Winners of the Detroit City of Design Competition re-imagine the possibilities for safe and walkable neighborhoods

This year, Design Core Detroit launched its first edition of Detroit City of Design Competition. Recognized as a UNESCO City of Design in 2015, Detroit has dedicated time and effort to help the city grow and thrive. The international and multi-disciplinary competition invited designers from all 31 UNESCO Cities of Design to participate in the competition. The goal was to create prototype design solutions for various neighborhoods in Detroit that promoted aspects of safety and walkability. 

Supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the goal of the competition is to envision and test creative, innovative design solutions that make it easier for all Detroiters to move freely, safely and efficiently around their communities.

With a jury comprised of local and international design experts and various community representatives, 26 project submissions were reviewed. Out of those 26 submissions, three winners were selected. The three finalists were chosen for their attention to the prompt, creativity, and execution of addressing the neighborhood's location and value for cost.

“With a design that integrates and highlights unique aspects of Southwest Detroit’s diverse cultural background, Garden Novella by Other Works supports our community’s vision for a healthy and vibrant neighborhood,” said Myrna Segura , the Director of Business Development at the Southwest Detroit Business Association. “By providing a platform for our community members to share their stories, we are forming a welcoming space where we all have the opportunity to express and preserve who we are."

A unique aspect to the design competition is the transition from concept to built work. In April 2020, the three prototypes will be moved and positioned in their respective neighborhoods as temporary sites for four months. In addition to seeing their project prototypes presented, each winner has been commissioned $20,000.

Below are the competition winners and descriptions of their prototypes:

Competition Winner - Hope Village: CYCLERATE by SmithGroup, Detroit, MI

Project Description: "Cyclerate aims to enhance public safety through unity, lighting, communication and play. The installation, which lights up using kinetic energy generated by hand - powered cranks and stationary bike generators, encourages the community to work together to illuminate the structure. Participants can also engage in a friendly competition with one another to identify who can produce the greatest power output on the cycles. Expect to be surprised by the power produced through real - time statistics. The installation currently features LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers and USB power charging stations. With its built - in expansion capability, the scalable structure can accommodate additional cycles, componentry and lighting. CYCLERATE will be located on the Southwest Corner of Dexter and Chalfonte."

Competition Winner - Southwest Detroit: Garden Novella by Other Works, Detroit, MI

Project Description: "Garden Novella is a platform to express cultural, collective and individual identity. It weaves together recorded stories from Southwest residents to serve as a guide through a modular system of welcoming vessels. Sun powered lanterns, hanging gardens, sea ting and the recorded stories combine to create an interactive environment. The featured stories express the double consciousness experienced by many in the Southwest community; they aim to connect generations, repair the damage caused by repatriation and explore the process of translation in a bilingual community. Garden Novella will be located on the Northwest corner of Vernor and Clark St."

Competition Winner - Grandmont Rosedale: 3Rooms by Collectif Escargo, Montreal, Canada

Project Description: "3Rooms consists of three spaces that are intimately linked to the world of the house — simultaneously conveying a sense of belonging and celebrating the beauty of united communities. The first “room” is ‘’Le Jardin’’ (The Garden), where the community is invited to participate in agriculture. ‘’Le Boudoir’’ is for nap lovers, readers and anyone who desires a rest in the shade of fruit trees. Finally, "The Hut" features a steep er incline, making it a perfect spot for anyone who wants to be a little more playful. Each module lights up in the evening with a soft glow, functioning as a fireplace in the middle of the neighborhood. The hue alternates from red, blue, mauve or multicolored. 3Rooms is a safe cocoon for improvised gatherings. Like a poetic metaphor of the surrounding houses, it is merry, bright , colorful and full of life. 3Rooms will be located on the corner of Grand River and Puritan."

To view the projects of other finalists and details about the sites click here.