The announcement of the establishment of a new university campus is one of celebration, marking economic opportunities and urban growth. The United States is home to over 700 college towns that have witnessed prosperity through the inauguration of educational institutions like the University of Colorado’s Boulder, and Chapel Hill, home to the University of North Carolina. With this development, gentrification has unfortunately become a contentious issue in college towns across the country. While the transformation of these towns brings economic expansion and cultural vibrancy, it often comes at the cost of displacing long-time residents, erasing historic character, and altering the essence of these towns. American college towns offer a unique perspective on how cities can strike a balance between progress and preservation.
Ann Arbor: The Latest Architecture and News
Robotically Fabricated Structure / Adel Design Research + University of Michigan, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
- Area: 43 m²
- Year: 2021
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Manufacturers: Adel Design Research Laboratory
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Professionals: Robert Silman Associates Structural Engineers
Northwood ADU Dwelling / T+E+A+M
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Architects: T + E + A + M
- Area: 68 m²
- Year: 2021
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Manufacturers: Banker Wire, American Fiber Cement, Andersen Windows & Doors, ByggHouse WarmForm, Cliq Studios, +1
House P / PLY+
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Architects: PLY+
- Area: 5110 ft²
- Year: 2019
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Manufacturers: VELUX Group, Eastern Architectural Products, Insulspan, Marvin, STO Stucco, +1
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Professionals: SDI Structures
Bløm Meadworks / Synecdoche Design Studio
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Architects: Synecdoche Design Studio
- Area: 2900 ft²
- Year: 2018
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Manufacturers: Acoustical Surfaces, Andrew Neyer, Blu Dot, LG Electronics, Overhead Door, +2
Alfred Taubman Wing / Preston Scott Cohen
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Architects: Preston Scott Cohen
- Area: 36000 ft²
- Year: 2017
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Manufacturers: ELEVATE, Sherwin-Williams, Acuity Brands, Algona Hardwoods, Armstrong Ceilings, +17
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Professionals: Integrated Design Solutions, The Christman Company, SDI Structures, Beckett and Raider
The Matchbox House / Bureau for Architecture and Urbanism
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Architects: Bureau for Architecture and Urbanism
- Year: 2012
Resonant Chamber / rvtr
Resonant Chamber, an interior envelope system that deploys the principles of rigid origami, transforms the acoustic environment through dynamic spatial, material and electro-acoustic technologies. The aim of rvtr is to develop a soundsphere able to adjust its properties in response to changing sonic conditions, altering the sound of a space during performance and creating an instrument at the scale of architecture, flexible enough that it might be capable of being played. The project is funded through the 2011 Research through Making Grant, U-M Office of the Vice President for Research, 2011 Small Projects Grant, U-M Center for Wireless Integrated Microsystems, Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada Research Creation Grant. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Parkridge / PLY Architecture
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Architects: Ply Architecture: PLY Architecture, Craig Borum + Karl Daubmann (Principals) Mike Ezban, Marshal Prado, Alex Timmer
- Area: 1100 m²
- Year: 2010
Park House / PLY Architecture
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Architects: Ply Architecture: PLY Architecture, Karl Daubmann, Craig Borum(Principals) Shannon Burke (Design); Scott LaPorte, Matt Deiner, Marsall Prado, Alexis Coir, Mike Ezban (Construction)
- Area: 1000 m²
- Year: 2007
Ann Arbor District Library / inFORM studio
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Architects: inFORM studio
- Year: 2008
University of Michigan Museum of Art / Allied Works Architecture
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Architects: Allied Works Architecture
- Area: 40362 ft²
- Year: 2009