleaner and safer fuel.
circuits themselves can be made of a number of different conducting metals, and the nanoantennas can be printed on thin, flexible
18
are
making
progress
toward
106
ck ma
ave
va nd yk es tr e et
eg ran db
t
Michigan neighborhood with Year 5 proposal
ar d
Above: Aerial of Detroit ,
lev
a
ix s
ou
ch
vo rle
ver
hig nor
hwa
y
warren avenue
107
I-9 6 je ffe rie s fr eew ay
wg ran db ou lev ar d
bu
ch
an
Right : Aerial of Detroit , Michigan neighborhood with Year 5 proposal
s an
tr e
et
108
self deployment sensor
user deployment override fuel access pump water line for methanol production Above: Energy Pods are shown undeployed. This is also how they are shipped and can be stacked horizontally for mass transpor tation. The Energy Pod is also equipped with a wind and weather sensor to warn the system of potentially damaging conditions.
battery access
109
| deployed
weather sensor nantenna solar film
user deployment override
Above: The Energy Pod is shown in deployed mode allowing for optimal capture of solar energy. This system is self-deployable but also allows the user to override the system remotely via the per sonal web page, via a bluetooth enabled device, or at the unit it self shown directly above.
110
Above & Left : Energy Pods deployed in Detroit neighborhoods illustrating the realtime constant communication capabilities of the Energy Pod database system.
19, 20
111
The Energy Pods have the capability to communicate with each other via wireless peer to peer [P2P] network. This system tracks statistics for the entire Energy Pod network in real time and uploads the data straight to the Energy Pod web site [www.energypod.com]. Here consumers can log-in to access their personal Energy Pod to view the real-time statistics for that device. They also have the ability to compare their pod’s production to various other deployed Energy Pods and can also track Energy Pods across the city. Online support can also be accessed from this page that provides real time tech support. Above: Per sonal web page for Energy Pod # 14125 displaying the home page for this consumer ’s device with real time statistical tracking database.
112
bunker energy The city and state will team up to redefine the
This proposal incorporates a parametric
transportation infrastructure for the city of
structural grid that can form to any current
Detroit. Utilizing the existing highway bunkers,
or future highway bunker condition to utilize
mass transit will replace one lane for each
the present empty air space above the highway
direction of travel on all major arteries entering
road level. The main use for this airspace is to
the city and incorporate alternative energy as
install a simpler Energy Pod on the parametric
it ONLY source of power. The state has already
structural grid to power the highways with any
implemented the Michigan Advantage to lure
excess serving the immediately surrounding
alternative energy businesses into the state to
neighborhoods. These structural grids can also
boost economy. Now the state will propose an
contain pedestrian paths that will allow people
in-state competition with the newly implanted
a safer path of travel across the highway and
alternative energy businesses and the current
will also create a unique intimate experience
engineering rich businesses that have defined
within the solar fields. This will also set up an
the state’s economy for the past century.
energy source for future mass transit.
year proposal Right : Aerial of Detroit , Michigan with Year 10 proposal highlighted
113
114
~15’ air space
potential airspace for bunker energy system
Above: View of a section of M-8 Davison Freeway in Detroit , Michigan that shows the bunker air space as an under utilized space. Currently the only structure that inhabit s the space are used for road signs.
21
115
~15’ air space
potential airspace for bunker energy system
Above: View of a section ofI-75 Jeffries Freeway in Detroit , Michigan that shows a different condition of a highway bunker that is under utilizing the air space above the highway.
22
116
highway bunker conditions
I-94 condition_01
I-94 condition_02
I-94 condition_03
M-8 condition_01
117
I-696 condition_01
I-696 condition_02 These conditions reflect the current highway infrastructure for the Detroit Metro area. The depressed highway design was a ground breaking highway design that was utilized across the country. Detroit and the State of Michigan led the way for highway construction
I-696 condition_03
through the early 20th century.
118
parametric structural grid pattern
10'
10'
10'
10'
10'
10' 10'
10'
150'
192'
206'
230'
254'
10’ x 10’ box structure can equally adjust to any condition
10'
10'
119
10'
10’ x 10’ box
254'
254'
254' 10'
10’ x 10’ staggered box
10'
10'
10'
10'
5'
254'
structural grid pattern exploration
10'
10' 50'
62'
10’ x 10’ octagon
10’ diameter octagon
120
solar field pedestrian bridge
future netzero light rail
existing service drive
existing I-94 west bound existing I-94 east bound Above & Opposite: Perspective section & plan view of partial I-94 highway with integrated Bunker Energy System + pedestrian access. [future net-zero light rail shown]
existing service drive
existing service drive
future net-zero light rail west bound
future net-zero light rail east bound
existing service drive 121
solar field pedestrian bridge
existing I-94 west bound
existing I-94 east bound
122
Above & Opposite: Perspective views of the pedestrian access overlooking a portion of I-94 highway with solar deployment system.
123
124 1.
Adver tisement . The Michigan Advantage.
Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/
Michigan Economic Development
ask/electricity_faqs.asp>.
Corporation. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://w w w.
2.
Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://w w w.re-nest .com/
Alternative-Energy/Default .aspx>.
re-nest/gardening/conver t-new-york-green-
East Ferr y Street scape. Photograph. Wikiwak .
roofs-083910>.
Wikiwak , 10 Mar. 1980. Web. 21 Feb. 2010.
3.
Online. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://w w w.
Avenue_Historic_District>.
warringah.nsw.gov.au/environment/images/
Machiel, Alan. Detroit Shipbuilding Company
solar-panels_web_000.jpg>. Energy Is Now Available Here. Web. 21 Feb. 2010.
flickr.com/photos/50142821@N00/479412881>.
<http://w w w.totalsolarenergy.co.uk/solar-panel.
Breen-Bondie, Karen. Photograph. Royal Oak , MI.
html>. Energy Is Now Available Here. Web. 21 Feb.
Photograph. Suppor t the 11th Hour. Myspace,
2010. <http://w w w.totalsolarenergy.co.uk/solar-
23 Oct . 2008. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://blogs.
power-fact s.html>.
cfm?stor yid=1049>. 19. Photograph. NC Development Group. NC Development Group. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://w w w.ncdevgroup.com/show_proper ty. cfm?listing_id=20>. 20. Photograph. Urbanophile. Urbanophile. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://3.bp.blogspot . com/_110KgBgA9pU/So9hUQRsM4I/AAAAAAAAATI/ gksP9WFhuc0/s1600/Picture%2B134.jpg>. 21. Cook , Kelly. Davison Freeway. Photograph. Detroit . Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 1 Dec. 2005. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ File:DavisonFreeway.JPG>. 22. Pooya, Ryan. 2009. Photograph. Interstate 96 Michigan, Detroit . AA Roads. AA Roads, 22 Oct . 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://w w w.aaroads.
GSAPP Online. Columbia University. Web. 21 Feb.
<http://w w w.totalsolarenergy.co.uk/solar-panel.
com/midwest/i-096_mi.html>.
2010. <http://w w w.arch.columbia.edu/event/
html>. 15. Photograph. Zinco Greenroof. Zinco Greenroof.
adaptation>.
Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://w w w.zinco-greenroof.
Biomimicr y Guild. Biomimicr y Guild. Web. 21
com/systeme_gruendach/images/lightbox/solar.
guild_biomimicr y.html>.
jpg>. 16. Photograph. Visual Dictionar y Online. Merriam-
The Biomimicr y Institute. The Biomimicr y
Webster. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://visual.
Institute. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://w w w.
merriam-webster.com/plant s-gardening/plant s/
biomimicr yinstitute.org/about-us/what-isbiomimicr y.html>. 9.
21 Feb. 2010. <http://ev world.com/ar ticle.
Energy Is Now Available Here. Web. 21 Feb. 2010.
Feb. 2010. <http://w w w.biomimicr yguild.com/ 8.
14. “Solar Panel or Green Roof.” Low Cost Solar
Economy -- Par t 2.” EV World. EV World. Web.
riendId=237482858&blogId=443282124>.
gsapp-event/biomimicr y-architecture-and7.
13. “Solar Power Fact s Revealed.” Low Cost Solar
flickr.com/photos/48297161@N00/1517372544>.
myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&f 6.
12. “Solar Panel or Green Roof.” Low Cost Solar
30 Apr. 2007. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://w w w.
Flickr. Flickr. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://w w w. 5.
11. Photograph. Warringah Online. Warringah
<http://w w w.wikiwak .com/wak/East_Ferr y_
Machine Shop. 2007. Photograph. Flickr. Flickr,
4.
10. Photograph. Re-net . Apar tment Therapy.
michiganadvantage.org/Targeted-Initiatives/
Publication no. ES2008-54016. ASME, 2008. Print . 18. “EV WORLD: Beyond Oil and Gas -- The Methanol
plant/photosynthesis.php>. 17. Photograph. Kotter, Dale K., W. Dennis Slafer,
U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S.
Steven D. Novack , and Patrick Pinhero. SOLAR
Energy Information Administration, 6 Feb. 2009.
NANTENNA ELECTROMAGNETIC COLLECTORS.
125
126
...moving forward
127
- can biomimicry drive the design of the Energy Pod and Bunker Energy Grid to create an efficient and viable solution to decrease the amount of energy consumed? - are there other applications that the Energy Pod can be applied to and achieve the same result? - what are the social implications of both devices?
128
129
[Re]framing the Brand Proposals for Detroit’s Emerging + Existing Businesses. Alivia Stalnaker
“A FRENCH AIR Tor ya Blanchard a former teacher, runs two crêperies. “I just wanted to do something that I loved,” she said.” 1 Photograph by Fabrizio Costantini for The New York Times. 2
130
> “In 2004, [the Foundation] took the visionar y step of
“ The store that Kresge built has evolved into an empire of more than 1,500 stores
constructing a new, sustainably designed headquar ter s
and an Internet presence that reaches millions of customer s. The Kmar t name has
and renovating a historic building on our existing three-
become a symbol of Americana...” 5,6
acre site in Troy, Michigan.”
