PROJECT Retrofit Detroit
LOCATION Detroit, Michigan
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 5/9/2016
PROJECT CATEGORY Graduate / Upper Level Design
PROJECT TYPE Studio
ENTRANT Donna Ryu
TEAM MEMBERS N/A
SCHOOL University of Virginia: School of Architecture
FACULTY SPONSOR Charles Menefee III, Associate Professor / Architecture
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
This project proposes a system of construction that reimagines vacant and derelict buildings as an asset, a challenge integral to rebuilding Detroit’s urban landscape. The site is located in Virginia Parks, a neighborhood that is currently met with over 70% vacancy and an absence of public amenities. The design proposition takes place within parts of a historically recognized Albert Kahn hospital hosted in the 17.9 acres Herman Kiefer Complex. Before its closing in 2010, the hospital housed a community clinic, department of records, and general hospital care which served as the only yet most critical amenity within the community boundaries. Retrofit Detroit proposes a methodology for partial occupation that allows for a comprehensive yet active approach to development without having to fit-out the entire building creating an initial yet vibrant economic, social, and cultural incubator for future growth within the rest of the hospital building and the Virginia Parks neighborhood.
STUDENT'S STATEMENT
Retrofit Detroit reintroduces its original service as the Department of Records with additional flexible programming set for the community in a public library. The design proposition occupies a strategic portion of the entire 300,000SF building realizing that in its initial stages of redevelopment, a financial, programmatic, and infrastructural commitment to the entire building would be preemptive for a neighborhood and city that does not anticipate an increase in population anytime soon. Detroit must transform its image of vacancy into an image informed by the new possibilities for ͖͕21st century land uses. This means creating new opportunities for vacant land to become assets that contribute tax dollars, produce jobs, or become a public amenity.
Retrofit Detroit creates a system-based approach by taking on an inside-out approach where a structurally independent tessellated panel system, constructed from reusing old brick previously on site, provides a lateral buffer zone when connected to the inner polycarbonate wall assembly, called North and South “Halls”. These halls host all fire egress, vertical circulation, ventilation components, plumbing, fire control piping, electrical elements, and data wiring. This allows for clear floor space and flexibility in community based programs inside the building. The value of the system lies in its scalability and application to many vacant building materials left unused and underutilized throughout Detroit without having to demolish sound foundations and building structure.
The drawings represent a series of design decisions focusing on addressing demand for reliable city services, safe streets, healthy environments, access to food, jobs, public transit, and places to play, learn, and engage with one another. The project challenges these demands with a design focus on materiality, form/massing of the inner and outer wall assembly, and realigning building systems in ways that promote areas of economic potential, encourage thriving communities, and improve environmental and human health conditions.
IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS
IMAGE 1: Retrofit Detroit_high res image1, North Plaza, Credit - Donna Ryu
IMAGE 2: Retrofit Detroit_high res image2, Building System, Credit - Donna Ryu
IMAGE 3: Retrofit Detroit_ image3, Extruded Polycarbonate cladding attachment, Credit - Donna Ryu
IMAGE 4: Retrofit Detroit_ image4, 3rd Floor - Library Stacks + Study/Reading, Credit - Donna Ryu
IMAGE 5: Retrofit Detroit_ image5, 2nd Floor Porch walk-through, Credit - Donna Ryu
IMAGE 6: Retrofit Detroit_ image6, Walking within "South Hall", Credit - Donna Ryu
IMAGE 7: Retrofit Detroit_ image7, Rooftop Plaza, Credit - Donna Ryu
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Retrofit Detroit
Category
AIA Maryland Student Design Awards > Graduate > Graduate / Upper Level Design
Winner Status
- AIA Maryland: Graduate / Upper Level Design - DESIGN AWARD
- People's Choice
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