The proposal to replace the asphalt stretch between John R and Brush Streets with an underground car park signals a profound shift in the fabric of Midtown Detroit’s Cultural District. By relocating car storage below ground, this initiative not only reclaims valuable land but also reimagines it as a Green Commons, designed to support the surrounding institutions while integrating essential environmental measures such as runoff mitigation.
The Welcome Center at street level functions as more than just an entryway; it serves as a cultural gateway. Through the strategic use of light wells, natural light is drawn into the underground spaces, while the rooftop is activated as a versatile space for outdoor classrooms and gatherings. This design reconfigures both the physical entry into the District and the conceptual understanding of its cultural landscape.
Critically, this proposal addresses the persistent problems of fragmentation and environmental degradation that have long plagued Detroit, particularly due to the widespread use of surface lots and the dominance of car storage. The choice of a single-slab design, selected for its economic and environmental benefits, reflects a deliberate response to the challenges facing both the District and the broader city.
2022
Midtown Detroit
Scale:
145,000 SF
Client:
The Detroit Cultural Center Association (DCCA)
Stakeholder Institution:
Detroit Institute of Arts
Principals:
Anya Sirota, Jean Louis Farges
Design Team:
Sarah Carter, Ian Donaldson