Innovative live/work community recognised for design excellence

True North, a live/work community in Detroit, has been selected as one of six finalists for the 2018 Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP). The biennial prize, juried by international experts, was set up to recognise the most distinguished architectural works in the North and South American continents. True North was commended for a number of aspects beyond the pure design aesthetic, including the building process, architect-client relationship, integration of urban space, and positive community impact.

Located  two-and-a-half  miles  from  Downtown  Detroit,  True  North  is  a  0.57-acre mixed-use  development  renowned  for  its creative approach  to  living  in  the  quiet  and spacious  Core  City  neighbourhood. Comprised  of  nine  rental  residences  and  shared community  spaces  with  over  30  newly  planted  trees,  each  unit is  strategically  placed  across  the  site  to  give an air of openness  without compromising  security. The range of interiors are  designed  to  inspire  creative lifestyles,  with  units  ranging  from  475  to  1,600  square  feet  containing polycarbonate “islands”, featuring a  kitchen,  bathroom, and mechanical/storage closet.  

Designed by Edwin Chan, founder of the Los Angeles-based design studio EC3, and developed by Philip Kafka, founder of Detroit-based real estate company Prince Concepts, True North won two national design awards in 2017. On the announcement of the MCHAP prize shortlist, both designer and developer highlighted the importance of creating inspiring spaces in order to elevate the urban environment of the whole city. Philip Kafka said: "I'm interested in how architecture can challenge consensus; how it changes the way people live, sure, but more importantly how they think and feel." Relating True North's design process and outcome to the many other cultural, institutional, educational, and office and projects throughout his 30+ year career at Gehry Partners, Edwin Chan remarked: "True North gave me the opportunity to apply my experience working on international arts and culture projects at Frank's office to create inviting and engaging urban spaces that bring people together, inspire communities and add to the vibrancy of the city."

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research

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