The Parducci Society presented "Preservation, Craftsmanship + Detroit's Revitalization" as part of this year's Detroit Design Festival lineup. The non-profit hosted a panel discussion featuring preservation and design professionals at Beaubien House. 

The Parducci Society is a non-profit comprised of architecture enthusiasts who appreciate ornamentation and craft.  Founded in 2012, the organization serves to highlight + preserve ornamentation in an effort to preserve these historical  features for  upcoming generations to discover and appreciate. 

Named after the 20th-century Detroit sculptor & ornamentalist Corrado Parducci, the Parducci Society strives to showcase both historic architectural craft and contemporary artists. 

 The Beaubien House was the perfect backdrop for the event. Upon entering the home, we received a warm welcome  and were instructed to grab a beer from the fridge. I'd say we were off to an excellent start! 

The discussion was moderated by DDF. The panel included experts Rebecca Wright, Beth Metts, Carlos Nielbach of CAN Art Handworks- Francis, Jennifer, Sarah, Andre Sandifer a woodworking + upholstery artisan, Deema Daimey of Gensler, DPop, Rosetti.

Highlights from the discussion are featured below:

"Design comes from problem solving rather than aesthetic."

Carlos' work is focused on historical properties. He spearheaded the Fox Theatre restoration.

Andre specializes in mid-century modern design aesthetics and works predominantly in solid woods. People like that it's solid. His client base spans  from the east to the west coast and as far out as from Japan and as close by as Oak Park

"Building codes create more unique problems for us to solve"

Deena specializes in interior architecture. Quicken is interested in respecting the building and it's important  to celebrate certain elements of the building. Her current project has her working on Detroit Prep. 

Beth is in Commercial Property Management. She noted that the economic downturn in Minneapolis didn't create a  pause in economic growth, unlike Detroit since Minneapolis has a diversified economy. Current projects include 40 Davenport for renovation and restoration, where she's  working with the housing commission to remove and then return residents o their homes. There's 40 legacy residents and 57 new residents that will pay market rate. 

"Hardest thing to make is a box There's nothing to hide behind"

​Andre is a designer who has a passion for handcrafting pieces and for Detroit. He first designed things that were affordable, but quickly realized that he needed to make money.

"I'm kind of like WHOA."

Detroit is the pinnacle of the finest craftsman & artifacts in the country. Carlos continued: I'm about to set you straight. We are living in the remainder of the Paris of the United States- the most elegant city in America. Where is the visual evidence of this? It is in the buildings and skyscrapers. These pieces deserve renovation. Detroit takes the lead in innovation of all cities. These skilled tradespeople should be revered and must be passed down- through the generations, learned from an old guy---- not on YouTube. The moderator clapped back that she watches  fixes on YouTube. Carlos said he wants to see an investment in skilled trades. He suggested a cultural exchange program  to give artisans a great American experience. He continued that 1/3 of Germany's economy is comprised of skilled trades. He wants to see the spirit of the city when it was created. "Master craftsmen built the Paris of the North. The End!!!

A discussion among the panel, audience and moderator followed which focused on the question: How can we engage the city in this idea? (of workmanship) 

Ideas consisted of embracing new technology of the future to creating a Michelin star system for craftsman. The talk then shifted to what the city can do. Some suggestions included changing policies that are 60 years behind to implementing a 1% line item for public art, which has worked for other cities. 

"The time is now."

"Things are happening, things are changing. We just gotta keep doing what we're doing."
-Moderator

The Detroit Center for Design + Technology hosted an exhibition in its Woodward Gallery  featuring local mid-century modern artist Jim Miller Melberg.

Miller-Melberg was a sculptor whose work can be found throughout the U.S., in the in both public spaces and private residences. He specialized in the creation of playground structures. His steadfast belief was that  and from that, his concept of "sculptures for play" was born. 

In 1960, Miller-Melberg founded Form Inc., a South Lyon, MI-based company that designed and manufactured his  unique forms made of  molded concrete.  He contracted the work to a local sewer pipe fabricator and began creating pieces modeled after animals as well as abstract structures. 

Now iconic, mid-century enthusiasts scour play areas for these recognizable sculptural creations. His treatment of kids equipment as art is evident in the simple forms, sinuous lines- and timeless design found in each piece that was produced. 

These endearing pieces of functional art can be found throughout Detroit and its metro areas. According to Mr. Miller-Melberg's bio. many pieces are still being produced today. 

