redesigning detroit: a new landmark by rossetti + metrogramma

the strong triangular form of ‘highwave detroit’ with its bold visual impact, has awarded international firm rossetti and their italian partner, metrogramma, third place in the ‘redesigning detroit competition’. the brief was to create a new urban development at the former site of the hudson’s department store in the city. the conceptual form is suggestive of a sail on a boat facing towards the river and is characterized by a rigorous net of shapes. the main traffic artery entering the city of detroit along woodward avenue is a large urban boulevard. the backbone of a major expansion to the city, the road consists of a mixture of functions: including residential typologies, institutions, entertainment centers, and parks.

rendering showing an aerial view of the ‘highwave detroit’ proposal on the hudson site
all images courtesy of rossetti

the highwave detroit proposal programmatically offers entertainment and event venues, residential, retail and office spaces as well as a green public atrium at the peak of the triangle. the materials include glass and steel, well-suited for the urban location with its regional importance and physical scale. the sloping side offers views to downtown detroit and out to the river from the stacked terraces. all the public spaces face outwards with a new urban park located at the front. altogether the proposal is designed as a morphological, sustainable, economic answer for the city of detroit.

a new iconic landmark for the city: ‘highwave detroit’

rooftop green house

rendering showing terraces + the public square

 
section drawing of the new icon

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.