BUILDING STORIES

ARE THE RESOURCES PRESENT FOR STRUCTURES EQUITABLY ALLOCATED?

abstract

Belle Isle has long existed as a nexus of culture and nature for the inhabitants of Detroit. Spread across the beautiful landscapes of the island, a constellation of structures invites visitor to a wide variety of programs and activities. While the most notable of these elements are historical buildings holding important collections like the Aquarium, and the Conservatory, monuments, memorials, recreational shelters, and other structures add to the historical significance of Belle Isle that granted its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. This diverse collection is subject to very uneven regimes of maintenance and care, and the always scarce allocation of resources has taken a toll on some of the most modest ones. This project celebrates the important legacy of historical structures that shape the unique nature of this park. By drawing Belle Isle’s building stories, the project traces a conversation between the existing and the imaginary, while highlighting latent stories about inaccessibility, historical dispute, and resource neglect. The project invites the visitor to engage by sharing distinct moments of their lived experience of the island.