3,4
131
An Entrepreneur ’s Scene Projective Analysis of Detroit Businesses After researching and probing into the
established foundations that quickly became
histories of several well-known Michigan
the environmental and community activist
and Detroit-founded businesses, a
as seemingly separate from the original
particular pattern of unconscious or
business. Projecting forward to the start-up
unplanned growth to business mogul and
of Detroit’s present scene, a set of “quality of
culturally-influential figure emerged. These
life” businesses was unveiled as models for
entrepreneurs, in attempts to prolong their
a bottom up steward and active community
legacy, activate the community, and achieve
participant.
other apparently wholesome intentions,
“‘[T]his adventure in entrepreneurship was never completely about making money. It was also about creating a more 1 livable community.’” 132
133
With a $6000 star t-up cost , “Nathan Faustyn, [above], helped star t a foreign movie house [known as the Bur ton Theatre]...� 1 Photograph by Fabrizio Costantini for The New York Times. 7
134
135
1
Year Proposal
Word of Mouth Markers Directional Cues to (Un)known Businesses As a public service effort, the markers,
or electronic device, based on the provided
fabricated from reused traffic signage,
stock information (general direction and
operate as visual prompts to remind
proximity). The panels also probe a set of
visitors and residents of a prescribed set
‘slower’ actions for the pedestrian or biker
of businesses around Detroit that may
through its imprinted personal experiences
otherwise go unnoticed in the expedient
and high tech barcode system, which links
exiting of the city (after a mass event). Here,
to an interface for additional and repeated
logistical hints at navigation are strategically
access to information about the particular
omitted; the makers rely on the visitors’
businesses.
own mapping through the city via analogue
Opposite (Clockwise from top right): Directional/ navigational signage as precedent models. 8,9,10
136 Wo od wa rd
75
Av
10
e. 94
96
ff Je
er
so
v nA
e.
N
B
39
M ic
h ig a
e. n Av
A
Windsor, Ontario Canada
1 mi.
4 mi.
N
29 56
13 38
Michigan Ave.
27
4
31
137 10
Cobo Center 53
19
22
Joe Louis Arena
15 17
Windsor, Ontario Canada
75
A| Southwest Detroit, Mexicantown, Corktown
0 mi.
x
1/4 mi. “ Word of Mouth Business Location
1/2 mi. Mass Event Venue
1 mi. Marker Hub
N
16
Detroit Institute of Ar t s
Detroit Science Center 55
47
Universit y
75
36
ve.
Wayne State 138
tio
10
tA
48
52 26 50
Gr a
9
23 37
41
Eastern Market
Wo
42
35
24
od wa rd
28
18
Av e
8
.
43
10
34
7 1
46
33
39 51
40
Ford Field
12
Motorcity Casino
2 Fox Theatre 11
Jef
Commeric a Park
29
27
13
Michigan Ave.
31
Av
e.
3
Detroit Opera House
MGM Grand
fe
n r so
Greektow n
30
Campus Mar tius 20
B| Midtown, Downtown, Eastern Market
0 mi.
x 53
1/4 mi. “ Word of Mouth Business Location
1/2 mi. Mass Event Venues
1 mi. Marker Hub
N
40
139 (Vehicular, Pedestrian)
Ford Field
12
2
(Pedestrian)
(Pedestrian)
Commeric a Park (Vehicular, Pedestrian)
Fox Theatre
75
Av e ot
Detroit Opera House
ati
11
.
3
Gr
(Vehicular, Pedestrian)
(Vehicular)
(Vehicular)
29
Wo
Greektow n
od wa
30
rd Av
13
e. (Vehicular)
Campus Mar tius
Michigan Ave. 20 (Vehicular, Pedestrian)
Pre/Post Event Circulation | Marker Hub Logic
53
Jef
fer
s
A on
ve.
140
Word of Mouth White Pages
ENTERTAINMENT 1 Bur ton Theatre
FOOD 6 Aladin Sweet s & Cafe
12 Comet Bar
17 Green Dot Stables
23 Majestic Cafe/Club
3420 Cass Ave.
11945 Conant St .
128 Henr y St .
2200 West Lafayette Bld.
4140 Woodward Ave.
Detroit , MI 48201
Hamtramck , MI 48212
Detroit , MI
Detroit , MI 48216
Detroit , MI 48201
313.473.9238
313.891.3141
313.964.1508
313.965.1523
313.833.0120
2 City Theatre
7 Atlas Global Bistro
13 Detroit’s Breakfast
2301 Woodward Ave.
3111 Woodward Ave.
House & Grill
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48201
1241 Woodward Ave.
313.965.2222
313.831.2241
Detroit , MI 48226
18 Honest John’s Bar & Grill 24 Magic Stick 488 Selden Street 4120 Woodward Ave. Detroit , MI 48201 Detroit , MI 48201 313.832.5646
313.833.7665
19 Honeybee Market
25 Maria’s Comida
313.961.1115 3 Gem & Centur y Theatre
8 Ber t’s Market Place
333 Madison St .
2727 Russell St .
Detroit , MI 48226
Detroit , MI 48207
313.963.9800
313.567.2030
14 El Barzon
2443 Bagley St .
11411 Joseph Campau St .
3710 Junction St .
Detroit , MI 48216
Hamtramck , MI 48212
Detroit , MI 48210
313.237.0295
313.733.8406
313.894.2070 4 LJ’s Lounge
9 The Bronx
2114 Michigan Ave.
4476 2nd Ave.
Detroit , MI 48216
Detroit , MI 48201
313.962.0013
313.832.8464
20 Jacoby’s Bistro 15 Evie’s Tamales
26 Motor City Brewing Works
660 Woodward Ave.
470 West Canfield St .
3454 Bagley Street
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48216
313.961.0051
313.832.2700
313.843.5056 5 Small’s
10 Cass Cafe
10339 Conant St .
4620 Cass Ave.
Hamtramck , MI 48212
Detroit , MI 48201
313.873.1117
313.831.1400
21 Kowalski Deli 16 Good Girls Go
27 Nemo’s Bar
9405 Joseph Campau St.
1384 Michigan Ave.
To Paris Crepes
Hamtramck , MI 48212
Detroit , MI 48226
15 E. Kirby St .
313.871.3435
313.965.3180
Detroit , MI 48202 11 Cliff Bell’s
313.964.2023
22 Le Petit Zinc
28 Old Miami
2030 Park Avenue
1055 Trumbull St .
3930 Cass Ave.
Detroit , MI 48226
Detroit , MI 48216
Detroit , MI 48201
313.961.2543
313.963.2805
313.831.3830
GALLERIES 29 Oslo
35 Sala Thai
41 Traffic Jam
44 4731 Galler y
141
SHOPPING 50 Bureau of Urban Living
56 Rachel’s Place
1456 Woodward Ave.
3400 Russell St .
511 W Canfield St .
4731 Grand River Ave.
460 West Canfield St .
2124 Pine Street
Detroit , MI 48226
Detroit , MI 48207
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48208
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48216
313.962.7200
313.831.1304
313.831.9470
313.894.2267
313.833.9336
313.964.9008
30 Orchid Thai
36 Shangri-La
42 Union Street
45 555 Galler y & Studio
51 Busy Bee Hardware
115 Monroe Street
4710 Cass Ave.
4145 Woodward Ave.
4882 Grand River Ave.
1401 Gratiot Ave.
Detroit , MI 48226
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48208
Detroit , MI 48207
313.962.0225
313.974.7669
313.831.3965
313.894.4202
313.567.0785
31 P.J.’s Lager House
37 Sgt. Pepperoni’s Plazzeria
43 Vivios Food & Spirit s
46 The Bankle Building
52 City Bird
1254 Michigan Ave.
4140 Woodward Ave.
2460 Market St .
2944 Woodward Ave.
460 West Canfield St .
Detroit , MI 48226
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48207
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48201
313.961.4668
313.833.9700 ext .213
313.393.1711
313.433.1747
313.831.9146
32 Polish Village Cafe
38 Slow’s Bar BQ
47 Detroit Ar tist s Market
53 John King Books
2990 Yemans St .
2138 Michigan Ave.
4719 Woodward Ave.
901 W Lafayette Blvd.
Hamtramck , MI 48212
Detroit , MI 48216
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48226
313.874.5726
313.962.9828
313.832.8540
313.961.0622
33 R. Hir t Jr. Co.
39 Supino Pizza
48 MOCAD
54 Leopold’s Books
2468 Market St .
2457 Russell St .
4454 Woodward Ave.
15 East Kirby St .
Detroit , MI 48207
Detroit , MI 48207
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48202
313.831.2020
313.567.7879
313.832.6622
313.875.4677
34 Russell Street Deli
40 Temple Bar
49 Pewabic Potter y
55 Mar will Bookstore, Inc.
2465 Russell St .
2906 Cass Avenue
10125 E Jefferson Ave.
4870 Cass Ave.
Detroit , MI 48207
Detroit , MI 48201
Detroit , MI 48214
Detroit , MI 48201
313.567.2631
313.832.2822
313.822.0954
313.832.3078
142
18 ”
2”
Typical Marker Scale: 3” = 1’-0”
Plan
Connection to telephone pole Directional Cue
Stock Information
(Description) Material: Reused Road Signage Fabrication Method: Cut | Fold
< Cass Cafe
Type: Glow-in-the-dark (Reflective) Screen Print
10 ”
Req. Mounting Hardware
Pre-cut slit s for fold centerline
5 minute drive 20 minute walk
[Digital] barcode for iPhone application
Front Elevation
Union Street | The ver y fir st time my father came to visit , I took him to Union Street . I ordered the salmon salad; my dad had roast beef. I was 6-months away from graduating; my dad 6-year s from retiring. We drank water with lemon to star t ; then, each ordered something stronger. It was the fir st time that I drank with my dad; in public no less. He asked me about school, relationships, life, etc. I asked him the same. We talked like we were old friends, meeting after many year s apar t . When my dad left that night , a tear welled up in the corner of my right eye. My relationship with my dad changed that night ; sometime between the appetizer and our final drink I grew up. 11
MOCAD | Once, I feel in love at MOCAD. It was with that tall guy; with a scruff y beard; and the dark glasses. He wore purple, and he wore it well. I followed from a distance as he moved throughout the galler y, staring inquisitively at each piece. Our eyes met only once, though it’s possible he was actually looking at the 11-foot gouache mounted behind me. It was hard to tell. But I’m pretty sure he was checking out the gouache... 11
143
John King Books John King, why are you so cold? John King, I love that you’re so old. Oh John King, how I wander row to row, from aisle to aisle, full stack in tow. John King, you once helped me find the perfect novel, and John King, no other girl will love you like I will. John King, it is you I adore. John King, you have my love evermore. 11
Per sonal account of business by resident s (with uncurated tone) 15 I sit at Cass Cafe alone. I sit at Cass Cafe with friends. I come dressed up, but most it's thursday, a $1 can of Black Label. I stop by before school and after work. I talk about everything and nothing, or knowing that tomorrow I might just do it all again.These are the moments when I realize I love this city. -Megan Deal 11
10 5
Typ. Marker Hub Plan
Remnant s of reused signage 12
Back Elevation
144
< Cass Cafe
5 minute drive 20 minute walk
I sit at Cass Cafe alone. I sit at Cass Cafe with friends. I come dressed up, but most it's thursday, a $1 can of Black Label. I stop by before school and after work. I talk about everything and nothing, or knowing that tomorrow I might just do it all again.These are the moments when I realize I love this city. -Megan Deal
Bert’s Market Place
2 minute drive
<
10 minute walk
“Oh yeah, I forgot Cass Cafe is around here. Punch it into your phone; let’s go.” 13
145
Setting and scope of marker legibility after a Detroit tiger s game 14
146
147
5
Year Proposal
Community Incubation Business Start-Ups + Neighborhood Facade Embedded gradually in various Detroit
consciousness rather than as passively
toward a collective approach, it provides
neighborhoods, the second-phase business
separate and disconnected entities.
