1. Design
for life
Design doesn’t stop at the drawing board,
rounding edges and adding features. Design
is a mindset which influences and adds value
to all phases of a process.

2. About Me
Kyle Christensen
B.S. Architecture - University of Michigan, 2011
M.B.A. - University of Michigan, 2015 (expected)
Skills
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
HTML / CSS
SQL
Interests
Traveling
Sports
Data Analytics
Innovation
Urbanism
Architecture
Google Apps

3. The Journey
3
Studied
Design in
Holland
middle school in
Cadillac
2
High School in
Port Huron
Started College in
Grand Rapids
Architecture
Externship in
Los Angeles
4
3
4
Moved to
Midtown Detroit
1
Born in Jackson
5
Graduated from
University of
Michigan
6
Sustainable City
Research Project
in New York
3

4. Cheapness
What happens when we build within an
economy of means? How can aggregated,
modular components be formed as a
collective mass, using parametric techniques?
1
Using Sonotubes (cardboard
tubes designed as modular
formworks for pouring concrete)
as an aggregated structural
element, unique spaces and
conditions are formed. The
effects of generative design are
simulated using cheap materials
and construction methods. The
resulting structure is both
malleable and easy to assemble,
without sacrificing the unique
spaces which parametric design
permits.
If parametric design is
calculus-based, this is the
precalculus approach.
VEGETATION
5
CONCRETE COLUMN
2
BUBBLE SKYLIGHT
6
DROP LIGHTING
3
SOLID OPAQUE CAP
7
4
OPERABLE VENT
8
PHOTOVOLTAIC
PANEL
WATER COLLECTOR

5. PRECALCULUS ARCHITECTURE

6. Hybrid Vigor
What is the potential for a hybrid? How
can two systems synergize to foster further
development?
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10
9
9
8
8
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6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
scale 1/16” = 1’0”
1'
10'
5'
100'
50'

7. The proposal aims at a productive bridge between corporate privacy and public visibility of research and development. An open platform is advantageous for companies who
wish to attract young talent and engage with the public opinion.
9
Studio (Nike)
Prototype testing facilities
Client meeting space
Materials lab
“Innovation Kitchen” opaque studio
space
Cafe
Open air terrace
Cafe lounge for clients
Coffee / deli counter
Student terrace
E
N
S
W
Nike
Apple
Proctor & Gamble
The famous “Innovation Kitchen” where Nike
has designed numerous famous products such
as the Air Jordan is replicated. Surrounding
space accommodates the Kitchen.
Mimicking the clean, open lines of Apple
stores, this layout hides the more technical
processes in the outer zones.
Much like the complex web of products in the
Proctor & Gamble family, this layout seeks to
accomodate a large number of diverse
product families.
Toyota
Herman Miller
Samsung
A big, open space allows for clay sculpting
prototypes at large scales. The other zones
are close-knit in order to align with Toyota’s
revolutionary “lean” manufacturing
philosophies.
Inspired by the professional, no-nonsense
design philosophy of Herman Miller, this
space brings all of the components of the
process in close relation to each other.
Samsung’s design has a clear balance of
aesthetics and functionality, shown here in a
layout that focuses on the duality of good
design.

8. Threshold
At what point does building become
landscape? How do viewpoints and
trajectories affect the surfaces and spaces
that we occupy?
18
To Macarthur Bridge
17
16
15
14
Threshold
View to Windsor
Skateboarding, much like architecture, relies on the line for success. Finding the right line and crossing boundaries is
what leads to great skateboarding. The Belle Isle Skatepark seeks to blur the thresholds using oblique lines and perspective
views to create a dynamic skateboarding environment which offers numerous possibilities. Pedestrians and onlookers are
also welcome, bridging the gap between the historical divide between skaters and non-skaters. This synergetic proposal isn’t
merely a skatepark or public pedestrian plaza. Instead, Belle Isle Skatepark merges the two typologies into a new architectural
form.
To Scott Fountain
Horizontal sections
1/16” = 1’-0”
1 - Men’s locker rooms / showers
2 - Women’s locker rooms / showers
3 - Men’s restroom
4 - Women’s restroom
5 - Parent lounge
6 - Office administration
7 - Pedestrian leisure wallk path
8 - Outdoor skatepark
9 - Check-in / repairs / rentals
10 - Open skate corridor (warm ups)
11 - Skateshop (clothing, boards, accessories)
12 - Indoor skatepark
13 - Exterior skateable roof overhang
14 - Restaurant / concessions
15 - Garden dining
16 - Concert performance stage (above)
17 - Riverside dining
18 - Step down riverview seating
13
12
View to Detroit
11
Skatepark
Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan
1/16” = 1’
Moments of threshold overlaid on plan
View from street
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5
2
1
7
3
4
8
Transverse and longitudinal sections
1/16” = 1’
10
Vertical sections
1/16” = 1’-0”
9

