Saturday, September 12, 2009

Project M Detroit: Plot 63

I wrote a blog post for Metropolis magazine about the few days I spent in Detroit as an adviser for Project M. The post elicited a flurry of response, particularly from locals who took exception to my characterization of their city and outsiders who thought the residents' comments were offbase. Reading through this online "dialogue" presents an interesting picture of the challenges of urban renewal. Who is allowed to participate? Why do we get in each others' way? Critics lambasted the graphic designers for their immersion into the city saying that "2 weeks is simply not enough time to understand the complexities of this place or to affect lasting, sustained change." Hmmm. Well, the designers responded with their actions. Check it out: