Changing Ratios
Canton-Westward
How might the frontier’s new role contribute to advancing
spatial justice here and beyond?
Rethinking of the urbanization in the townships in southeast
Michigan. Consider multiple aspects and the ongoing issues
and existing social structures.
Course:
Fall 2023 UD712 Urban Design Studio (UM)
Instructors:
Gabriel Cuéllar, Salam Rida
Collaborator:
Akshita Mandhyan
Location: Canton, MI, US
Prototype: Community Street Strategy
Canton, one of the fastest-growing townships in Michigan. Its proximity to Detroit has accelerated urbanization.
One of the alarming consequences of rapid urbanization is flooding, which is a regional issue affecting nearby townships.
In addition to flooding issue and endless
single family housing sprawl,
a) Vacant units, including houses, offices and commercial buildings,
b) Housing prices is getting more unaffordable, and
c) Numerous parking lots all over the land,
have caused the urban inefficiencies
that led to today’s state.
Three Design Strategies
S1) COMMUNITY TRUST
single family homes
local grocery stores or cafes
vacant office buildings
multifamily affordable houses
Swapping of land use creates a mixed-use, mixed-economy, walkable
environment.
S2) CO-OP
parcels of single-family homes
medium rise multi-family homes
Giving some open, permeable land to the community as gardens or
other public spaces.
S3) TACTICAL INTERVENTION
main roads
annual festival, concert
inter-community roads
monthly farmer market, exhibition
intra-community roads
pop-up shop, community workshop
Challenging policies catalyze a more pedestrian-friendly urbanization.
It is more efficient to increase the permeability of land in the city and create a more pedestrian-friendly and inclusive environment.
— to address the notion of justice of people’s rights and nature over cars in cities.
Before
After