Critical Detroit tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008-06-15:/blog//1 2008-08-19T18:34:00Z engaging local architecture Movable Type Personal 4.1 Burj Dubai Skyscraper tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.57 2008-08-19T16:40:38Z 2008-08-19T18:34:00Z You may not like it for various reasons, but you can't help but be impressed with these statistics:Height: 850m - 900m (2550ft - 2700ft)Floors: 160 - 189Cost: $800,000,000Construction: February 2005 - August 2009Architect: SOMThere's even a website devoted to documenting... Steve VanBrussel Burj Dubai SkyscraperYou may not like it for various reasons, but you can't help but be impressed with these statistics:

  • Height: 850m - 900m (2550ft - 2700ft)
  • Floors: 160 - 189
  • Cost: $800,000,000
  • Construction: February 2005 - August 2009
  • Architect: SOM
There's even a website devoted to documenting everything about this building as it goes up.  The site includes many facts, figures, construction photos, and even a daily news journal.

For comparisons sake, the Sears Tower, currently the tallest in North America, only has 110 floors and is 1450 feet tall.  The tallest building in Detroit is the 73-story, 727 feet tall Marriott Hotel at the center of the GM Renaissance Center.
]]> Big House Getting Bigger tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.56 2008-08-19T14:33:38Z 2008-08-19T14:54:37Z Steve VanBrussel East PerspectiveIf you somehow missed this, Michigan Stadium is undergoing a major renovation and expansion.  The following description is straight from the U of M project website:

The 400,000-square-foot addition includes two multi-story masonry structures on both the east and west sides of the stadium; the end zones will remain open. The structures, which will stand 10 feet higher than the current scoreboards at their highest point, include 83 suites and 3,000 club seats.

Construction is phased over the next three years and will be completed prior to the 2010 football season.
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]]> ALOeTERRA tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.55 2008-08-13T18:29:14Z 2008-08-13T18:52:09Z Steve VanBrussel aloeterra_rendering.jpg=ALOeTERRA was a 2007 Solar Decathlon competition entry by a group of LTU students.  The event took place in Washington D.C. from October 12th - 20th, 2007.  Schools from around the world were selected to participate in the competition.

The LTU team had quite a few obstacles to overcome and finished 20th out of 20 teams.  You can read more about their experience and the competition in general at the following sites:

ALOeTERRA [ via LTU ]
Official LTU Team Blog
Solar Decathlon Official Website [ via U.S. Department of Energy ]

It appears that LTU was not selected to participate in the 2009 Solar Decathlon.

ALOeTERRA will be featured in the final presentation of the evening at annual AIA Michigan Design Retreat.
]]> AIA Debates Detroit "Design Parallels"? tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.54 2008-08-13T13:22:07Z 2008-08-13T17:43:29Z Steve VanBrussel AIA_logo.gifEven though this event happened in April 2008, I hesitate to publish this for a variety of reasons which I'll get to later.

First, a little background about the event.  The AIA Committee on Design was founded to "promote design excellence among members of the AIA, the broader design community, and the public at large, both nationally and internationally."  In keeping with their goals, the committee held a debate in Detroit from April 3rd thru April 6th to debate parallels between architecture and other forms of design including automotive, landscape, furniture, and crafts.

John Gallagher put together a nice little article which amounts to a daily journal of the days events. ]]>
  • Landscape - Belle Isle, Cranbrook, Kresge Foundation
  • Automotive - Ford Rouge Plant, GM Technical Center
  • Crafts - Cranbrook, Affleck House
  • Furniture - Cranbrook, Affleck House
They also visited many other significant buildings in Metro Detroit.

Unfortunately, the article provides little insight to the debate.  Apparently, outside of Detroit there is little love among architects for automotive design and no consensus was reached regarding design parallels.  We''ll have to wait until after September 4th to see if the committee really does reach a consensus, as agreed, in Copenhagen.

You can read through the article and draw your own conclusions.  I'll share my own to get the ball rolling and the reason I hesitated to publish this.

First, this article provides little insight into the debate.  Where is an depth discussion to compare design methodology, technological impact, and target audience between these forms of design?  Does each field even define design the same way?  Does each field share certain traits or even generate responses between industries?  (I am grateful that MGM wasn't completed so they could see the "consummate" result of combining automotive and architectural design.)

Second, the buildings visited are mostly from a very specific time period.  They visited some of Detroit's most prominent historical buildings.  How can you compare contemporary compartmentalized automotive design with the all encompassing design of Saarinen's Cranbrook?  Why not compare Cranbrook with automotive design at the time?

