Site Strategy

The introduction of new infrastructure (tree farm + work/live housing) will change the dynamics of the community.  Example of a previous community is the view of Cadillac Blvd taken in 2009, showing a vibrant neighborhood based on having *occupied* houses located on either side of the street.

Cadillac Blvd - Detroit - 2009 Image of street life on site

The question becomes how the housing interacts with the grid, and how it disrupts or does not interfere with the previous concept of street side community.

The pre-fab housing can create two areas of community - one from the perspective of bringing individual families together, and another from bringing together a working community.  The question becomes if these are separated or if they are one and the same.  Is the Ford House and community based only on utilitarianism and work?  Or is it a combination of family + work finding a balance between the two?

Condition 1: Pennsylvania St - Open Land

Condition 2: Crane St - Few lived in homes

Condition 3: Pennsylvania St - Several lived in homes

Condition 4: Cadillac Blvd - Most homes occupied

Idea for site strategy: interact with existing infrastructure - connect to housing with tree farm - using angles of trees to establish visibility and create connections.

Possible site strategy - trees as connecting element between existing single family homes and new live/work community,

Another iteration of site strategy with smaller decentralized live/work communities.

Iteration of site strategy exemplifying connections between new and existing infrastructure through visual and physical paths created by tree farm planting layout,

Concept intersection of reaction to Detroit and plans for Ford House

Study of respecting existing grid system - not desirable for creating real integration of  groupings.