As a core of the entrepreneurial and startup culture, concentration on the human capabilities lies at the center stage of this proposal, the architects Studioefra summarize it better. “We believe that the urban model of the future requires sources of action not a collection of static buildings. People are both fuel and engine of this model and buildings are the vessels of combustion that drives them. Actions die when left to cycle alone, but thrive when mixed together. They feed on one another sparking diversity, exchange, and innovation on the spot. They grow by attracting more people because everybody wants to be where the action is.
Making vivid references to the past factory skyline, the design proposal of studioefra for the ‘redesigning Detroit a new vision for the iconic Hudson’s department store site’ speaks for itself. In the image of factories, the architects responded to contemporary trends of ideation and collaboration mixed with activity through an intensely varied programme proposal. The rusted steel facades contrast the layered transparencies of action within, of brainstorming, ideation and creativity.
The entrepreneurial centre design is based on the very varied nature of start-ups and entrepreneurs. The centre embraces this variety through allotted areas of specific infrastructure for different activities. Lab spaces open studios high-tech floors are some of the facilities provided.
As with entrepreneurs marketing the ideas is crucial, spaces for that are not left out. A dynamic marketplace for the exchange of ideas, people and money is proposed. Typical of a start-up environment, all day, all week, all year proximity to working spaces is catered for by the proposal of lodging spaces. The spaces range from micro apartments to executive penthouses.
Sustainability is not left out as well. Major LEED requirements are incorporated in the design proposal. Passive cooling, sustainable site development, and integrated building systems are some of the features to look out for in the proposal.
By Hassan Mohammed Yakubu
Courtesy of Studioefra