SO-IL, in partnership with Detroit’s Library Street Collective, unveiled the design for a new arts campus at Stanton Yards Marina along the Detroit River. The development includes the revitalization of a 110-year-old church, defunct bakery and former industrial site, transforming a now-defunct waterfront property into a “dynamic cultural venue” . The project aims to expand the programming of Little Village, a diverse arts district known for its cultural and artistic scene.
The new multi-arts campus will be connected to the existing marina along the Detroit River. The project includes four industrial building reclamation spaces designed to accommodate multiple art production, workshops, education, performance, gallery, and recreational activities.
The entrance plaza along Jefferson Avenue will be fitted with a slanted mesh canopy, adding a sense of identity to the space. Meanwhile, holes in the structure facing the street open up the space and allow the public to explore additional spaces such as courtyards. and the core of the site. This central public space creates a sense of unity in the urban space and supports local events, art installations and leisure activities.
Related article
“The idea of elasticity and flexibility of the architectural grid is a fundamental aspect of our thinking”: Florian Eidenburg on his work with SO–IL
We wanted to celebrate the industrial character of the site while clearly demonstrating its new purpose and identity. SO – IL Principal Florian Eidenburg
The facades of the four buildings included in the project are planned to be regenerated without losing their historical roots. This project emphasizes the reuse of existing materials. Stretch sections of metal siding are replaced with translucent polycarbonate to increase natural light, and new windows and skylights help open up the space. The intervention also highlights a palette of familiar yet contrasting materials, including polished metal, stamped concrete, and layered brick. The landscaping was led by the Strategic Design Department (OSD) and focused on restoring the natural beauty of the site.
Similarly, SO-IL recently unveiled its contribution to the Bruges Triennale: Spaces of Possibilities. This temporary installation, entitled ‘Common Thread’, aims to create a passageway made of 3D knitted textiles and allow visitors to rediscover his 19th century monastery courtyard. The Brooklyn-based office also recently unveiled designs for a new campus art museum at Williams College in Massachusetts. The museum was established to be a major teaching resource for the university, which is famous for its art history program.