MVRDV translated the vibrant character of Detroit’s Eastern Market neighborhood into a popping four-storey office and retail building with a printed glass façade. The visuals are designed by local artists DENIAL and Sheefy McFly. MVRDV will make use of cutting-edge glass printing techniques previously used in their 2013 Glass Farm project.
The building will be located across from Eastern Market’s largest and busiest market hall, Shed 3. MVRDV’s design will replace a two storey brick building that features a mural by the established local artist DENIAL. The architects propose to recreate the mural on a new canvas made of glass.
“We loved the idea of the artworks that bring this area to life, and this building is our tribute to this character, eternalised through a printing technique. It allows us to interact with the spirit of the neighbourhood in a way that is playful and unexpected. Our decision to do so with glass is also practical, as it allows us to incorporate windows to become a part of the artwork, not an obstacle for artists to work around. That enables a greater level of faithfulness to the original artwork that will be recreated, as well as greater artistic freedom for the new artwork.”
Winy Maas, Founding partner MVRDV
The volume is made up out of three stacked blocks. The first block on the ground floor will house retail and will be clad with DENIAL’s recreated mural. The second slightly offset block houses offices wrapped in a commissioned mural by Detroit’s top emerging artist Sheefy McFly.
The third block on top will feature a “flat façade finish” that allows an ever-changing canvas. Different artists will be given an opportunity over time to paint murals. This level gives tenants access to the roof garden.
MVRDV collaborates with FIRM Real Estate, Architecture Talent Agency and contractor L.S. Brinker to begin construction in 2021.