a canvas for a vegetal wall as a community
incubation models serve as a means to group
The façade of these locations provokes an
project, involving city residents from the
and network a series of start-up businesses
opportunity to establish a projective identity
start of the business and continuing to serve
together for a collaborative initiative for
system as a connective element throughout
as stewards (to the city and environment)
the city. This framework acts as a way to
the city; though, the network begins to
through the maintenance and cultivation
build up the “quality of life” business and
question the nature of the ‘green wall’ as
of that wall.
community together through environmental-
light advertisement or stewardship. Leaning
Opposite (Clockwise from upper left): “It is my hope,” [Kellogg] said, “that the proper ty that kind Providence has brought me may be helpful to other s, and that I may be found a faithful steward.” 15 The W.K. Kellogg Foundation promotes a sustainable and environmentally friendly landscape through it’s community, educational, and entrepreneurial programs. 16,17,18,19,20,21
148
Techone
A
C D
B
E
techtown: nextenergy (left) and techone (right), detroit, michigan
“ Techtown: Nextenergy (Left) and Techone (Right)” in Detroit . “ The Kresge Foundation awarded TechTown a $1.5million grant—$500,000 in grow th capital to advance it s role as a business accelerator...” 22,23
Wo od wa rd
149
e.
University Commons
Av
10
75
Highland Park Hamtramck
Warren Conner 94
Grandmont Rosedale
Central Woodward Jefferson East New Center
96
East River front Midtown
Eastern Market
Woodbridge
Je
ffe
o rs
v nA
e.
Downtown
39
Mic
e. n Av higa
Corktown Mexicantown Southwest Detroit
Windsor, Ontario Canada
0 mi.
1 mi.
2 mi.
4 mi.
N
150
Reception Conference Resource Center Shared facilities | Shared materials | Shared Suppor t staff | Cross/shared market
Business 01
Business 02
Business 03
Business 04
151
24,25
152
>
Existing Facade as non-descript26
>
Existing Facade as preservation27
>
Existing Facade as identity28
153
Clockwise (from upper left): ‘Green’ facade as identity; 29 Green facade as urban project ; 30 Green facade as community engagement ; 31,32 Green facade as environmental steward 33
154
Character Harold Crick , in the film ‘Stranger Than Fiction’ operates in a numerical realm of metrics —counting his foot steps and clocking his pace per a routine schedule. 34
155
10
Year Proposal
Carbon Footprint Interface Business resource as consumer stewardship Speculatively tooled up for a metric-driven
in Detroit (and/or Michigan) of business
and environmental-consciousness, the
to mogul to repercussion/image-driven
individual (within the next decade) will
foundation does not function as an active
begin to take further ownership in his or her
agent toward this effort; a new projective
own carbon footprint as an immediate and
and gradually progress model of business
collectively effective act of stewardship. As
is required. Thus, the interface as one
a result, an open, fluid dialogue is demanded
potential application provides information
between manufacturers, businesses, and
about carbon footprint of products, services,
consumers to work collectively toward
and environments and surfaces this data
smarter cities and communities. The
digitally to the public at the point of
historically perceived business model
shopping, experiencing, and sale.
“The average American's yearly carbon footprint is just about 20 tons... the global average is just a shade under 4 35 tons each year.�
156
157
Lansing
Detroit
Grand Rapids
in ti le H ig he st qu
Total carbon emissions per capita by quintile36
158
159 Foundation as mogul
Foundation as community engagement Foundation as steward
Business as mogul
Opposite: 1956 Ford Motor Company's Rouge Plant . 37
Opposite: “Recognized in
Business as steward
2004 by Guinness World Records as the largest green roof in the world, this green roof cover s 454,000 square feet ...atop Ford’s new truck assembly plant . The green roof is a par t of a comprehensive effor t to revitalize the historic Ford Rouge Centre complex as a model for 21st Centur y sustainable manufacturing and is a significant component of a site-wide 600-acre stormwater management system.” 38,39
Business at start-up
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“‘Undeterred, [Liz] Blondy [of Canine] to Five began to investigate other green modifications she can make to the building and to her work space, and is finding a host of solutions that can save money and reduce her carbon footprint —on her small-business budget.’”40
“‘If you own a 25,000-square-foot office or industrial building, there are not a lot of [‘green’] programs out there…there are people who recognize there are things that can be done short of the benchmark standards, and it’s crazy that public policy doesn’t incentivize small business to do this stuff ’”40
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Networked system of micro-foundations
Business as microfoundation
Business as community engagement Business as steward Business at start-up
162 0.6 lbs. CO2
1 lbs. CO2
0.5 lbs. CO2
Clockwise (from upper left): User interface applications techniques to implement business model. 41,42,43 Opposite: Interface as active agent in city spaces for business/consumer monitoring and stewardship. 44
1 lbs. CO2 2 lbs. CO2
___ Indoor air quality ___Energy Consumption
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Projective Work A proposal for the remaining term Building off of the 5 year proposal, the work strives to investigate the notion of a business incubation center as a catalyst for community projects and events. It will, as a potential starting-off point, engage in the analysis of possible business groupings and programmatic requirements per incubation location. A probe into the implications of a community venue embedded within a body of start-ups, as a new operational model that works to achieve the progress business model described in the 10 year proposal, will be explored. Opposite (Top to bottom): “PieLab, an initiative of Project M, is focused on community development and engagement in Hale County, AL.” 45 “PIE + CONVERSATION = IDEAS” “IDEAS + DESIGN = POSITIVE CHANGE” 45 Photographs taken by Brian W. Jones in 2009. 46,47
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Can a business incubation network and individual space, that engages the community through its identity and environmental facade, begin to take on more work in terms of community program and development? Moving toward a flexible spatial model, what type of venue might be afforded, and what begins to constitute shared spaces/amenities?
Working in parallel to the notion of the pop-up entrepreneur, can these incubation models transiently embed themselves within the community to provide a mobile hub for community activity and other environmental projects within the city?
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168 1.
2.
Saulny, Susan. “Detroit Entrepreneurs Opt to Look
places-and-sight s/_more2005/_more08/
Up.” The New York Times. The New York Times,
England-London-Oxford-Circus-metal-multiarm-
9 Jan. 2010. Web. 23 Jan. 2010. <http://w w w.
directional-sign-against-sky-and-buildings-
ny times.com/2010/01/10/us/10star tup.html>.
marked-for-Soho-and-Tottenham-Cour t-Road-
Repor t. W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Web. 24 Jan.
and-All-Souls-Langham-Place-and-Bond-Street-
2010. <http://w w2.wkkf.org/2009Annua lRepor t/
York Times. The New York Times. Web.
and-Carnaby-Street-and-Piccadilly-Circus-
19 Jan. 2010. <http://w w w.ny times.com/
closeup-1-DHD.jpg.html>. 9.
Photograph. Brandon, Heather. Web log post .
Repor t. W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Web. 24 Jan.
Urban Compass: Signs of Vitality. 17 Nov. 2009.
2010. <http://w w2.wkkf.org/2009Annual Repor t/
Sears Holdings Corporation. Web. 22 Jan. 2010.
Web. 15 Feb. 2010. <http://urbancompass.
<http://w w w.kmar tcorp.com/careers/why%20us/
net/?p=2532>. 10. Thurman, Gerald. The Iron Mountation Sign Pole.
Kresge Store - corner of State + Woodward (77323).
2007. Photograph. RoadTrip America. 2007. Web.
1938. Photograph. Wayne State Univer sity Vir tual
15 Feb. 2010. <http://w w w.roadtripamerica.com/
Motor City. Wayne State. Web. 25 Jan. 2010.
roadside/California-Iron-Mountain-Sign-Pole.
<http://dlxs.lib.wayne.edu/cgi/i/image/imageidx?id=S-VMC-X-77323%5D77323>. 5.
of-Mouth.” Message to the author. 9 Mar. 2010.
The Kresge Foundation. Web. 24 Jan. 2010.
E-mail. Simtropolis. 9 July 2009. Web. 8 Mar. 2010.
The Kresge Foundation’s LEED Platinum-cer tified
<http://w w w.simtropolis.com/forum/
Headquar ter s. Photograph. National Trust for
messageview.cfm?catid=37&threadid=107194
Historic Preser vation: Kresge Foundation Suppor t
Launches Sustainability Program. National Trust
13. Vector Hi-detailed Car Silhouette. Photograph.
&enter thread=y>.
for Historic Preser vation. Web. 24 Jan. 2010.
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<http://w w w.preser vationnation.org/suppor t-us/
com/id/15820854>. 14. Autumn in Detroit. 2009. Photograph. Weather
Costantini, Fabrizio. Photograph. The New
Underground. Web. 4 Mar. 2010. < http://w w w.wun
York Times. The New York Times. Web.
derground.com/wximage/viewsingleimage.html?m
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ode=singleimage&handle=MichiganSnowLvr&numb
imagepages/2010/01/10/us/10star tup_CA1.html>. 8.
12. Photograph. “#1567171.” Web Log comment .
index/>.
development/kresge.html>. 7.
html>. 11. Deal, Megan. “Call for Author : Detroit Word-
“Our Green Headquar ters.” The Kresge Foundation. <http://w w w.kresge.org/index.php/headquar ters/
6.
letters/president-ceo-2.html>. 17. Photograph. W.K. Kellogg Foundation: 2009 Annual
“Kmar t Histor y.” Sear s Holdings Corporation.
kmar t-histor y.htm>. 4.
mID=5&NID=40&LanguageID=0>. 16. Photograph. W.K. Kellogg Foundation: 2009 Annual
Costantini, Fabrizio. Photograph. The New
imagepages/2010/01/10/us/10star tup4.html>. 3.
