Many photographers and news sources depict Detroit as a desolate city, whose skeletal, empty structures stand as a modern day parallel to the ruins of ancient Rome. These images are used to assert the position that Detroit is a city in decline, whose existence is on the verge of instability and collapse. This view leads to a stance of intimidation towards Detroit from most outsiders while most inhabitants of the city recognize that this assumption does not constitute the aura of the city. While the city is certainly not characterized by these images alone, the atmosphere is still an imposing one for a different reason. It is my belief that the daunting impression of Detroit comes not from the abandonment or emptiness, but rather, from the isolation between the city and those who wish to explore it.
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Not everyone stands in fear at the empty gates of Detroit; some view them with excitement as an urban playground that is just waiting to be explored. However, the private ownership of these locations has lead to a defensive stance against intruders; explorers are faced with security, fences, and fines for trespassing on decaying sites. Although it is possible to break into these buildings or walk into less popular locations with some degree of ease, the risk is always present. The problem is that Detroiters often look down upon urban explorers that proliferate the stereotypes that plague the city. It may not be the explorers who are the problem though, perhaps an answer lies in acknowledging the past.
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Even the public spaces of Detroit give a sense of isolation to the outside community. Many buildings have security patrolling the lobbies that will remove those who are loitering in the space. Some buildings simply do not have any furniture in the lobby areas in order to avoid congregation. Many green areas are patrolled by security, fenced in, or are too small to be usable, creating a stronger division between the space and its users. These spaces are better categorized as “closed spaces” rather than “community spaces” due to the isolation of the territory from the public.
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These images demonstrate that large portions of the city have taken on a defensive stance towards the general community. These actions were undoubtedly taken in order to protect the interests of the public by providing safety and to protect the interests of the owners by reflecting secure image on their property. However, the final impression of these decisions is at best a constant state of being scrutinized while occupying the space and at worst, an authoritarian stance that presents a “keep out� mentality. Reclaiming these spaces in the interest of the community by creating a more trusting interaction between space and user is one of the steps that must be taken if Detroit is to lose its image as a city of isolation.
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