par·a·dox
1: a tenet contrary to received opinion
2a : a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true
2b : a self-contradictory statement that at first seems true c : an argument that apparently derives self-contradictory conclusions by valid deduction from acceptable premises
3: one (as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases
We love our city, we hate our city. Detroit is a very unique place that has had it's share of rise and fall over the years. Great history and the not so great stitched right along with it. Great architecture and unbelievable ruins. Friendly, loving and selfless people that often get overshadowed by the corrupt and self righteous.
Exciting and discouraging
Dying and born again
Fresh and stagnant
The paradox of our city is not only evident in the streets but in our minds. We know there is a great metropolis waiting to rise from the ashes, and we can't help but recall all of the previous false starts.
We live in a culture that is full of paradox nowadays. This seems to be fueling new trend of people moving back to the city. This new insurgence of people are living examples of "one (as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases". In a fresh way they are embracing the paradox Detroit and making it their home. We love it!
Robyn Waters in her book, "The Hummer and the Mini: Navigating the Contradictions of the New Trend Landscape", defines it best:
"For every trend you can spot, there’s an equally valid countertrend at
the other end of the spectrum. Today we wear Old Navy with new Gucci,
and couture Chanel with vintage denim. Brand new suburban homes are
filled with flea market finds. We show off our Michael Graves teakettle
from Target on our top-of-the-line Viking stoves in our new gourmet
kitchens, complete with cabinets from Ikea."
Because of this trend OF countertrend we are experiencing a movement back to city in our area. The irony in the paradox is these new city-dwellers do not believe they are following a trend.
Enjoy some great photos to see for yourself:
and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/detroitderek/7555534564/in/photostream/
Adam Pew
Sr. Designer | Partner
studio | H2G