Designing Detroit: Exploring One of UNESCO’s Design Capitals of the World
Picking your favorite NewCo sessions from such a stellar list of stops can be quite the pickle, but we’ve got your back. We’re calling this suggested NewCoDET track “Designing Detroit,” and with good reason. Late last year, Motor City was named a design capital of the world by UNESCO (Thanks, in part, to the hardworking folks at Detroit Creative Corridor Center who was behind the application and helped make this big win happen.) one of only 20 cities worldwide and the sole U.S. city to earn the title.
Of course, this distinction comes as no surprise to Detroiters who love their city, joining together in the face of much-publicized adversity. What’s makes a city truly great? How are locals visioning tomorrow’s Detroit today? On April 13th, NewCoDET answers these questions through engaging, behind the scenes experiences inside the offices of renowned local organizations. Join us!
Kick off the party on April 12th with a VIP sendup like only Detroiters can do! Hosted by Jimmy Guterman, NewCo Executive Editor, the connective evening will include a mix of insightful conversations with Detroit leadership, company spotlights, and a networking cocktail reception.
Rise and shine on April 13th with an inside look into the a recent DET trend that’s here to stay: cycling. That’s right. Motor City is getting some major human power thanks to companies like Detroit Bikes, the day’s first stop. See how Detroit Bikes marks a return to American manufacturing. Explore how the unique factors shaping Detroit—its industries, its people, and its businesses—have enabled Detroit Bikes to become the fastest growing bike manufacturer in the United States with company founder Zak Pashak.
Next, get into Gensler and explore the Future of Design at their 11:00am session. Find inspiration overlooking this amazing city with a view from Gensler’s beautiful 17th floor office and valuable insight into how Gensler’s design team is driving change to revitalize and reinvigorate their community through the power of design.
After a restful lunch stop, head over to Detroit Greenways Coalition for their 1:30pm session set to tackle the challenge of making Detroit a more bikeable and walkable city. Detroit Greenways Coalition knows that getting around town by pedal power (or on foot) is a great way to connect to nature, oneself, and one’s community. They’re planting that potential for present and future Detroiters with initiatives like the beloved Dequindre Cut.
Green space isn’t the only thing growing in Detroit. Buildings are being renovated, the infrastructure is rapidly improving, businesses are relocating to the city, new restaurants open nearly every week and Detroit is becoming a destination where people want to live, work and play. At 3:00pm, see what this means firsthand from Opportunity Detroit leadership as they reveal their vision of an urban environment which attracts businesses, residents and visitors while promoting Detroit in a positive light inside and outside the city.
There’s more to do with green space than simply get around. MUFI knows. A nonprofit, the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative, or MUFI, seeks to empower the urban Michigan community, using sustainable agriculture as a way to promote education, sustainability, and community—while simultaneously reducing socioeconomic disparity. Their urban farm brings people together, creating an urban environment that’s constructed not with steel, stone, and glass, but with heart and soil. MUFI feeds the community and educates them about the benefits of healthy eating, too. That’s pure NewCo. At 4:30pm, tour MUFI and see how the urban farm that’s “Not Your Mama’s Farm” is shaping green infrastructure and its role in modern urban development frameworks.
Detroit doesn’t stop, and neither does NewCo. Cap your day off right with our celebratory meet-up at Grand Circus. Enjoy connecting with NewCo attendees, Hosts & Presenters over delicious food and drink.
By day’s end on April 13th, those who’ve take the Designing Detroit track will feel inspired and engaged. Design your NewCo experience to include at least one of these mission-driven organizations or Do It Yourself and tackle these five stops in one inspiring day! Don’t forget to check out our other suggested tour – Digital Detroit. And, for those looking to experience DET in VIP style, check out our expertly guided tours, Detroit 2.0 and Power Players: Detroit’s Women Leaders.