2013 Theses Master's

Potentials for Community­‐Scale Production in Detroit

Ansanelli, Sean M

While the city of Detroit has become infamous in recent years as symbol of urban decline, it once stood as an international archetype of industrial productivity. When attempting to formulate redevelopment programs, it is essential to re­‐examine the underpinnings of the production model that created both tremendous economic success, and subsequent vulnerability and decline. This thesis argues that rather than trying to recreate a scenario of productive superiority, Detroit can develop more resilient and community-­oriented models of production. By looking at several such production models already occurring on the ground throughout the city, this thesis will attempt to outline an alternative trajectory for economic development.