Pixelgawker

Images from 100 Abandoned Houses

A recent panel discussion consisting of local artists and educators ranging from an architect to a museum director was held at the MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit). Its title, “Is Detroit the New Berlin?” spoke directly to the constant comparison of Detroit to other cities, and to its reinvention. Throughout the conversation a given speaker would name a distant city and attempt to discuss that particular places conflicts in relation to Detroit. Almost immediately after making such a statement though it became evident to the audience as well as to the speaker that the particular issue they were speaking of and the solution that place found was not applicable to Detroit.

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In his book Organizing Genius (Basic Books, 1998), author Warren Bennis declares the age of the empowered individual ended. He goes on to note that ‘collaborative advantage’ is what matters now, then proceeds to distill several examples (from Disney Animation Studios to the 1992 Clinton Campaign) where this team-oriented organizational structure is put to work and successful. The moral of his story: When like minds work in tandem, the possibilities are immeasurable. 

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a laboratory is a very appropriate comparison for detroit because it suggests an environment where research, experimentation and teaching are encouraged. a laboratory, given the right set of conditions, can produce very exciting yet potentially dangerous outcomes. the results all depend on the motive of the scientist or researcher and what they are trying to accomplish. with hard work and motivation, scientists have the potential for results that can solve some of the world’s biggest problems. with perseverance, humility and the willingness to make mistakes, scientists and designers alike can be innovative. the reward of success far outweigh the risk of failure. (more…)

For days I ’ve had the lyrics of the Smashing Pumpkins’ Tonight, Tonight running through my head. Once a part of the soundtrack to windows down, summer sing-a-long nights during my high school years, those words have found a new relevance to my adult life. Perhaps I am being sentimental, but the words still won’t leave my mind:

You can never ever leave,

without leaving a piece of youth. And our lives are forever changed,

we will never be the same

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Perspectives on Detroit from a designer who always thought she’d leave.

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