Innovative live/work community recognised for design excellence
True North, a live/work community in Detroit, has been selected as one of six finalists for the 2018 Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP). The biennial prize, juried by international experts, was set up to recognise the most distinguished architectural works in the North and South American continents. True North was commended for a number of aspects beyond the pure design aesthetic, including the building process, architect-client relationship, integration of urban space, and positive community impact.
Located two-and-a-half miles from Downtown Detroit, True North is a 0.57-acre mixed-use development renowned for its creative approach to living in the quiet and spacious Core City neighbourhood. Comprised of nine rental residences and shared community spaces with over 30 newly planted trees, each unit is strategically placed across the site to give an air of openness without compromising security. The range of interiors are designed to inspire creative lifestyles, with units ranging from 475 to 1,600 square feet containing polycarbonate “islands”, featuring a kitchen, bathroom, and mechanical/storage closet.
Designed by Edwin Chan, founder of the Los Angeles-based design studio EC3, and developed by Philip Kafka, founder of Detroit-based real estate company Prince Concepts, True North won two national design awards in 2017. On the announcement of the MCHAP prize shortlist, both designer and developer highlighted the importance of creating inspiring spaces in order to elevate the urban environment of the whole city. Philip Kafka said: "I'm interested in how architecture can challenge consensus; how it changes the way people live, sure, but more importantly how they think and feel." Relating True North's design process and outcome to the many other cultural, institutional, educational, and office and projects throughout his 30+ year career at Gehry Partners, Edwin Chan remarked: "True North gave me the opportunity to apply my experience working on international arts and culture projects at Frank's office to create inviting and engaging urban spaces that bring people together, inspire communities and add to the vibrancy of the city."
Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research
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