Condition:

After half a century of decline and has just recently emerged from bankruptcy protection, Detroit’s economy has no place to go but up. Innovation is going to be key in reviving Detroit’s manufacturing industry. Therefore, attracting creative individuals will be a priority in rebuilding Detroit’s future.

Architectural position:

Currently, Detroit can afford to provide free live/work housing units to attract creative entrepreneurs by exploiting its rock-bottom real estate. Combing it with the appropriate architectural strategies, this proposal could transform Detroit’s metropolitan area into a community hub of creativity.

Hypothesis: 3 Architectural Strategies

·      By using a live/work/play design and planning strategy, the proposed housing units will transform the abandoned Detroit downtown core into a creative community.

·      Personalizable workspace design on the ground level will encourage creative expression and advancement, as well as turning the street level into an outdoor showcase for Detroit’s future industry.

·      To promote environmentally and economically sustainable practice in the rebuilding process, the proposed housing units will maximize the usage of deconstructed materials from blighted buildings in Detroit.