This revitalization competition of the Michigan Central Station called for a variety of program, all held within the existing shell of the 18 story abandoned train station. The ‘Detroit Station for the Arts’ would hold an art gallery, multiple exhibition spaces, a theater, artist workshops and residences, a hotel, and two rooftop restaurants, catering to a wide variety of visitors.

Accommodating the entirety of the program within the existing structure divides the space into a rigid layout of private spaces. Allocating program outside of the existing structure, as done in this proposal, creates residual void spaces that are shared among artists and residence. The residential stacks, located on either end of the building, become porous clusters that allow natural light to fill the voids forming a symbiotic relationship between circulation and shared space, thereby engendering a sense of community not typically found in an apartment tower. These clusters bleed into the studio space, creating a seamless transition from live to work. These areas all function towards a common goal of producing work to be showcased and displayed on the ground floor.