Detroit's new ecology

Here is yet another interesting use for vacant sites in Detroit: Joan Nassauer is turning old basements into bioretention gardens. One report on the project suggested that it is about more than just stormwater:

"I do think these projects have the ability to inspire hope," Mobley said. "And they reinforce a message to residents: We haven't forgotten about you. You're important. You matter."

Detroit's decline inevitable?

A Detroit native, Pete Saunders, explains that Detroit was built (or planned) to fail. Citing factors such as poor housing stock, poor neighborhood identification and weakened mass transit system, he suggests that Detroit now has bad bones upon which it will be hard to rebuild.

Whether or not you agree with the details of his assessment, it would be fascinating to see more detailed assessments like this of major cities.  It speaks to the potential that planning has for shaping the immediate future of a city, especially when other stresses (like economic downturns and changes in labor base) impact it.

The thing about Detroit is that while Saunders says that the housing stock was poor, there are countless other buildings (many abandoned) that are considered architectural treasures. Check out this short video in which the curator of the Detroit Historical Society talks about the outstanding design that was there.




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