RISE

Project details

During the fall of 2024, a semester long project was introduced to create a presidential library for the last president of the United States. The definition of "LAST" can mean more than "final" and was looked into when creating the project.

Through the use of various precedent studies and many iterations, the chosen sight of the outskirts of downtown Detroit, MI was chosen to house RISE. The focus was to create a place that emphasized the history of Detroit and its community's RISE after difficulties while providing a space for the people to work individually alongside others.

Date

Fall 2024

Tools Used

Rhino 8, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign

Class

301 Studio

Professor

Richard Tusky

New topic

Shown is the floor plans, site context, section A, along with the cut lines.

RISE is four levels with a lower level consisting of an automated book retrieval. The colorful walls on each floor help make a creative spark within the community visitors through small implications.

The surrounding site holds swings and benches to provide the Detroit community a way to interact with one another outside of a building.

Design Breakdown

RISE is a tribute to Detroit’s resilient spirit, drawing inspiration from the city’s rich history and comeback from the Detroit Fire. The library’s architectural design incorporates copper and steel, materials that symbolize strength, endurance, and renewal. These elements serve as a metaphor for the city itself—a place that has faced adversity and yet continues to rise. Through its design and function, RISE not only honors Detroit's past but also fuels the community's collective future, empowering individuals to connect, learn, and innovate.

As a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, RISE is more than a library—it's a place where the community can grow together, united by a shared commitment to building a brighter tomorrow. Whether in quiet reflection or in dynamic exchange, RISE is a space where everyone has the opportunity to rise, learn, and contribute to the ongoing story of Detroit's renaissance.