How might we utilize the land in the way that is both modular and economically sustainable?

Those words, though contorted, took me and Annie Hakim a whole afternoon to formulate. It was our design question* for our final project as Challenge Detroit Fellows. We knew that it would involve public art because art is what sets us part from ogres, and ogres are scary, so everyone should be able to subdue the ogre inside them by accessing art. We also had the support of Sauve (so-VAY) Art Foundation. Public art is kind of their thing, so we were in good company.

Our land use project with the Sauve Art Foundation, was the first time design thinking really clicked for me. It not only made the project successful, but was a nice reminder that one should constantly seek to learn new things and test different ideas.

We’re publicly announcing our answer to the design question this fall at a party we’re throwing. You should come. I bet you’ll really like it.  Keywords to keep track: Sauve Art Foundation, Recover Park, Annie Hakim, Sarms Jabra, Challenge Detroit.

*Here’s the gist of design thinking: don’t put the solution before the problem. Your problem can be your next step, the lily pad you need to jump to go from being a tadpole to a toad; or an obstacle, the neighbor’s new awning extension that block your once-perfect view of the sunset. Whatever it is, know you should most of your time listening, asking questions, listening– dance break– making prototypes, and… listening. Only then will a useful answer surface; before then you’re just poking around in the dark.