Detroit Riverfront

Detroit, Michigan 2020

The Atwater Beach project transforms a former industrial site along the East Riverfront into a vibrant free family-friendly destination for people of all ages to enjoy. As an architectural consultant, I collaborated with Studio Ci to bring the concept to fruition. We were charged with creating an outdoor musical instrument garden allowing children to play with the various sounds, colorful play structures modeled on lifeguard station design, along with climbing nets, slides, swings, and a firepole, woven through the space. A grill shed with a sailcloth cover and floating barge provided areas to enjoy food and drink. The park provides a space for families to enjoy the waterfront and a sense of community.

PLANNER: studio[Ci] LLC
ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANT: Karen Swanson AIA
PHOTOGRAPHER: Robert Saarinen Swanson