Culture Lab Detroit returning with 2015 theme of green space

DETROIT (AP) - Culture Lab Detroit is returning to the city for its third year of programming, with the theme of green space.

The conference, being held Sept. 10-11, will feature designers, landscape architects, scholars and an acclaimed chef who will explore the politics of green space and the interplay of nature and architecture in designing for today's urban landscape.

Among the events are panel discussions with appearances by chef Alice Waters, botanist and ecological engineer Patrick Blanc, urban farming pioneer Will Allen and architects-designers Sou Fujimoto and Walter Hood, the Detroit Free Press reported.

This year's conference also will mark the launch of Culture Lab Designs, a line of affordable products created by local and international designers. The goods, which will be sold online and at a two-week pop-up design shop, will be made entirely in Detroit and sales will benefit the city's artists, manufacturers and businesses.

"We want to address design in ways that will really touch the community," said Culture Lab Detroit founder Jane Schulak of Birmingham.

Culture Lab Detroit seeks to serve as a catalyst for collaboration and conversation about the role of design in reshaping Michigan's largest city. It was created by Schulak as way of forging connections between visiting artists, designers and architects and Detroit's artists, creative entrepreneurs and business, political and philanthropic leaders.

The annual event has received funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Kresge Foundation. It's produced in partnership with the College for Creative Studies and the Detroit Creative Corridor Center.

Published: Thu, Aug 13, 2015