The discussion at Detroit Center for Design + Technology focused on the role of art and architecture has in placemaking.  

Related:
Herman Miller | Threads
House Industries | A Type of Learning 
A Day at Herman Miller Design Yard 
Detroit Opening| Bruce Weber feat. Anna Wintour 

Michael H. Hodges’ presentation, ‘Standing on Albert Kahn’s Shoulders’ was a fascinating look at Albert Kahn- the man behind such architectural masterpieces as the Argonaut Building, Fisher Building, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House and the Packard Plant.

Hodges, who writes for The Detroit News, delved into Kahn’s beginnings- as one of seven kids from Germany, to his hustlin' years that led to becoming an architect known as the face of modernity and influence in architecture. Not bad, Albert Kahn, not bad at all. 

The stories spun by Hodges were interesting- he spoke of Khan disliking modernism- insulting his peers- le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, with his opinion about the subject. This led to Kahn basically being blackballed.

Kahn designed a slew of industrial buildings that, thanks to their famous owner- Henry Ford, were broadcast all over the world, leading Kahn to become well known by default. He designed everything from massive factories and skyscrapers to charming homes and greenhouses. Kahn designed almost 20% of all the factories in the United States. Like Whoa. 

Kahn brushed elbows with illustrious families and the most influential artists of the time. He spent time with Eero Saarien and partied with Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

When all was said and done, Kahn had designed 500+ factories in the Soviet Union and thousands just for Henry Ford, not to mention all of the work commissioned by others.
​
Relatively unknown known outside of Michigan, he still holds the title, "Architect of Detroit,' which isn't bad for an OG in a two-bit town, hahahahaha. 

If you can't get enough of Albert Kahn and his designs- check out the forthcoming book written by Michael Hodges, Building the Modern World: Albert Kahn in Detroit, comin' at ya Live! in April 2018!

The Wayfinding Skate Park is a recent addition to the Detroit city landscape. 

Opening its doors to the public on August 16, the project was conceived as a placeholder for Bedrock until the corporation is ready to move forward on plans to redevelop its Monroe project. The park was designed in a way that when construction is ready to begin- the skate park will be relocated to another part of the city.

Renown skateboarder and current Detroiter Tony Hawk gave his input for the design of the park. The plan was to have a space available for mixed-use and events. So, while it serves primarily as a skate park, it is also capable of hosting a performance.

​​​There’s a ton of players involved in this project. Artists will be showcased in the park, and it appears that the artwork will evolve to feature different work. Both Cranbrook Art Museum and Library Street Collective will play a role in curating the art, in addition to hosting exhibits of the selected artists.

Contemporary street signs, reimagined by artist Ryan McGinness are on display along an Albert Kahn backdrop— the National Theatre building. 

Want to find more skate parks around the Detroit area!?.  Check out an article I wrote, Riding the Half Pipe | Skateparks in Detroit.  And def check out this temporary skating installation that went down at the Fisher Building-- the Fisher Halfpipe.

Check out my trip to Herman Miller Design Yard here.

Herman Miller's Dynamic Duo, Steve Frykholm + Clark Malcolm, shared stories about their time [72 years+] at the western Michigan-based furniture company. 

Frykholm + Malcolm discussed the people, products and events behind the company- from its inception to present day.

And what a story it was! These two came packed with lively banter that would put any comedy act to shame. They riffed off one another and kept the intimate group gathered at Patrick Thompson Design laughing full throttle. They tag-teamed the jokes, interspersed with interesting conversations about design. They came armed and ready with chapters to discuss- the audience shouted out a topic we were interested in and the two got down to it.

The story goes like this: in 1905, DJ De Pree borrowed some money from money to start a furniture company from his father-in-law, Herman Miller. Things happened. De Pree had an epiphany about his workers in 1927, prompting him to alter how he viewed and treated his workers. His philosophy was that all people are extraordinary, a tenet that has stuck with the company all these years. 

Herman Miller is seemingly run based upon a series of philosophies that stemmed with De Pree and have grown to encompass the entire company, and continue to evolve to this day. On a personal note, I would like to share that I found these core beliefs firmly in place. I was lucky to visit the company years ago and found it not only bursting at the seams with creative energy, but also a warm and inviting place. Everyone I came in contact with- from the barista to the VP, was gracious. It was one of the greatest experiences I have had.

Our speakers were so engaging that I would venture to guess that everyone left wanting to hear more. There were so many fantastic stories and comedic moments, it was like sitting in the living room with a gang of friends- so great.