Third, there is no mention of design professionals from other fields being engaged or even present at this debate.  This one point alone really makes me question how productive this debate really was and wonder what it could have been. 

Finally, some of the published comments really make me cringe.  As an architect, I'm embarrassed by these comments, but I'll publish them anyway.  A few of my favorites:

  • "...automotive design 'is really packaging.'"
  • "My impression is that they're really decorators."(referring to an automotive designer)
  • "They all read the same comic books."
  • "...it is so much more about marketing, so much more about fashion."
  • "It's like nobody really designs a car. It's all these little pieces, and that's totally different."
These are some pretty ignorant statements by some Fellows of the AIA (which means they've been recognized by the AIA for their contributions to the field) and really exposes their misunderstanding of how automotive and architectural design are related.  Substitute "building" for "car" or "automotive" and these statements would be just as relevant to architectural design.   One could substitute any of the debated design forms and it still makes sense. 

I realize this is a feature article, not a final white paper, and it's intended to promote the committee and raise awareness.  However, the lack of insightful debate and participation from other design fields make this out to be nothing more than a site seeing trip for the committee.

]]> AIA Michigan Design Retreat [Updated] tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.52 2008-08-13T12:05:22Z 2008-08-13T14:47:20Z Steve VanBrussel AIA Michigan Design RetreatHas anybody seen their invitation to the 19th Annual Design Retreat?  I finally got my invitation! The AIA Michigan website site has a calendar entry for the event, but the link points to last year's event.  The only note is in the upper left corner of the page which indicates that the retreat is on September 12th thru 14th.

Typically, current year honor award winners are asked to present at the retreat.  If you've forgotten who received awards this year take a look at our recap.  Two days of presentations are followed by a guest lecturer talking about Michigan relevant architecture on Saturday evening.  Anybody have information about this years presenter?  A list of presenters was also included with the invitation.  Read on to learn which projects will be presented this year.
]]>
  • Gwinnet Environmental and Heritage Center - Lord Aeck & Sargent Architecture
  • Lamar Construction Company Headquarters - Integrated Architecture
  • Science Addition and Allied Health Expansion, GOCC - DSA Architects
  • West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology - Progressive AE
  • James Clarkson Environmental Discovery Center - SmithGroup, Inc.
  • St. Joseph's Recovery Center - Design Collaborative Design Center
  • St. Gertrude Catholic Church - Constantine George Pappas Architecture
  • M.U.D./M.U.P. Student Lounge - Neal Robinson, Architect
  • Warren Civic Center - Neumann/Smith Architecture
  • Honolulu House Museum - Architecture + Design
  • Ashka Salon and Spa - Biddison Architecture + Design
  • Team Detroit - Gensler
  • Rubin Residence - McIntosh Poris Associates
  • Kalamazoo Transportation Center - Kingscott Associates, Inc.
  • Global Headquarters Office Building - Albert Kahn Associates, Inc.
  • Siaulu Arena - Barton Malow Design

The final presentation, usually given after dinner, is titled LTU "AloeTerra" Presentation.  Anybody have any information for this presentation?
]]> Preservation Wayne Seeking New Leadership tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.53 2008-08-11T21:33:41Z 2008-08-11T21:38:08Z Steve VanBrussel very small write-up (it's about halfway down the page) in their August 4th edition announcing that Francis Grunow is resigning as Executive Director to pursue other interests.  A search is currently underway for her successor, but no definite timeframes have been set.
]]> Two Things That Should NOT be Combined tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.51 2008-08-08T00:08:31Z 2008-08-08T13:09:59Z Steve VanBrussel Gas Station
It looks simple enough.

A nice little gas station: actually a kind of gas station museum with several old pumps and various vintage signage on display.  The architecture itself is very practical and straight-forward.

Unfortunately, someone thought this would be a good idea to make this station an addition to quaint Victorian house.  I didn't get a chance to go inside.  I couldn't bring myself to it, so I'm left wondering if the original porch existing inside this station or if it was salvaged to create the side entrance.

Click the image to see more.View image View image
]]> Highland Jewel tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.50 2008-08-06T15:40:47Z 2008-08-07T13:04:46Z Steve VanBrussel Highland Methodist Episcopal ChurchA quick side trip revealed this jewel hidden in Highland Township.  It is the Highland United Methodist Church and is currently being used as a historical library for the county.