<http://w w2.wkkf.org/default .aspx?tabid=63&Ite
Photograph. DHD Multimedia Galler y: Ear th Views. Web. 15 Feb. 2010. <http://galler y.hd.org/_c/
er=1768&album_id=398&thumbstar t=0&galler y=>. 15. “Over view.” W.K. Kellogg Foundation: Stewardship. W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Web. 25 Jan. 2010.
stories/michigan-introduction.html>. 18. Photograph. W.K. Kellogg Foundation: 2009 Annual Repor t. W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Web. 24 Jan. 2010. <http://w w2.wkkf.org/2009Annual Repor t/ stories/national-stories-continued.html>. 19. Photograph. W.K. Kellogg Foundation: 2009 Annual Repor t. W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Web. 24 Jan. 2010. <http://w w2.wkkf.org/2009Annual Repor t/ stories/michigan-stories-continued.html>. 20. Photograph. W.K. Kellogg Foundation: 2009 Annual Repor t. W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Web. 24 Jan. 2010. <http://w w2.wkkf.org/2009Annual Repor t/ stories/michigan-stories-continued.html>. 21. Photograph. W.K. Kellogg Foundation: 2009 Annual Repor t. W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Web. 24 Jan. 2010. <http://w w2.wkkf.org/2009Annual Repor t/ stories/michigan-sustainable-futures.html>. 22. “2007 Annual Repor t : Community Development .” The Kresge Foundation. The Kresge Foundation. Web. 23 Jan. 2010. <http://w w w.kresge.org/index. php/annual_repor t/2007_annual_repor t/>. 23. Techtown: Nextenergy (left) and Techone (right), Detroit , Michigan. Photograph. The Kresge Foundation: 2007 Annual Repor t. The Kresge Foundation. Web. 23 Jan. 2010. <http://
169 w w w.kresge.org/content/ar07/programs/ communitydevelopment .pdf>. 24. Occupation Stick Figure Icons. Photograph.
w w w.buildinggreentv.com/key words/living-wall>. 33. Photograph. “Green Facades with Stainless Steel Mesh | Classifieds/Adver tisement s - Discussion
5 Mar. 2010. <http://w w w.crainsdetroit .com/ ar ticle/20090204/DM01/902049981/1104>. 41. Photograph. “Barcode Scanner, Sales and
IStockphoto. 19 Feb. 2008. Web. 15 Feb. 2010.
Topics |.” Capitol Greenroofs. 4 Feb. 2009. Web. 1
Management , Inventor y Control, Price Grade,
<http://w w w.istockphoto.com/stock-illustration-
Mar. 2010. <http://capitolgreenroofs.groupsite.
POS, Point-of-sale.” TechRide Information
5409114-occupation-stick-figure-icons.php>.
com/discussion/topic/show/146768>.
Solutions. Web. 12 Mar. 2010. <http://w w w.
25. Occupation Stick Figure Icons. Photograph.
34. Photograph. “Stranger Than Fiction.” Web Log
techrider.ca/MBxPOS.asp>.
IStockphoto. 25 Apr. 2008. Web. 15 Feb. 2010.
post . Ramos Creative. 27 June 2008. Web. 26 Feb.
<http://w w w.istockphoto.com/file_closeup/
2010. <http://blog.ramoscreative.com/2008/06/
Home Economics: Shop, Cook , Eat ; Repeat.
illustrations-vectors/vector-icons/5964633-
stranger-than-fiction/>.
24 Aug. 2005. Web. 1 Mar. 2010. <http://
occupation-stick-figures.php?id=5964633>. 26. Storefront on Woodward Avenue, Detroit . Personal photograph by author. 2010. 27. Preser ved Facade, Detroit . Personal photograph by author. 2010. 28. Power House, Detroit . Personal photograph by author. 2010. 29. Photograph. “Strohhaus | Felix Jerusalem.” Web Log post . Stash Pocket. 8 Jan. 2008. Web. 24 Feb. 2010. <http://stashpocket .wordpress. com/2008/01/18/>. 30. Photograph. “Energy Cannot Be Created nor
35. Dunn, Collin. “Reduce Your Carbon Footprint by Half in Three Steps : Planet Green.” Planet
42. Photograph. “An Easy Vacation.” Web Log post .
robinheather.typepad.com/go/chow_bella/>. 43. Photograph. “GoodGuide Barcode Scanner.”
Green : Sustainable Living, Energy Conser vation,
Web Log post . 2dayBlog.com. 30 Nov. 2009.
Ear th Day. 8 July 200. Web. 1 Mar. 2010. <http://
Web. 4 Mar. 2010. <http://w w w.2dayblog.
planetgreen.discover y.com/home-garden/ reduce-carbon-footprint-threesteps.html>.
com/2009/11/30/goodguide-barcode-scanner/>. 44. Photograph. “Daily Grind Coffee House and Cafe’s
36. Brown, Marilyn A., Frank Southwor th, and Andrea
Page - Barista Exchange.” Barista Exchange. Web.
Sarzynski. Shrinking the Carbon Footprint of
12 Mar. 2010. <http://w w w.baristaexchange.com/
Metropolitan America. Rep. 2008. Print . 37. Ford Motor Co. Rouge Plant ; BL004031 (BL004031). 1956. Photograph. Bentley Image
profile/GregandJohnnieDillard>. 45. PieLab. Web. 9 Mar. 2010. <http://pielab.org/>. 46. Jones, Brian W. PieLab 1.0. 2009.
Bank. Bentley Historical Librar y. Web. 25 Jan.
Photograph. Flickr. 28 May 2009. Web.
Destroyed.” Web Log post . UThink: Blogs at the
2010. <http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/i/image/
8 Mar. 2010. <http://w w w.flickr.com/
Univer sity of Minnesota. 28 Feb. 2008. Web. 1
image-idx?id=S-BHL-X-BL004031%5DBL004031>.
photos/brianwjones/3573593240/in/set-
Mar. 2010. <http://blog.lib.umn.edu/dewo0010/ architecture/>. 31. Cooperation. Photograph. “Los Angeles Crop Walls Offer More Then Food.” Web Log post .
38. “Ford Plant .” Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. Web. 24 Jan. 2010. <http://w w w.greenroofs.org/index. php/grhccommittees/290?task=view>. 39. The Ford Plant. Photograph. Green Roofs for
72157618913950034/>. 47. Jones, Brian W. PieLab 2.0. 2009. Photograph. Flickr. 28 May 2009. Web. 8 Mar. 2010. <http://w w w.flickr.com/
Building Green. 7 Aug. 2008. Web. 1 Mar. 2010.
Healthy Cities: Ford Plant. Web. 24 Jan. 2010.
photos/brianwjones/4044317744/in/set-
<http://w w w.buildinggreentv.com/key words/
<http://w w w.greenroofs.org/index.php/
72157622475908923/>.
living-wall>.
grhccommittees/290?task=view>.
32. Cal Poly Student . Photograph. “Green Living News
40. Kaffer, Nancy. “Going Green: Reduce Your Carbon
Letter, March Edition.” Web Log post . Building
Footprint for Less.” Crain’s Detroit Business.
Green. 3 Mar. 2009. Web. 1 Mar. 2010. <http://
Crain’s Communication, Inc., 4 Feb. 2009. Web.
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Productive Color The proliferation of saturation in Hamtramck. Dorothy Schwankl
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Color
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Detroit has an average of 185 overcast days per year and only 70 sunny days.
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What role does color play in this desaturated landscape?
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Color Hierarchy: Houses
Siding is available in a limited palette of neutral colors. A long-term investment in the character of a building, the standard colors shy away from any statement colors that will potentially reveal the age through their hue. Tan is not easily distinguishable from faded tan, but then also the fifth tan house on the right looks a lot like the sixth tan house on the right.
Right : New housing stock on Andrus Street , Hamtramck . Left : Crane Performance Siding standard color s. Including “bone,” “clay,” countr y beige,” and “wheat” among other s.
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“Any customer can have a car painted any color he wants so long as it is black.� -Henr y Ford in his 1923 autobiography, Henr y Ford - My Life and Work .
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Color Hierarchy: Cars
Operating between the permanence of a house and the impermanence of clothing, car companies unveil new hues each year, but the colors rarely change drastically. Only susceptible to the most prolific of color trends (like mid-90s turquoise), car colors have evolved since Henry Ford’s decree, but still reside in the realm of safe saturation.
Right : 2008 Ford Car color s. Above: Impor ted car s awaiting transpor t at the Por t of Richmond, California.
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Color Hierarchy: Pantone
Predicting color trends for each year, Pantone drives the color palette of clothing, home furnishings, and interior paint. Unabashedly bold, the yearly colors are able to be extremely trendy since the industry is dependent on them looking dated quickly.
Left : Fabric display in Sanjay Textiles, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, India. 3 Right : A select few of Pantone’s 2010 Color s.
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The De-Valuing of the City
The colors assigned to possessions typically based on cost, life-span, length of ownership, and resale value. As these factor increase, the colors assigned to the object typically decrease in saturation. In Detroit, the value relationships of objects are inverted based on the devaluing of the land such that houses are worth less and less every year.
What happens when a house is worth less than a car?
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12066 Nagel Street, Hamtramck MI4
2002 Blue Buick LaSabre5
1800 s.f. Built in 1924 current sale price:
current sale price:
$8500
$8500
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Inversion of the Hierarchy
Left to right : Two columns of siding color s, car color s, and Pantone’s 2010 color predictions. 6
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By distilling each years color palette to one hue within a color range, a color can be assigned to each year. While these colors will face over time, the conglomeration of multiple shades will show a history of action. Since color trends are cyclical, historic color predictions can be used to estimate future trends and graphical represent potential outcomes.
Left to right : Pantone’s color predictions from 2005, 2010, and 2011.
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Site
190 Just north of the 1980s GM Hamtramck Assembly Plant, this neighborhood is isolated from other residential zones. The construction of the plant, on land acquired for GM through eminent domain practices, was very controversial. The density within the neighborhood decreases as you move south towards the GM Plant and further from the commercial activity of downtown Hamtramck. Still very much inhabited, this site provides a landscape where empty space is prolific and also highly visible.
Left to right : Aerial photographs of the area from 1961, 1983, and 1997. 7
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Surface 192 The painted surfaces are not maintained such that the spectacle of a freshly painted surface is reserved for work done to prepare surfaces for graffiti.
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Emptiness 194
While there are pockets of remaining houses, there are instances where multiple lots in a row are empty. The remaining structures are not insulated from the vast emptiness that isolates them from their neighbors. The spatial relations wihtin the neighborhood change when the density drops below half of what was originally planned. The remaining houses are oddly compact for their sites, yet rarely claim the surrounding spaces in any productive manner.
