Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS DETROIT DESIGN 139?

Detroit Design 139 is a collective of design advocates who came together in 2017 to demand a higher standard for all future projects within Detroit’s 139 square miles. These advocates created Detroit Design 139 to organize and host design initiatives—exhibitions, events and conversations—that focus on Detroit’s future built and natural environment. Detroit Design 139’s signature event is its biennial exhibition, which showcases projects that represent a future Detroit, while honoring the city’s design legacy and pushes the city toward becoming a leader in world-class design excellence.

WHO ARE DD139’S KEY STAKEHOLDERS?

Detroit Design 139’s key stakeholders are Bedrock, Design Core and the City of Detroit, but local, national and international design leaders take part in curating the exhibition, facilitating design conversations and workshops, and helping spread the word about the importance of design.

WHAT IS THE EXHIBITION?

Every two years, Detroit Design 139 showcases projects that have been designed by members the public—designers and non-designers alike. These projects utilize design to address issues in both the built and natural environment. The project focus areas change for each exhibition, but projects are always guided by 10 design principles that emphasize learning from the past in order to inform a successful approach to the inclusive design process.

HOW IS THE EXHIBITION CURATED?

Detroit Design 139 accepts projects submitted by the public. The projects follow the rules and guidelines, while using the 10 design principles to inform the scope of the projects. Submitted projects are judged blindly by an esteemed jury comprised of local, national and international design advocates.

WHO SELECTS THE ENTRIES THAT ARE FEATURED IN THE EXHIBITIONS?

The exhibitions are selected by a jury of design professionals, academics, public officials, experts related to inclusive design, and are approved by DD139’s advisory committee.

WHAT DOES DD139 DO OUTSIDE OF THE EXHIBITION?

In addition to our everyday design advocacy, Detroit Design 139 hosts an average of 15 events every year. The events are catered toward broadening the scope of how design is viewed and utilized, and furthering discussion about how inclusive design benefits all. Past events include a tours of historic buildings, Ladies Design Salon, kids workshops, community show-and-tells, panels on affordable housing and discussions on leveraging Detroit’s proximity to Canada to strengthen the international region.

HOW CAN I GET UPDATES ABOUT DD139?

The easiest way to get updates about Detroit Design 139 is to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @DetroitDesign139, and on Twitter at @DetDesign139. You can also sign up for DD139 email updates by sending an email to info@DetroitDesign139 with the message “Sign me up!”