Sited in Detroit between the major roads Woodward Avenue and Cass Avenue, the Hostel / Station is intended to make traveling to and from the city more convenient. At present the city suffers from a rundown, unreliable bus system which exacerbates the problem of the city’s isolation from the suburbs. The train station enables commuter travel and the hostel helps to make Detroit a destination for travelers.
The hostel and train station occupy separate areas of the building. The station is oriented along the length of the train tracks and the hostel is built up over to get a view of the city and help to orient travelers to their surroundings. This is necessary because of a quirk in the way that Detroit is laid out. The city is not oriented to the compass like many city grids, but rather radiates outward from the city center oriented by the Detroit River. This can be disconcerting in terms of navigation Large moves in the building suggest views outward to the city.
Part of the extensive programming of the building includes sports courts on the roof of the train shed which are accessible to the general public and to people staying in the hostel. There is also a library on the ground floor which serves the community and commuters. The design integrates the activities of a diverse group of people.
Parallel entries to the hostel and the station create a space which always has people passing through it or waiting there. Large stairs on the front of the building serve as a dynamic public space and also provide general access to the courts on the roof.