Below: Google streetview of Grayling Street, Hamtramck. 8 Right : Traced remaining structures based on 2009 aerial photo.
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Color in the Existing Landscape 196
Below and right : Existing color additions to the neighborhood. The blue porch is of crude workmanship, but still represent s the time invested to paint a surface.
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Indicators of Ownership 198
In a landscape of decreasing investment in the built environment, the indicators of ownership are temporary additions rather than long-term investments. Satellite dishes, tags on flat surfaces, astroturf-covered porches are the antithesis of broken windows, boarded up doors, charred roofs, and empty lots. The additions to the landscape are not conventional methods of indicating ownership, but are still indicators of activity.
Left : Satellite dishes line the balconies of Grayling Street . Right : Tagging on a trailer on Lumpkin Street .
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Interventions
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Color infiltrates the landscape as a coating on infrastructure on a hand-painted house facade as a marker for things to be removed (fences) as boundaries for constructed wetlands as tags on planted saplings
to show investment and ownership of the built environment. What spatial affect does one painted surface have versus a proliferation of that hue throughout the landscape of a neighborhood? In a city of increasing emptiness, how can residents claim the empty spaces? When the land allocated for each house is doubled or even tripled, how does a neighborhood, that was planned with a high density, unfold? What are the potential productive uses for an abundance of emptiness?
1 5 10 205
1 5
Wind Field 206
Occupying vast stretches of open territory, wind turbines produce power at the micro-local level. The installation each year is tracked by a change in color coatings on the machinery itself. Infrastructure typically occupies the background colors to create the backdrop of cities. As Detroit’s infrastructure begins to crumble, these turbines showcase a utility’s investment in the fabric of the city.
Below: The fir st lone wind turbine. Right : The field populated after ten year s.
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Sapling Farm 208
The lots that are cleared are not just missing houses, but also vegetation. Currently a mix of grass and mud, the lots could be used to grow saplings for use around the neighborhood. Formerly a denselyplanned community of thirty-foot lots, the emptiness here maintains the registration of the number of houses that previously stood. The saplings could be planted on lot lines to maintain these inscribed boundaries--highlighting the palimpsest of the site.
Below: Color -coded by year tree tags Right : The tree stand after five year s
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Color Exchange 210
While not a culturally-acceptable form of ownership of place, graffiti is a part of the modern urban condition. To include these artists in the cultivation of a productive landscape, a program to exchange cans of spray paint for ones in the year’s specified shade of green would be started.
Left : Empty and rusting cans of spray paint . 1 Right : Superimposed materiality on a concrete retaining wall, Denton Street , Hamtramck .
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House Painting 212
Overtaking the surfaces suitable for graffiti artists, homeowners and renters take control of their own house’s identity by painting the flat surfaces with the color of the year.
Below: The neighborhood populated with brightly painted facades Right : One example of a garage door painted.
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Barrier Removal 214
Just as highways cut through and destroyed neighborhoods in Detroit in the mid-Twentieth century, the leftover fences create blockages in the neighborhood. By removing these barriers, isolated plots of land can be reclaimed by the inhabitants. New connections and visibility arise between the blocks to unify the remaining built structures.
Below: The removal of fences allows for public access to this lot . Right : Fence removal allows for resident s to transver se the block perpendicularly.
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Constructed Wetland 216
Stretching the right-of-way into the zone of private ownership, problems with storm water runoff are lessened with the introduction of constructed wetlands.
Right : Fir st the sidewalk is taken over, then cattails star t growing, and eventually the wetland is populated by wildlife.
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“There is prejudice against the literal superficiality of the application of color onto a surface. This is coupled with color’s physical instability, such that the ensuing and enduring solidity—both literal and metaphorical—of the volume. So the colored surface was—and is— perceived as a subordinate to the white body.” Matthias Sauerbruch and Louisa Hutton “On Colour and Space” (2006)
?
The Grotesque
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Instead of considering the existing landscape the grotesque, these interventions propose that through their color-coding that they are in fact the grotesque. Operating under this assumption, a number of questions about the future of this landscape can be formulated: How does the landscape become productive through use of the grotesque?
?
How can the spectacle of color be combined with physical interventions that begin to absorb the vacancy?
How can grotesque interventions of saturation be translated into built form? What implications does saturation and surface treatment have on material, form, program, and interior space?
220 1. Paint sample image: http://tangledeye.
Aerial photo base files from bing.com
com/pages/plenty/paint_samples.html 2. Detroit skyline image: http:// www.connectmidmichigan.com/ uploadedImages/weyi/News/Stories/ Detroit%20skyline%20day.jpg 3. http://www.world-guides.com/images/ new_delhi/new_delhi_shopping_karol_ ba.jpg 4. http://www.realestateone.com/ homes/210010019-12066_Nagel_StHamtramck-MI-48212 5. http://www.web2carz. com/18138101/2002/buick/lesabre/usedcars/for-sale?w2caf=4ed10be9f0568766 6. Base image of parked cars: http://www. treehugger.com/cars%20lot.jpg 7. Historic maps: http://atdetroit. net/forum/messages/5/131891. html?1190901985 8. http://www.google.com/maps
All other images are author’s own.
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Déjà Vu Year One: Data Collecting
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Outer Shell
Microphone used for recording Projector
Outer shell/Screen
Structure Acoustical Ceiling
Video Camera
Bench
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Year Five: See + Hear
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Year Ten: Experience + Archive
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off
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on
past
present
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Urban Occupation : The Blob in Detroit
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Phase I: Detection of vacant structures.
Phase II: Blob the structure.
Phase III: Parasitic public activity formulates on blobbed structure.
Phase IV: Parasitic form manifests itself as an independent entity in the city.
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Urban Occupation : Phase I
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The Blob as a Broadcaster In the first phase, vacant buildings are identified and ‘blobbed’ via shrinkwrapping. This highlights various structures across the city and highlights its neglect or alternatively potential. By sealing the building, the blob preserves its state and asks the city to evaluate and either demolish it or re-occupy it.
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Shrink wrapping a building.
Tools
Shrink Wrap Gun
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Shrink Wrap Cutter
Shrink Wrap Tape
Shrink Wrap Film
Shrink Wrap Doors
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48 Vacant Buildings in Downtown Detroit Former MGM Casino Bagley Service Centre Loyal Order of Moose Lodge Grand Army of the Republic Building Detroit Free Press Building United Artist Building Detroit Life Building Blenheim Building 2110 Park 2030 Park Detroit Park Avenue Building AAA Michigan David Whitney Building 1515 Woodward 1505 Woodward 1459 Woodward 1413 Woodward 1414 Woodward 1415 Woodward Elliot Building Krege Building 1200 Woodward Block 62 State Street 1120 Griswold 30 Clifford
124 Grand River Farwell Building Book Building Lafayette Building 1133 Griswold People’s Bank Building 735 Griswold Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago 501 Woodward Layne Bryant Arts League of Michigan 1500 Woodward 1412 Woodward 1420 Woodward Metropolitan Building 1301 Broadway Dell Pryor Galleries Wurlitzer Building 1214 Randolph National Theater 139 Cadillac Square 600 Woodward Ford Auditorium
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Urban Occupation : The Farwell Building 253
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Urban Occupation : Phase II
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The Blob Transmutated In this phase, the blobbed buildings get identified and are either torn down according to their building status or are introduced with various public programs that latch onto the buildings as temporary occupations.
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18 Vacant Buildings in Downtown Detroit
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Urban Occupation : Phase III
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The Blob - Forever The Blob manifests itself as a permanent presence in the city, in the form of a pavilion, carrying with it the various public functions...
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ONEFIVETEN REROOTING DETROIT
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1 YEAR
HEALTH
The french settlers originally settled, what was soon to be “black-bottom,� Detroit for its rich, dark soil. Taking advantage of the areas nutritious soil, the settlers used a ribbon farm technique. This style of farming allowed them to reach from the great lakes to nearly 3 miles inland, creating ribbons of produce. The Dequindre Cut is a 1.5 mile trail, 25 feet below grade. It starts at the waterfront and reaches inland to the Detroit market. By planting ,as the french settlers did, through the cut, a commercialsized farm sits in the center of Detroit. Not only will the cut encourage exercise, this productive spectacle of growth will now provide healthy food to the local community.
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ONION CANTALOUPE NASTURTIUM
PEACHES BORAGE TOMATOE
SUNFLOWE SWEET COR STRAWBER
APRIL MAY JUNE
ER RN RRY
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CHERRY PUMPKIN CLOVER
PLUM CAULIFLOWER CHIVES
NE JULY AUGUST
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CANTALOUP ONION
PROGRAM
PE
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NASTURTIUM
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5 YEAR
EDUCATE
Due to many of the social issues surrounding its history, Detroit is a melting pot of ethnic locales. These areas, in and around Detroit, have their own cultures, including the goods they farm and consume. By using the abandoned warehouses, that surround the Dequindre Cut, as infrastructure and turning them into conservatories, manufactured environments of these specific ethnic locales in Detroit can be created to house the goods farmed in their respective climates. This will be used to educated the community on the many environments and techniques used for farming around the world.
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10 YEAR
GROWTH
Although the start of this proposal addressed the local community, the 10 year plan is ready to expand. Combining with the Detroit market, the commercial-sized urban farm, sitting in the middle of Detroit, becomes a destination for consumers seeking fresh and unique produce. While remaining an educational tool, the conservatories become specialized producers of goods. This will not only contribute to the many ethnic groups around Detroit, the conservatories will draw many consumers outside the direct community seeking the unique goods. In 10 years, Detroit will began to feel the economic boost provided by this proposal.
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participate and enjoy you are the hitchhiker in detroit
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Hitchhiker ’s Cities A new way of urban planning Kahyun Lee
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1 year
Exploring the Detroit Public School Supply building in Detroit 1
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Detroit Vacancy On the preponderance of vacancies in the CBD: “While there is no official ledger of empty buildings, The Detroit News identified 48 major structures with no outward signs of life in the Central Business District, which covers about 127 blocks. Others have one or two remaining tenants.�2
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Hamtramck master plan collaborative map 3
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100 abandoned houses 4
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When Kevin Bauman began photographing Detroit’s derelict houses in the late ’90s, his intention was to create a record of the homes before they were torn down to make way for new development. A decade later, most of the structures are still standing, as development in Detroit never reached a fever pitch.5
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Accumulations of information
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THE
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HITCHHIKeR’S GUIDe TO THE
cit es
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5 year explore Detroit
and
share the information
you are the hitchhiker in detroit
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Collecting information
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Sending information
Images from Exploring the Detroit Public School Supply building in Detroit 7-22-07 6
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HITCHHIKeR urban HITCHHIKeRs exploring the detroit Exploring the Detroit Public School Supply building in Detroit 7-22-2015 TMLeafs3113
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s t eiln m u n o s g m in d y u t b t p n em roit’s vaca explore Det rmation
share the in
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Sharing and exchanging information
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Image from Hamtramck master plan 7
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Uncapping the abandoned houses
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An abandoned house on McClellan St. in Detroit, Michigan’s east side on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. There are around 40,000 vacant or abandoned homes and buildings all over the city of Detroit.