9. “The quality of the imagination is to flow and
not to freeze”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
2,4
25
Macarthur Bridge
2,193 ft.
2,479 ft.
f t.
“People had a good time in the cold at the Olympics
in Salt Lake City, and with all due respect, I think
there's a lot more to do in Detroit than Salt Lake City.
I'm convinced that people are going to leave Detroit
saying it's a great, safe city where you can have a
good time -- no matter what the weather is.”
APBA Gold Cup
hydroplane race
Roger Penske
“Think of yourself as on the
threshold of unparalleled success.
A whole, clear, glorious life lies
before you. Achieve! Achieve!”
Detroit Boat
Club
Grand Prix
start/finish line
Andrew Carnegie
an,
Unit
e
d Sta
ador Br
id
ge -- De
troit --9,98
tes
-- 10
,032
ft
Proposed path
of skateboarders
.
0 ft.
Open space used
for temporary
events only
Existing trees on the
island
Red Bull Air
Race
Man-made
pond
Temporary Grand Prix
installations
James
Scott
Belle Isle
Casino
da
rio
nta
r, O
ds o
Win
na
, Ca
0,3
-- 1
88
Grand Prix
track
ft.
Moments of
threshold, conflict,
multiplicity
“We have an opportunity to show the world that
this is a much different place than it was in 1982,
the last time we hosted the Super Bowl. A
renaissance is taking place in what was a decaying
inner city, and I can't wait for the world to see the
new Detroit.”
Interesting lines, perspective
viewpoints
Roger Penske
Detroit Belle Isle
Grand Prix
United
States
Canada
2,014 ft.
ft .
Ambass
2,5
06
Detr
oit,
Mic
hig

10. Better Block
How can we activate an underutilized space
in Detroit? How can we visually campaign for
better urban planning? What does it take to
build a community?

11. 15
Overview
Participants
Council - Detroit Regional
Chapter (DRC) and Wayne
effort to raise awareness
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
the potential for healthy,
7.
8.
The US Green Building
State University have
organized Detroit’s firstever Better Block in an
of complete streets, placemaking methods, and
vibrant neighborhoods
in the city. The aim is to
r
.G
make the chosen block a
E
model of what can happen
.
lvd
B
and
9.
10.
11.
35
12
when sustainable design is
applied to an underserved
12.
13.
urban area. The site
features food and drinks,
work by local artists and
artisans, and entertainment
and exhibits from nearby
venues.
14.
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5
19
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10
28
move people within a city,
31
11
walking, skating and more. We
encourage a healthy mix of
6
36
them all!
3
38
Safety
4
22.
23.
2
24.
toin
25.
t.
eS
The Environment
7
21.
18
An
first to better your block!
29
32
St.
situations. Safety must exist
1
19.
20.
8
33
such as biking, busing, driving,
we experience in everyday
St.
22
14
refers to any means taken to
of comfort and protection
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13
Transportation
is tantamount to the feeling
20
nd
17
kla
The “Five
Pillars”
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15.
16.
17.
18.
Oa
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we nurture and inhabit provides
us with the very resources we
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need to live day in and out. Our
impacts on the environment will
25
last past our own generation.
Entertainment
reveals our ability to showcase
30
ee
auk
our talents and enjoy other
peoples’ gifts. Better Block
Detroit provides spectators
with a variety of recreation this
weekend.
Community
is achieved when people come
together to share their opinions
and experiences in a respectful
and open way. Our time on the
block creates a community we
all value and enrich!
w
Mil
St.
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26.
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28.
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30.
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35.
Food/Drink
Hut-K Chaats
San Street
Peaches and Greens
Tabia Coulibaly
Anthology Coffee
Joe Service
Associates
Delirium Donuts
Tangent Biergarten
Organizations
Hopscotch Detroit
Detroit Reforesters
Detroit Sketchbook
Project
Freshwater Railway
Transportation Riders
United
Michigan Urban
Farming Initiative
Vendors and
Exhibitors
Fortress Studios
Nate’s Kids Furniture
Arbonne International
The End Grain
Woodworking Co.
Re:new Detroit
Goodness Gracious
Floral
JMS Asbestos
Training Center &
Environmental Service
Caricaturist
Charlene Uresy
Furniture
Yvette Jenkins fair
trade wares
North End
Neighborhood
Initiatives
Activities
Be Nice Yoga
Yoga Shelter
Community input
charette
Detroit City F.C.
Pop-up interior garden
Music
Urban Legend
Detroit Rhythm
Massive Detroit DJs
Muralists
Dustin Spagnola
Katherine Craig and
Gabriel Daniels
36. Art Imitating Life
Printing Services
37. Rusas Printing
Company

12. Intervention
What is the role of “joy” in design? How can
we bring “joy” to a city in transition? Are we
taking advantage of Detroit’s best assets?
DETROIT WATER
CITY
“How can we use our
city’s best asset?”
WWW.DETROITWATERCITY.ORG
A CIVIC INTERVENTION PROJECT

14. First Class
Who is the customer segment for a private
flight service? What differentiates private
flight from commercial airlines? How can we
bring peace of mind to busy commuters?

16. Product
What is the relationship between product
design, advertising, and end consumer? How
do our products influence our behaviors and
conciousness?
Detroit
“A little
rough
around the
edges!”
Detroit
“A little
rough
around the
edges!”

18. Geocoded
How can we visually show our clients’
behaviors? What benefits are there in
geocoded map data for understanding return
on investment?

20. Search Job
Where are the firms that specialize in design
thinking and innovation consulting? Do
business design “hubs” exist?