The building is Victorian Gothic with elaborate scroll work above the window heads, gables, and the tower.  The detail of the tower, which includes even more scroll work, decorative shingles, a belfry, and a metal weather vane, is impressive.

The building is listed in both the State and National Register (According to the State record, but I could not locate it in the National database) of Historic Places.

Some notes from the historical marker:  Built in 1886.  Purchased in 1980 by the township which restored the building and rededicated it in 1982.

Next time you're in Highland Township take the time to stop and admire the craftsmanship that went into the tower.View image View image]]> Critical Detroit Update tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.49 2008-08-04T16:29:29Z 2008-08-07T14:43:52Z Steve VanBrussel About page at the bottom of every page.

There are some things that I did not cover and will be updating that page shortly.

  1. How do I participate?  You can submit story ideas, join the team, or just comment on stories.  There's alot of information to cover and I can only do so much.  If you feel inclined to share a story, by all means, send us a note.  There are links at the top and left side of every page.  I get the emails instantly (thanks to my iPhone) and usually respond real quick.  If you're looking to provide content long-term, consider joining the team.  I know this sounds official, but it really just means I just shake your hand and you add articles just like I do.  (Best of all it's free!)  I'd love to get more people involved in writing about Detroit architecture.  If you just want to say something about a story, click the "Comment" link found on each article and speak your mind.
  2. Can I write about the suburbs even though this site is called Critical Detroit?  Absolutely!  There are great examples of architecture all over Metro Detroit.  I may even include articles about different parts of the state if I see something you all might like to know about.
  3. Where are the old stories?  Ok, I had to make a choice about which past articles were relevant and most of them didn't make the cut.  Many of you have been looking for the photos of the Book Cadillac building while in the early stages of construction.  I will get those back on the site now that I seem to have a quick, easy way to incorporate multiple photos.
]]> Yes, it really is Art Deco... tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.48 2008-08-04T11:38:45Z 2008-08-04T13:27:57Z I went on the GM Architectural Heritage Tour (offered by Preservation Wayne) this past weekend and realized that I've forgotten a bit of the history that I worked so hard to learn in school.The tour, only offered twice a year,... Steve VanBrussel Fisher BuildingI went on the GM Architectural Heritage Tour (offered by Preservation Wayne) this past weekend and realized that I've forgotten a bit of the history that I worked so hard to learn in school.

The tour, only offered twice a year, explored the New Center and Milwaukee Junction areas just north of Midtown.  The tour started and ended at the Fisher Building, including a stop at the Cadillac Building, and walks around other buildings figuring prominently in Detroit's automotive beginnings.

Unfortunately, Preservation Wayne wasn't granted permission to tour the 14th floor (old GM executive offices) of the Cadillac Building.  For me personally, this was one of the main reasons for joining the tour.  If the next tour (September 13th) is given permission, I'll be back. (Ellen?)
]]>
I've calmed down, taken a deep breath, and dusted off my history books.  The pictures in my head inappropriately filed under Art Deco were actually Streamline Moderne, a later development of the Art Deco style.

Art Deco is a purely decorative style with no philosophical intentions.  The style is described as elegant, and stylishly modern influenced by a variety of styles including African, Ancient Egyptian, Ancient Mexican, and American Indian "primitive" arts.  It is also described as a very lavish and opulent style.   Art Deco architecture incorporated stepped forms, sweeping curves, and chevron & sunburst patterns.  Considering that Art Deco gained popularity in 1925, it's opulence has been attributed as a reaction to the forced, simple, and unadorned style imposed an economy recovering from World War I.

If you've ever seen the Fisher Building up close it's easy to understand opulent. Both inside and out, the decorations are numerous and amazing.  The overall building form gracefully steps back and ends at a green terra cotta roof.  When originally built, the roof was gilded with gold.  What else would you expect?  How about another tower of equal height and another one twice as tall as the existing?  (If anyone has a rendering of this plan, please let me know.)  The original plans included 3 phases built over a period of time.  Unfortunately, the onset of the Great Depression prevented the second and third phases from being built.

I'll admit it.  I was confused.  The Fisher Building has been recognized as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture. Of course everyone recognizes the Chrysler Building in New York City as Art Deco, but there's one more well known Art Deco building in Detroit.  Do you know which one it is?

Thanks Ellen & John for the great tour. Let me know if you ever get access the the 14th floor of the Cadillac Building.

