By Hannah Martin for Architectural Digest.
It's no grand revelation that Detroit is on the upswing. But a series of recent openings (and forthcoming exhibition closings) makes the next few weeks an ideal moment to check out Motor City's burgeoning design scene.
1. Experience
Meander through Lasermaze, made from three miles of wool and over 3,000 hand-tied knots by George King Architects. The Yves Klein-blue maze is installed amid steel scaffolding and chains along the Dequindre Cut, a former railway line that has been converted into a greenway and walking track. Through mid-November at Dequindre Cut; georgekingarchitects.com.
2. Shop
Culture Lab Design, a pop-up shop that opened October 30 inside Detroit design shop Nora, is showcasing products made as collaborations between local artisans and international designers. "The international design community gets to recognize the talents, skills, passion, and excitement that exists within the community of Detroit," explains Culture Lab Detroit founder Jane Schulak, "And for the artists and designers here, they are suddenly a part of an international design dialogue." Kelly Behun collaborated with Cass Community Social Services on hanging planters, for instance, while Paola Navone teamed with local painter and concrete artist Andrew Ward of Line Studio on a series of graphic large-scale vessels. Through November 15 at Nora, 4240 Cass Avenue, Suite 109; noramodern.com.
3. See
Catch "Bent, Cast & Forged," a showcase of Harry Bertoia's breathtaking jewelry designs, now in its last month at the Cranbrook Art Museum, where he was once a student and teacher. Through November 29 at the Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; cranbrookart.edu.
4. Eat
Check out Parks & Rec Diner, the dressed-down sister restaurant to Detroit favorite Republic Tavern. The soda shop-style eatery that opened in August in the city's G.A.R. Castle building features checkerboard laminate tables, old-fashioned barstools, and diner classics such as biscuits and gravy. Parks & Rec Diner, 1942 Grand River Avenue, Detroit; parksandrecdiner.com.
5. Stay
Stay at Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney. The stylish hotel that opened late last year is situated in the 1915 David Whitney Building, a skyscraper that was transformed into residences and a hotel. Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney, 1 Park Avenue; aloftdetroit.com
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