For August, Archinect has explored a variety of topics relating to the changing landscape of the city of Detroit, including new initiatives in design and public policy, academics, and architectural practice.
As we near the end of the month, our focus turns to the architects, designers, urban planners, and community-centered programs in Detroit that have collaborated to enrich neighborhoods and develop stronger examples of equity within the area.
According to Erica Snow of Business of Home, a 2018 report from Design Core Detroit states the nature of Detroit's growth. "Design is thriving in the Motor City [..] architecture and interior design were $489.6 million and $148.6 million industries, respectively, in the city's metropolitan area, and the design industry as a whole grew 15-percent between 2012 and 2016."
This type of growth and focus on design has made Detroit into a "must watch city." The area has a vibrant past and bright future that is coming together thanks to dedicated individuals like urban planner Clarinda Barnett-Harrison and designer Tiffany Cobb, who make up Rivet Design Collective, a collective that reflects the city where they practice. Barnett-Harrison shared with Business of Home, "Detroit's rapid growth has sometimes failed to reflect the city's diversity."
"What Tiffany and I are doing is debunking the notion that these professionals aren't available," added Barnett-Harrison. "We can really shine a light on individuals who have been here, doing the work, who can be a part of reimagining the city of Detroit." The two are joined by the talents of architect Chandra Moore principal of COG Studio, Loretta Crenshaw, principal of Crenshaw & Associates, Jeanine Haith principal of Show House Interiors, and multidisciplinary designer Danae Hoerauf as a some of the thriving designers of color on the Detroit scene.
In September, the city is laying the groundwork for the Detroit Month of Design, a citywide celebration that showcases the work of designers, educational institutions, and emerging businesses working in Detroit. An exciting time for the city, architecture firms like VolumeOne and Neumann/Smith Architecture will participate in exhibitions and installations during the event. The Rivet Design Collective will also be hosting a panel discussion called, "Multicultural Design in a Re-Emerging City." Designer Jeanine Haith shares, "There are voices and faces of color in design. There are opportunities out here for us to be influential in the rebirth of Detroit."
5 Comments
Sessions podcast...
seems like you could say the same about a lot of cities — and it’s not a new thing. There’s a lot more design happening outside of the pop media lens
Very true- it’s that Detroit seems to be in that spot where it’s big enough to draw attention from design media, but hasn’t become stable enough for the A-listers to be contracted for the “important” projects yet. That’s why we can see these women now.
Marc, I agree. Donna, let's go to Detroit and do a podcast!
So is this happening? No pressure...
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