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ETD Abstract Container

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ReGen Detroit: Rejuvenation of the Motor City through Mobility and Modularity

Cusumano, Vincent
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1584016156451122

Abstract Details

2020, MARCH, University of Cincinnati, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture.
ReGen: Detroit will look to occupy a unique space between the delicate balance of old and new in the Motor City. American post-industrial cities, were once leveled and left vacant, act as the ideal design “tabula rasa” and architectural stage. The architect can project their own ideals to create a new city that is more efficient, vibrant and harmonious with its historical context. If correctly applied, the architecture will work with the nature that has grown from the urban decay. ReGen will encapsulate three aspects 1. Modularity In the US, the car has greatly shaped urban design and western civilization. Detroit has mass produced, lived and was eventually diminished by the automobile, one of the most prolific and successful modular spaces known to man. By embracing the modular ingenuity that embodied Detroit for many years during its prosperity the city can be made anew. Pre-constructed, architecturally designed pods or shipping container spaces are becoming increasingly popularized in contemporary but for their many benefits they are still being extremely under-utilized in the American architectural and urban design landscapes. Modern construction capabilities allow us to design spaces that can have the affect in lowering overall building costs and constructing in a more cost effective environmentally friendly and less invasive way. The existing Detroit infrastructure was originally created to be a large transportation hub for over 1.8 million people. Today, there is opportunity to effectively transport modular units via car or truck anywhere in the city. In the more near future, shipping containers throughout the world can be brought to Detroit by train or boat. These containers can be retrofitted for reuse and can be purchased cheaply by Detroiters (similarly to Henry Ford’s assembly line) to utilize in a number of ways. Because of their adaptability the units can as be plugged into several newly designed frameworks in the city. 2. Urban Agriculture Similarly to many US cities within the last decade, Detroit has embraced different forms of urban agriculture with relative success. However, unlike many of its counterparts, Detroit has an enormous amount of vacant land due to the widespread destruction and abandonment. This land, that has been vacant since the late sixties, can still be utilized for the betterment of the people of the city. Detroit was incredibly urban during its peak but it has always been connected to the agriculture from its surrounding rural areas in Southeast Michigan. Local farmers could, and still can, come to the heart of Detroit to sell their produce every weekend in the Eastern Market. For the city, the Eastern Market has represented more than a few sheds in a parking lot. It is a space of community and solidarity for everyone in the city even during the worst of times; because when it comes down to it, everyone needs good produce. 3. Iconic Pairing Sadly, much of Detroit’s urban architectural history has been erased thanks to riots, subsequent urban destruction, and decay. Pairing new design with specific historically important urban areas can bring activity and life back to them. ReGen will focus on sites in close proximity to Michigan Central Terminal, Book Tower, and the Eastern Market. The goal of these sites is to both raise awareness for landmark architecture and create activity hubs. Over time the energy from these sites will generate life throughout the rest of the city.
Michael McInturf, M.Arch. (Committee Chair)
Elizabeth Riorden, M.Arch. (Committee Member)
104 p.
Design
Detroit; architecture; design; history; city; modularity

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Cusumano, V. (2020). ReGen Detroit: Rejuvenation of the Motor City through Mobility and Modularity [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1584016156451122

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Cusumano, Vincent. ReGen Detroit: Rejuvenation of the Motor City through Mobility and Modularity. 2020. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1584016156451122.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Cusumano, Vincent. "ReGen Detroit: Rejuvenation of the Motor City through Mobility and Modularity." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1584016156451122

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1584016156451122
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.