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The abandoned house will be wrapped in an elastic, translucent white membrane.
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Udjustable posts will be arranged through the abandoned houses randomely for supporting structure
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Feedback from people
HIT
CH
e HIK
fe
Rs
b ed h It
ac
ink
k
d
ig es
ni
s
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abandoned house
frame
jack post s
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canvas
planting
lighting
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Participate
10 year Enjoy
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Designs for the empty spaces
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Guidelines
CUBE
proposal_detroit
Design
Sending proposals
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design proposal
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selection
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Click here to get advises from
professionals
Vote for your cities 2020
guide to the cities
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Small obejcts reflecting people’s opinions at that moment will be dispersed through urban space. Each designs will be different.
328 1. TMLeafs3113. “Exploring the Detroit
Public School Supply building in Detroit
Public School Supply building in Detroit
7-22-07.” 7 Jan. 2008. Youtube. <http://
7-22-07.” 7 Jan. 2008. Youtube. <http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-JYFLz-_
www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-JYFLz-_
Qc>.
Qc>. 2. Jason King. “Detroit Vacancy.” landscape
7. Interface studio. “Hamtramck master plan.” <http://interface-studio.com/
+ urbanism. 17 Aug. 2009. <http://
currently/city-of-hamtramck-master-
landscapeandurbanism.blogspot.
plan/>.
com/2009/08/detroit-vacancy.html>. 3. Interface studio. “Hamtramck master plan.” <http://interface-studio.com/ currently/city-of-hamtramck-masterplan/>. 4. Bauman. “100 abandoned houses.” <http://www.100abandonedhouses. com/>. 5. Samantha Storey. “A Forgotten Detroit Remembered.” The New York Times. 8 July. 2009. <http://www.nytimes. com/2009/07/09/garden/09online.html?_ r=3&ref=garden>. 6. TMLeafs3113. “Exploring the Detroit
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10
Michigan has long been a state of natural abundance: from fur-bearing animals to timber and Copper. Detroit today is a city that is reminenscent of the Fur-Trade Era in Michigan, with sightings of pheasants and the sale of Raccoon meat. The city’s most abundant resource however, is the Abandoned house. With nearly 31,000 abandoned residential structures and an underemployment rates around 45%, Detroit has an abundant readily-available resource with a local workforce ready to take advantage. Detroit residents have already scrapped many of these buildings for copper wire and fixtures that may draw higher resell values than other items, however working systematically Detroit can mine these buildings for their full scrap value then demolish the leftover structures and where buildings should be saved refurbish them to a sellable state. This proposal considers the near and distant future of this underdog city.
DetroitAbundant
orFlipThisCity
YEAR
YEAR
YEAR
1 5
VacantCondition Vacancy is widespread, with approx. 91,000 vacant residential lots and about 31,000 empty residential For those willing to risk breaking-and-entering charges a small market exists for scrappers,
structures. Demolition of a single site can cost the city $10,000. This is why they sit untouched for years.
however even that is waning. A decision must be made about what to do with these vacancies. The decision to scrap and tear down or refurbish must be made on a case by case basis with heavy consideration of the shrinking city.
While the suburban commuter sees an apparent ghost town from the expressways, these tens of thousands of vacanct buildings have produce a viable niche for the inner-city scavengers. Those who live in this invisible world and rely on this niche are generally homeless men who have stripped these ruins of any valuable scrap metal: they call themselves Scrappers. they have reaped and scavenged throughout the 140 square mile city. They earn just enough to survive, but not enough to escape their Sisyphean routine. There are easily hundreds of cart-pulling scrappers in the city. In most cases, it is not the solitary homeless scavenger who risk a breaking and entering charge; rather, it is organized groups with vehicles for quick getaways. The Scrappers however are running out of old buildings to mine. The niche once flourishing and new now seems to be disappearing. Many of them doubt that the city can ever be resurected.
Scrap
Choosing to demolish the vacant homes in poor condition is far too costly to the city and only partially solves one of the many problems in Detroit. These abandoned structures cannot sit in limbo any longer; they invite crime and vermin as well as serve as daily reminders of a city wide negligence. Renovating a building in good condition can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and only after the renovation is complete can one know whether the development is a success. This make developers and investors very hesitant to do anything in Detroit, even the most altruistic person has a hard time seeing how to invest in Detroit. And so these lots just sit in limbo. A DECISION MUST BE MADE. These buildings have only two options RENOVATE OR DEMOLISH! Unfortunately there is no money for either option. This proposal applies the slow option. years 0
5
10
RENOVATION
Renovation could take 10 years. Demolition could take even longer. In that time we can leverage the gritty city into a homegrown urban and argricultural locus.
DEMOLITION
30%
31,000
IN POOR CONDITION
ABANDONED RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES
COST TO DEMOLISH
x $6,000 - $15,000 COST PER DEMOLITION
55 - 140 MILLION DOLLARS
The trailer is specially designed to provide shelter, a portable workshop and if neccesary an alternative entrance into a house. A meeting place for decisions is provided. The trailer is angled in the back which makes it easy to put the trailer flush against most structures even in tight spaces. The trailer can be swiveled quickly between houses without additional aid from a car or truck. It is in this little trailer that the fate of 30,000 houses are decided. Armed with vacancy and owmership listings, maps and opinions a urban scale vision can emerge one by one. A single choice made thousands of times through the city will have ramifications that will reshape the city.
RepossesionCrew The repo’ crew made up of local residents and skilled labor will move from building to building deciding its fate, then setting the decision into motion. Intially, however the crew collects whatever the scrappers didn’t get or found too costly yet still has some value. The decision is now made to renovate or demolish.
8
10
Strip It & Flip It
(renovation option)
The temporary retail would attract other potential users and an engaged community may become stewards of the building. The building still not fully renovated will have already become a locus of the community.
The kudzu is a highly destructive plant and can tear down a structure such as a wood-frame house in less than a decade.
A scheduled renovation would be worked out so as to provide utilities with established activities.
The urban farm looks different from utopian visions like Hantze farms when you acknowledge the exisiting conditions.i
8
10
Scrap It & Wrap It
(demolition option)
0
1
3
The abandoned building is identified. A cost analysis of neccessary repairs and potential community benefit report is made explicit.
The abandoned building is identified. A cost analysis of neccessary repairs and potential community benefit report is made explicit.
A local resident group goes through the house deemed structural sound and makes neccesary improvements, removing easily stolen items preparing parts of the house for reuse.
A local resident group having stripped the house of items of value plants kudzu inside the building and wraps the building in a translucent geotextile.
While the building’s heat and water are unavailable, parts of the house particularly the street fascade can be enlivened with temporary retail, possibly a weekly farmer’s stand.
During the summer months the kudzu may find its way through gaps in the wrapped geotextile. The violet flowering legume stretching through a wrapped mass would make an interesting addition to inner-city Detroit.
0
1
3
year 2-5
Strip it & Flip it | Once renovations are completed small retail operations can use the fascade or part of the first floor. This will be once-a-week retail at first, grocery or hardware will be encouraged. Entrepeneurs can build a client base without too much monetary investment.
year 1
Strip it & Flip it | In the first year a house deemed viable will be stripped of any scrappable materials and renovated to a respectable state level. Appearances are important here so the exterior is sand blasted, painted, remortared, whatever it needs. The interior simply needs to be clean and safe.
year 10 House Refrubish year 8
Strip it & Flip it | If the new community locus attracts developers there will be a construction period during the building’s utilities will be properly installed.
year 6-9
House Refrubish year 5 Strip it & Flip it | Still off the grid the building’s program has become more adventurous as the community and other see the potential. Oncea-week businesses may give way to more permanent occupants. As interest builds more of the building can be opened up for use.
year 3 House kudzu year 2
Scrap it & Wrap it | During the warmer months the kudzu’s growth may spread to outside the geotextile wrapping. The strange wrapped building with kudzu peaking through is no longer a neglected but an occuppied sight under demolition. The buildings will also provide an iconic image of Detroit’s active renewal versus shocking signs of ruin.
year 1
House kudzu year 0 Scrap it & Wrap it | In the first year a house deemed insoluble will be scrapped of any scrappable materials and the interior planted with kudzu. A geotextile is then wrapped around the exterior. From this moment on the house is considered a demolition site. The geo textile insulates the building creating a microclimate more suitable for kudzu.
30˚
45˚
UNDER DEMOLITION
MICROCLIMATE
WRAPPED
UnderDemolition Kudzu is “The Plant that Ate the South.” The Kudzu
is a highly invasive plant that has run rampant in parts of the country with an appropriate climate. Buildings and cars are entirely covered in weeks by this plant that can grow a foot a day. The tuberous roots can extend 3-9ft deep. However this growth only occurs in places where winters are mild and water is abundant. Michigan is abundant in precipitation but its winters are far too harsh for kudzu to survive unprotected. Here in lies the secret to using Kudzu in Detroit. By wrapping an abandoned home with a thick geotextile fabric the building’s interior can be insulated somewhat from the cold winters. By creating this microclimate within the building Detroit can use kudzu’s speed and destructiveness Detroit can demolish its worst abandoned buildings. Any kudzu that escapes from the microclimate during the winter will be killed off by Detroit’s winter.
Flowering Kudzu
Detroit is a Food Desert... Well parts of it. Not enough markets bring affordable and healthy food to the poorest neighborhoods in Detroit. Some residents have resorted to feeding on the wildlife that has returned to Kudzu is a legume and as such has several beneficial
heavily abandoned neighborhoods.
properties that can help Detroit change from a “food desert” to an “agri-city”. Legumes, like kudzu, are Nitrogen-fixing. This is beneficial because most crops including tomatos and corn thrive in nitrogen rich soils. In this way the kudzu’s summer growth may Kudzu is also an excellent forage material for animals
work to improve the salty Detroit soil.
such as goats and cows. With Kudzu growth it provides an excellent and cheap food source for livestock and a new job title “city shephard.” Detroit’s food drought can be help a third way. Kudzu tastes like chard and like chard is nutrient rich. The Soy-based plant provides some essential nutrients and would be a welcome addition to the present innercity diet.
year 4-10
Scrap it & Wrap it | The other two measures involve foraging livestock such as goats and cows being used to eat the kudzu that does spill out of the wrapping. This measure also begins to address Detroit’s food desert concerns. And lastly a polyethylene fence will be erected to keep both the animals in and the kudzu which cannot grab onto the plastic.
year 4
Scrap it & Wrap it | To protect against the kudzu growing out of control the design uses four measures to keep the kudzu in the building. The geotextile is the most apparent. Most importantly though kudzu cannot survive the Michigan winters so if any does escape to confines of the building it will not last long.
