Abstract:
The city of Detroit is in a transition point in its history; a shift from automotive and heavy machinery to new forms of technology and manufacturing. The sprawl outward has left the urban core barren with abandoned buildings, vacant lots, casinos that are destructive to the individual economies of the citizens, and sporting events that are only a three hour separation from the collapsing city outside of their walls. This makes Detroit more of destination than a place to live. The near east riverfront provides adequate information to fully understand the transition that is occurring within the city. The current progress of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has taken action to add value, beauty, and use to the riverfront space. Thus far, the Conservancy has created 'points of interest' along the riverfront. However the connection between these select areas is lacking. The Riverwalk will serve as the connection between these spaces; the plan has not yet been fully developed, and needs to be reconfigured to serve the area better. These new areas are places that people can go to, but the undeveloped space around it restricts its means of access. This continues to express the idea of Detroit as a destination. Once the line of development has been reached, the site deteriorates to broken asphalt and sections of unattended, overgrown grass and weeds. These sites are those for future developments that contain signage for high-end condominiums and lofts, some of the projects have been scrapped or have not even broken ground, even though they should already be occupied. Even if construction were to begin now, the minimum day of occupancy for any would be two years out. This space will remain vacant site a sign saying, 'this is what could be here'. But when this occurs and the impact that it will have on the area and its connection with the downtown area has yet to be seen. The exploration will focus on connecting these temporal interstitial spaces and all for adequate and proper growth that can sustain the area and restore its value to the city of Detroit. The current plan for the riverfront seems to be attracting a particular audience; the new housing developments are all high-end units that will limit the socioeconomic diversity necessary to stimulate the progress of the area. The project will focus on providing a transition for the city to accommodate for new uses, and increased developments to revive the area.
