Consequential Habitat

While many claim to have the solution to the ‘problem’ of Detroit, this project sees beauty in the grassroots evolution of placemaking. A return to the city’s soul before steel took hold. This project imagines re-establishing three species: the Eastern red bat, Blanding’s turtle, and the mudpuppy. All called Detroit home before the industrial revolution and have struggled to survive since. Habitat is restored utilizing materials found at the abandoned Belle Isle Zoo. The zoo is a unique combination of natural and man-made features in decay, providing a wealth of habitat reclamation opportunities while paying respect to Detroit’s enduring legacy.