1 slow demolition slow renovation
3-5 Repo crews are assembled. Neighborhoods are designated as viable or insoluble. Infrastructure, local density, community amenities and local trends drive decision- making A Repo crew can set a building under demolition in 2 weeks. Renovation
5 10
YEAR 1
YEAR 5
CITYWIDE: 400-600 under demolition 200-250 under renovation
10-20 Repo crews have nearly all the insoluble buildings have been set to demolition. Demolition sights begin to agreggate in order to share resources. A few renovations have gained momentum and have investors. Demolition sites have become foraging grounds for domestic goats and cows.
CITYWIDE:
50-100 under demolition 20-25 under renovation
Legend
CITYWIDE: ~1000 under demolition ~400 under renovation
% housing v
YEAR 10 2-3 Repo crews continue to operate Demolition sites are begining to collapse. Popular renovation sites are reintegrated into the electricity and water.
Through looking at vacancies and choosing in which ones we should redouble our efforts and which ones we should try something new will do more than shrink the city. A density increase in parts of the city and in other areas decreased though not depopulated entirely.
Legend % housing vacant units VARIABLE1 0.000000 - 3.000000
Legend 3.000001 - 5.000000 5.000001 - 10.000000
% housing vacant units 10.000001 - 15.000000 1.5
3
5.000001 - 10.000000
3.000001 - 5.000000
Miles 0.000000 -9 3.000000 6 12
VARIABLE1 15.000001 - 100.000000
0
1.5
3
6
9
M 12
15.000001 - 100.000000
10.000001 - 15.000000
ANewDensity 0
DeepArchitecture
In the spirit of the the ingenuity of Michigan’s Early Economies of trade and resource cultivation. Two proposals for 2030. The first a simple downward shift. The earth’s surface temperature drastically changes season to season and building residential homes a few feet deeper will save on energy costs dramatically. The trappers and lumberjacks of early michigan raised the earth around their temporary structures to
rebuild here
COMPOSTED HOME
fortify themselve against the harsh Michigan winters and we can use this same strategy to reintegrated a sense of building INTO THE EARTH.
30˚ 45˚
When Detroit needs new housing again the remnants of the slow demolition can provide a bunker against the prevailing winds. Low, flat earthen roofs will gather snow and provide a thermal comfort for future Detroit has identity. The remaining residents and structures are not lacking in character. There
residents.
is no tabula rasa here. The abandoned house is the site condition and must be dealt with before any other grand improvements.
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detroit water system the 1-5-10 plan
362
Currently, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department pumps an average of 675 million gallons per day to more than four million people in 126 communities within its service area. With 5 water treatment facilities, that’s an average of 800,000 people served by each facility.
Tuscola
Montcalm
Sanilac
lake huron
Gratiot
Genesee Ionia
Lapeer
St. Clair
Clinton
Oakland Barry
Eaton
Livingston
Ingham
Macomb
detroit Washtenaw
DWSD water treatment facility communities supplied by DWSD Calhoun Jackson
Wayne
city of detroit
Branch
Hillsdale
lake st. clair
Lenawee
canada
Monroe
lake erie
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lake huron Genesee St. Clair
Lapeer
Oakland
Macomb
detroit Wayne
lake st. clair
canada
Monroe
lake erie
... yet the service area barely creeps as far west as Washentenaw County, and leaves large gaps north of Maccomb, south of the Lake Huron intake.
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How could our water system adapt to meet the needs of an increasingly decentralized society?
How could our water system adapt to meet the needs of an increasingly decentralized society? How can we improve Detroit’s water quality? How can we reduce the amount of chemicals present in our drinking supply?
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the water system: 1_5_10 1 year
5 years
10 years
Incorporate PEX tubing into existing water
Eliminate centralized water treatment facili-
Land previously dedicated to water treatment
mains [as opposed to replacing with new
ties from the water distribution entirely.
facilities and corresponding zoning requirements is revitalized and integrated into
mains or retrofitting with polyethylene [PE] liners.
The microstation takes on a module-like
landscape.
existence and can be repeated to expand the Reduce chemical treatment of water and
existing water system further north to in-
As a valuable commodity once occupied
increase filtration by integrating micro filtra-
crease pipeline connections with Lake Huron
primarily by industry and infrastructure, the
tion stations into existing water system.
and Lake St. Clair intakes to achieve fresher
Detroit shoreline space becomes public.
water, as well as further west to reach more communities.
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1 year
In order to implement a new water
tubing allows for a less complicated and
filtration systems will replace the current
infrastructure without causing a massive
invasive installation process while increasing
chemical treatment phase in our water
system overhaul, this plan is intended to
water transmission options: What was once
system, thus also eliminating the need to
first integrate the proposed new parts into
one main can now branch off into many lines,
store vast quantities of water as it is treated
the existing water infrastructure before
and similarly, treated and untreated water
more efficiently as it is in route through
expanding beyond the current system’s
may be routed through the same main due to
the system. Using only a minimal amount
bounds.
the separation provided by PEX tubing.
of iodine in third stage, the new filtration
Microstations featuring water filtration
process would result in the elimination
systems are installed throughout the water
of potassium permanganate, chlorine,
supply system to reduce dependence on
orthophosphate, and fluoride from our water
chemical water treatments. These four step
supply.
In one year PEX tubing is incorporated into existing water mains [as opposed to replacing with new mains or retrofitting with polyethylene liners]. The flexibility of PEX
369
water treatment facility lake huron, northeast, waterworks, springwells, southwest
screen
chlorine
pre-sedimentation
additions of secondary disinfectant chloramines = chorline + ammonia
coagulant
mixing
sedimentation filtration
source Lake Huron Lake St. Calir Detroit River
fluoride lime orthophosphate chlorine
service line primary disinfection
storage resevoirs
existing water distribution system
transmission main
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proposed water distribution system multiple screens to filter out natural debris
microstation
4 part filtration system
transmission main
source Lake Huron Lake St. Calir Detroit River
granulated active carbon chamber iodine bead chamber polyester filter textile pre-filter
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service line
service line
pex feeds into manifold system
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polyester filter textile pre-filter
granulated active carbon chamber iodine bead chamber
textile pre-filter
iodine bead chamber
The tiny openings in the mesh of the filter measure 100 microns in di-
The beads in this chamber are impregnated [saturated] with iodine.
ameter [about the diameter of a strand of hair]. This filters out bigger
The iodine kills parasites and 99.3% of bacteria and viruses.
particles like dirt and sediment. polyester filter
granualted active carbon chamber
The holes in the mesh of this filter are much smaller - only 15 mi-
The carbon filters out any remaining parasites and also improves the
crons. This filters out clusters of bacteria.
taste and smell of the water.
375
376
377
5 years
Eliminate centralized water treatment facili-
the water supply is always moving - from the
ties and replace with micro filtration stations
moment of intake to the time it reaches the
occurring frequently throughout the system.
faucet.
These micro filtration stations are signifi-
The increased frequency of the micro filtra-
cantly smaller as they are not required to
tion stations also enables easy system repairs
retain vast quantities of water for chemical
[more manageable station disabling and line
treatment, but rather filter water as it is mov-
re-routing], as well as higher water pressure
ing through the system. In this new system
to inland locations.
Ingham
Livingston
Macomb
detroit
lake lake st. clair huron
NE = Northeast
existing DWSD water system [left] WW = Waterworks SPW = Springwells proposed DWSD water system [right]
Washtenaw
Lake Huron Jackson
Genesee
Wayne
Lapeer
St. Clair
Southwest
canada Lake Huron
Hillsdale
watertreatment treatment plant water plant transmission mains transmission mains pumpstation stations pump resevoir resevoir country county boundary boundary proposed microstation
Monroe
lake erie
Oakland Livingston
Macomb Northeast
detroit
lake st. clair
Waterworks
WW = Waterworks SPW = SpringwellsSpringwells
Washtenaw Wayne
NE = Northeast
Southwest
Southwest
canada
Monroe
lake erie
water treatment plant transmission mains pump station resevoir country boundary
lake huron
Gratiot
Genesee
Lapeer
St. Clair
Clinton
Oakland Eaton
Ingham
Livingston
Macomb
detroit
lake st. clair
Washtenaw Jackson
Hillsdale
Wayne
Lenawee
canada
Monroe
lake erie
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381
10 years
Land previously dedicated to water treatment
Potential for existing infrastructure to be re ap-
facilities and corresponding zoning require-
propriated.
ments is revitalized and integrated into landscape. Shoreline that was once occupied almost exclusively by industry and infrastructure is now public and accessible.
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water works park 10100 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit
15
00
’ 12 00
left
’
50 10
55
0’
’
facility
00
’
29
erasure of all but the original water works
right site dimensions and zonal set backs in
50
0’
24
00
’
relation to central treatment facility
85
80
0’
0’
386
one. five. ten.
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388
Mack Avenue, Detroit at the beginning of the 20th century the
and a method of manufacturing that steadily
manufacture and decreased its cost. Ford did
automobile was a paly thing for the rich. Most
reduced the cost of the Model T. Instead of
not conceive the concept, he perfected it. Prior
models were coplicated machines that required
pocketing the profits; Ford Motor sold more
to the introduction of the assembly line, cars
a chauffer conversant with its individual
cars ad steadily increased his earnings --
were indivicually crafted by teams of sckilled
machanical nuances to drive it. Henry Ford
transforming the automobile froma luxury toy
workmen -- a slot and expensive proceedure.
was determined to build a simple, reliable,
to a mainstay of American society. The Model
The assembly line reveresed the process of
and affordable car; a car the average American
T made is debut in 1908 with a purchase price
automobile manufacture. Instead of workers
worker could afford. out of this determination
of $825.00. Over ten thousand were sold in
going to the car, the car came to the worker
came to Model t and the assembly line -- two
its first year, establishing a new record. Four
who performed the same task of assembly
innovations
American
years later the price dropped to $575.00 and
over and over again. With the introduction and
society and molded the world we line intody.
sales soared. By 1914, Ford could claim a 48
perfection of the process, Ford was able to
Henry Ford did not inven the car; he produced
percent share of the automobile market.
reduce the assembly time of the Model T from
that
revolutionized
an automobile that was witin the economic
twelve hours to less then six hours.1
reach of the average American. While other
Central to For’s abaility to produce an
manufacturers were content to target a market
affordable car was the development of the
of the well-to-do, Ford developed a design
assembly line that increased the efficiency of
389
ford motor co. Above from Right to Left : 2. The assembly line at Ford Motor Company in Detroit , MI (1952) 3. Ford Motor Company in Detroit , MI (1935)
390
“By 1914, Ford could claim a 48 percent share on the automobile market in the United States.�1
Right : 4. View of the Ford Motor Company in Detroit , MI.