Visit any of these links if you'd like to learn more:

The Most Beautiful Building in the World [ via Detroit News ]
National Historic Register
New Center Council
]]> MOCAD : considering Architecture tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.47 2008-08-03T22:22:58Z 2008-08-04T16:27:18Z Steve VanBrussel The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) hosted an architecture related exhibit from May10th thru July 28th that seems to have "flown under the radar."  In fact, the only reference I could find besides the MOCAD site was an even smaller article at Model D.  Once again I'm dismayed that the local press does little to promote local architecture.  If I'm wrong, please let me know by leaving a comment.

In case you're interested, here's a brief excerpt from the MOCAD website:

In conjunction with MOCAD's considering Detroit show, considering Architecture: Sustainable Designs from Detroit will also be on view. This show will include the designs, architecture and products of several local area architecture firms and highlight their projects that include "green" or sustainable design practices.

Did anyone make it to this?  I'd love some feedback on the projects included in the exhibit.]]> Detroit's Sacred Spaces Photography Contest tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.46 2008-07-30T18:36:40Z 2008-08-04T13:28:52Z The DIA, in conjunction with the exhibition Kenro Izu: Sacred Places, is organizing an online photo contest to capture images of sacred Detroit. While you can view all the submissions by visiting Flickr, only select photo submissions will be reviewed... Steve VanBrussel I miss Kennedy Square...The DIA, in conjunction with the exhibition Kenro Izu: Sacred Places, is organizing an online photo contest to capture images of sacred Detroit. While you can view all the submissions by visiting Flickr, only select photo submissions will be reviewed and published in a blog. 

The deadline for submitting photos is September 3, 2008.  The DIA has complete contest details.

Many of the images submitted so far are architecture related and quite moving.  I'll be keeping an eye on this Flickr group with interest.  Photo taken by Casino Jones.]]> Paradise Valley tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.45 2008-07-25T16:34:54Z 2008-08-04T13:29:25Z Detroit's Downtown Development Authority is moving forward with redevelopment plans of the area also known as Harmonie Park.Largely an urban revitalization project, the group hopes to create an entertainment and cultural district in the neighborhood surrounding a small park and... Steve VanBrussel Paradise Valley - Master PlanDetroit's Downtown Development Authority is moving forward with redevelopment plans of the area also known as Harmonie Park.

Largely an urban revitalization project, the group hopes to create an entertainment and cultural district in the neighborhood surrounding a small park and open space.  Initially, sidewalks, curbs, and lighting will be replaced in anticipation of future building renovation and development.

The plan is quite extensive and promises to restore what was once a culturally rich part of Detroit.  An article in Crain's actually includes some plans and a rendering of the proposed district.

Detroit DDA OKs Funds for Paradise Valley Project [ via Crain's Detroit ]

If you're unfamiliar with the history of this area, check out this great article from the Detroit News Archives:

Paradise Valley and Black Bottom [ via Detroit News ]
]]> Container Housing tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.44 2008-07-20T16:19:42Z 2008-08-01T17:09:19Z Steve VanBrussel Container HousingThe last couple months, the local newspapers have highlighted some green architecture initiatives.  We previously reported a couple of firsts for Michigan in LEED certified projects.  This one is more focused on reuse and recycling of existing shipping containers.

Keep your eyes on the southeast corner of Rosa Parks and Warren as this project starts to take shape this Fall with expected completion sometime next summer.

Model D has quite an extensive article about the architects involved and the interest from the educational and cultural communities.
]]> Pinnacle Race Course tag:www.criticaldetroit.org,2008:/blog//1.24 2008-07-17T16:15:11Z 2008-08-01T17:09:35Z You may remember in late 2007 when the proposed project in Romulus to bring back horse racing in metro Detroit was canceled, but do you remember that a couple months later the founder of Republic Bancorp announced his own plans?It's... Steve VanBrussel Pinnacle Race CourseYou may remember in late 2007 when the proposed project in Romulus to bring back horse racing in metro Detroit was canceled, but do you remember that a couple months later the founder of Republic Bancorp announced his own plans?

It's already a year later and the new track will hold it's first race this Friday at 2:30 p.m.  Pinnacle will open with a temporary grandstand for 1,000 and a pavilion. Plans call for a 4,000-seat permanent grandstand and a clubhouse with nine restaurants by 2010.  Continue reading for a glimpse of the site plan showing the extent of the entertainment/retail center.

]]> Pinnacle Race Course - Site Plan]]>