detroit entrepreneurial center resembles factory silhouette

detroit entrepreneurial center resembles factory silhouette
all images courtesy of studioefra

‘detroit entrepreneurial center’, a proposal for the the international competition, ‘redesigning detroit a new vision for the iconic hudson’s department store site‘, architecturally pays homage to the city’s past by recalling mnemonic images of the city’s industrial heritage. completed by team members efrain velez, juan nunez, marko kanceljak; kalamazoo, michigan, as part of american firm studioefra. the building resembles the skyline silhouette of factories, with the material qualities of a rusted steel façade, contrasting against the layered transparencies of action within. the dynamic mixed-use development aims to bring a new sense of urban entrepreneurial spirit, that will attract people back to the urban city core. the purpose-built facility for entrepreneurs and startups is a series of business incubators. based on the team’s vision for the urban model of the future, the city requires sources of action not a collection of static buildings. the design balance these actions within the city block by placing emphasis on the in-between spaces. the interior occupations are deliberately diverse. activities that will promote a high level of mixed integration are contained in the series of business incubators, as well as a strong market place. arts and crafts incubators will have open studio areas with good day light exposure, whereas high-tech areas will feature lab spaces, and an adequate networking infrastructure for science and technology development. housing has been included to activate the site all hours of the day, a range of housing types – from micro apartments to executive penthouses, promotes a live and work philosophy for the site. ‘the detroit entrepreneurial center’ will address sustainability with an energy efficient strategy that combines sophisticated technology and innovative design.

aerial view

section rendering

floor plans

program diagram

sustainable strategy diagram

project competition board

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