391
ford motor co.
392
393
one. five. ten.
394
Above from Right to Left : 5. View of Lake St . Claire dur ing the winter, from Canada
395
St. Claire River international boundary between Canada and the United States most of the shoreline is urbanized and heavily industrialized listed as an area of condern in the Great Lakes Region
LAKE ST. CLAIRE smallest lake in the Great Lakes Region connecs Lake Huron and Lake Erie average depth is 9m, constant dredgin is required extensive delta system, largest in the region accomodates international shipping a popular recreational area
The Detroit River industrial development on the river commerical waterway, urbanized area
Left : View of Detroit River Flickr.com User : Mr. Histor y_July 27, 2005
396
397
Area of Concern The Detroit River is a 32 mile long strait in
and the Erie Canal. Therefore, when Detroit
rapid industrial growth has found its way into
the Great Lakes System. The Detroit River
experienced rapid industrializaion at the
the river. Much of the Detroit River and its
has served an important role in the hisotry
turn of the twentieth-century, the Detroit
shoreline were heavily polluted and unsafe
of Michigan and more spcifically, Detroit. As
River became notoriously polluted and toxic.
for recreational use. Large quantities of the
one of the busiest waterways in the world, the
In recent years, however, the ecological
pollution collected aound the mouth of the
Detroit River has been a location of commerce
importance of the rver has warranted a vast
Detoirt River at Lake Erie. The pllutants were
for industrializaion in the area. The river
restoration effort, and the Detroit River
so high after the spring thaw that thousands
travels south from Lake erie, and the entire
currently has a wide variety of economical and
of migrating birds were killed by oil slicks and
river carries the international border between
recreational uses.
contaminated water every year. Oxygen levels
Canada and the united States, thus, the river
in the river were depleted to the point where
divides the major metropolitan areas of
The land surrounding the Detroit River
fish were unable to inhabit its whaters. Much of
Detroit, MI and Windsor, Onterio.
is urbanized and, in some areas, heavily
this pollution drained into the Lake Erie Basin,
industrialized. This has resulted in excessive
the lake was donsidered deak and unable to
The river serves as an important transportation
water pollution from the unregulated dmping
support aquatic life.
route connecting Lake Michigan, Lake Huron,
of chemicals and industrial waste for many
and Lake Superior to the St. Lawrence Seaway
decades. Much of the waste from Detroits
Left : 6. View of the Detroit River.
398
399
“...23 percent of Great Lakes beaches were closed for at least a day, and 14 percent were closed for more then nine days to prevent the spreach of waterborne disease. Bacterial and viral pathogens have been introducted into the Great Lakes from overflowing sewage plants and runoff from our yards, streets, farms.�7 Left : 7. View of the Detroit River.
1South > North 400
Gross Pointes
Reversing the Detroit River The Ford Motor Company is considered a major point source of pollution for the Detroit River and Lake Erie Basin, causing contamination within these bodies of water; affecting the natural and local inhabitats. Due to the North to South circulation of the Detroit River the bodies of water south of the Ford Motor Co. are the most heavily affected by industrial waterwaste.
Consequently,
the
shoreline
of these polluted waters is also affected, environmentally, economically, and socially. This has caused a distint division between the residents of Detroit and adjacent residential communities. Therefore, this 1 year proposal is to reverse the flow of the Detroit River, as to change the location of the contaminated bodies of water, from the Lake Erie Basin to the shoreline of the Gross Points in Lake St. Claire.
Lake Erie Basin
Gross Pointes
Lake Erie Basin
401
402
90
403
one. five. ten.
404
ed Unit
nB adia n a es/C Stat
r orde
“the most conspicous city-suburban contrast in the United States...”8 405
The Detroit Wall? Alter Road is a North to Sough thoroughfare
late 1960s there was little visible difference
of approximately four miles in length in
between Alter Road and the streets immediately
southeastern part of Michigan’s Wayne County.
west of it inside the Detroit city limits, as
Although Alter Road itself is completely within
compared with the streets immediately east of
the Detroit City limits, it is a symbolic dividing
it inside the Grosse Pointe Park city limits. The
line between the overwhelmingly African-
southeastern corner of Detroit was primarily
American city of Detroit and the likewise
Caucasian at the time (as was Detroit as a
overwhelmingly Caucasian city of Grosse
whole) and did not suffer the urban decay that
Pointe Park. Like 8 Mile Road, another well-
plagues most of Detroit today.
known thoroughfare of political, ethnic, and economic demarcation in Metro Detroit, Alter
The four-mile stretch of Alter Road provies
Road has long been considered something
some contrasts of its own. At its Southern-
of a ‘Berlin Wall’ to seperate communities. In
most, below Jefferson Ave., are generally well-
fact, there are two places at which concrete
kept dwellings and the pleasant Mariner Park,
barriers have actually been erected so as to
situated near the shoreline. North of Jefferson
reduce interaction between the two cities.
Ave. alter Road is quite blighted - as is much of Detroit, however, Alter Road’s Northermost
The City of Grosse Pointe Park has made some
blocks exhibit derelict residential plots and
of its intersecting North-South side streets
older homes awaiting demolision.
inaccessible to vehicles, so as to reduce the potential for criminal activity. Up unitl the
406
Alter Road + Mack Avenue
1960 Above: 9. Point of Inter section - the divide between Detroit and the Grosse Point s, The Detroit Wall...
Above: Diagram of the Grow th of the Grosse Pointes.
407
1980
“there are two places at which concrete barriers have actually been erected as to reduce the interaction between the two cities.�
2000
408
5 Perpendicular Water Merging the Grosse Pointes and Detroit Due to the reversal of the Detroit River as suggested in the first year proposal, Lake St. Claire will ultimately become heavily polluted, because of the South to North flow of the river. Therefore, the water in Lake St. Claire will becoming toxic, limiting the usage of the lake. Consequently, the residents in the Grosse Pointes will no longer be able to use
90
the Lake water for recreational purposes; such as boating, fishing, swimming, etc. Therefore, a series of canals will be implemented perpendicular to Alter Road. These canals will
be approximately 4 - 6 miles in lenth,
connecting the Grosse Pointes with the city of Detroit. Thus, bringing the residents of the Grosse Pointes into the city, and fundamentaly blurring
the
communities.
segregation
between
the
90 90
+ Canal 1
409
Mack Avenue
+ Canal 2
Kercheval Street
+ Canal 3
E. Jefferson Avenue
Left : Diagram of the three canals situated perpendicular to Alter Road. Right : Satelitte images of the location of the three canals.
90
90
Nottingham Street
Barham Street
Maryland Street
3 Mile Drive Bedford Road
Devonshire Road Buckingham Road Birkshire Road Balfour Street
Nottingham Street Barham Street
Grand Marias Street
3 Mile Drive Bedford Road
Devonshire Road Buckingham Road Birkshire Road Balfour Street
Westchester Street
Nottingham Street
Algonquin Street
Kitchner Street
Continental Street
Dickerson Street
Coplin Street
Lakewod Street
Eastlawn Street
Chalmers Street
Malborough Street
Phillip Street
Manistique Street
Alter Road
Barrington Road
Penberton Road
Lakepointe Street
Beaconsfield Street
Barham Street
90
Beaconsfield Street
Canal 2/Kercheval St. [5.5 mi]
Lakepointe Street
Maryland Street
Wayburn Street
Eastlawn Street
Chalmers Street
Alter Road
90
Canal 1/Mack Ave. [4.2 mi]
Wayburn Street
Alter Road
Chalmers Street
Coplin Street Lakeview Street
Coplin Street
Drexel Street
Lenox Street
Dickerson Street
Grey Street
Springle Street
Anderton Street Conner Street
Navahoe Street Conner Street
Canal 3/E. Jefferson Ave. [6.2 mi]
Drexel Street
Lenox Street
Dickerson Street
Grey Street
Springle Street
Anderton Street Conner Street
410
Outer Drive E.
Cadieux Road
Bluehill Street
Grosse Pointe Ct
Lakeland Drive
411
McMillan Road
Fischer Road
Lincoln Road
Washington Road
Lakeland Avenue
Grosse Pointe Ct
St. Claire Street
Cadieux Road Harvard Road
Outer Drive E.
Grosse Pointe Farm
Lakeland Drive
Lakeside Court
Sycamore Lane
Lake Court Jefferson Court
Bishop Lane
Edgemont Park
Park Lane
Wittiar Street
412
413
one. five. ten.
414
10Destination Pointes
Bringing the Residents of the Grosse Pointes to Detroit With the implementation of the Canals as proposed in the five-year plan, there are voids along these waterways that allow for points of intervention. These destination points will be situationed along the stretch of man-made water and will be on the west-side of Alter Road. 90
These areas will not only serve to pull in the residents of the Grosse Pointes into the city, but also as a site for amalgamation between the residents of Detroit and the residents of the Grosse Pointes.
90 90
02
Speculating what will emerge at the intersection of the canal system 415 with the streets. Does it have intention? Or is arbitratry, unsystematic?
Points of Intervention: Canal 1/Mack Avenue Conner Street Alter Road
Canal 2/Kercheval Street Conner Street Anderton Street Springle Street Grey Street Dickson Street Lakeview Street
Canal 3/E. Jefferson Avenue Conner Street Anderton StreetNavahoe Street Kichner Street Coplin Street Lakewood Street
The Grotesque is a research book assembled by students in the M.Arch graduate option architecture studio at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning under the direction of studio critic Christian Unverzagt in the Winter of 2010. The work is produced as an academic inquiry into issues of energy and ecology as they relate to the built environment in and around Detroit, Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. The students have attempted to cite sources whenever possible and make no claim of ownership to the visual imagery or statistical data used. The proposals on the other hand, are all theirs. thegrotesque@umich.edu
2010 Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning taubmancollege.umich.edu/architecture