MERGE:IN
BELANGER PARK
Throughout the semester, I have focused on documenting the movement of boats and ships along the Detroit River. Historically, the river served as one of the primary pathways for trade, and it continues to play this role today, with vessels from across the United States and around the world passing through daily. However, while the riverfront is now predominantly occupied by large commercial ships and industrial docks, it was once a place where people could swim, gather, and engage directly with the water before the era of heavy industrialization.
My research revealed that the riverfront lacks sufficient recreational opportunities, particularly for smaller boats, kayaks, and community-based activities. In addition, the overall connection between land and water has become limited, reducing opportunities for public engagement with this vital natural resource.
In response, my proposal envisions a space that reintroduces and expands the ways people can interact with the water. The design incorporates new access points—such as inlets and canals—that improve circulation for smaller recreational ships and create more opportunities for movement into the Detroit River.
A service building is introduced to accommodate smaller boats, while the addition of a recreational stop within the adjacent park enhances accessibility and provides gathering spaces. Together, these interventions seek to rebalance the relationship between land and water, transforming the site into a multifunctional environment that supports both community recreation and ecological engagement.
My research revealed that the riverfront lacks sufficient recreational opportunities, particularly for smaller boats, kayaks, and community-based activities. In addition, the overall connection between land and water has become limited, reducing opportunities for public engagement with this vital natural resource.
In response, my proposal envisions a space that reintroduces and expands the ways people can interact with the water. The design incorporates new access points—such as inlets and canals—that improve circulation for smaller recreational ships and create more opportunities for movement into the Detroit River.
A service building is introduced to accommodate smaller boats, while the addition of a recreational stop within the adjacent park enhances accessibility and provides gathering spaces. Together, these interventions seek to rebalance the relationship between land and water, transforming the site into a multifunctional environment that supports both community recreation and ecological engagement.
Building view from the river
Renders
︎UNDERGRADUATE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO WORK
︎FALL‘21 | TAUBMAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
