Detroit Entrepreneurial Centre, as a core of the entrepreneurial and startup culture, concentration on the human capabilities lies at the center stage of this proposal, the architects Studioefra summarize it better. “We believe that the urban model of the future requires sources of action not a collection of static buildings. People are both fuel and engine of this model and buildings are the vessels of combustion that drives them. Actions die when left to cycle alone, but thrive when mixed together. They feed on one another sparking diversity, exchange, and innovation on the spot. They grow by attracting more people because everybody wants to be where the action is.
1st Place “MINICITY Detroit” by Davide Marchetti and Erin Pellegrino
Making vivid references to the past factory skyline, the design proposal of studioefra for the ‘redesigning Detroit a new vision for the iconic Hudson’s department store site’ speaks for itself. In the image of factories, the architects responded to contemporary trends of ideation and collaboration mixed with activity through an intensely varied programme proposal. The rusted steel facades contrast the layered transparencies of action within, of brainstorming, ideation and creativity.
1st Place “MINICITY Detroit” by Davide Marchetti and Erin Pellegrino
The entrepreneurial centre design is based on the very varied nature of start-ups and entrepreneurs. The centre embraces this variety through allotted areas of specific infrastructure for different activities. Lab spaces open studios high-tech floors are some of the facilities provided.
3rd Place “Highwave Detroit” by Team Rossetti/Metrogramma
As with entrepreneurs marketing the ideas is crucial, spaces for that are not left out. A dynamic marketplace for the exchange of ideas, people and money is proposed. Typical of a start-up environment, all day, all week, all year proximity to working spaces is catered for by the proposal of lodging spaces. The spaces range from micro apartments to executive penthouses.
“Exten[D]: Extending Life in the D, Beyond the 9 to 5″. Team: Diana Khadr, Tengteng Wang, Alexa Bush, Kyle Johnson, Jessie McHugh
Sustainability is not left out as well. Major LEED requirements are incorporated in the design proposal. Passive cooling, sustainable site development, and integrated building systems are some of the features to look out for in the proposal.
Hassan Yakubu is an editor at Arch2O with a deep academic and professional background in architecture, planning, and urban infrastructure. Currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Cornell University, his editorial focus spans climate urbanism, sustainability transitions, and the intersection of infrastructure and STS. Hassan brings a sharp critical lens shaped by fieldwork in Accra and policy research across Africa. With prior experience leading pedagogical initiatives and contributing to architectural practices in Rabat and Accra, his writing brings clarity, academic depth, and a global perspective to contemporary urban issues and design thinking.