Critical Detroit

MOCAD : considering Architecture

2008-08-03T22:22:58Z

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.

Container Housing

2008-07-20T16:19:42Z

The 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.

Green Michigan Firsts

2008-06-02T12:31:06Z

Two Michigan projects have made history by attaining LEED certification for their buildings.

LaFontaine Buick Pontiac GMC Cadillac, located at the northern edge of Oakland County, is expected to receive a Gold certification. It is the first dealership in Michigan and may very well be the first in the nation to receive a LEED designation.

Christman Construction Company, based in Lansing, has received (2) Platinum awards (the highest award given) for the interior and exterior of the building. It is the first building in the world to reach platinum level in two categories. There are (9) buildings around the world that have reached LEED Platinum for their interiors and (4) that have reached LEED Platinum for their exteriors.