Library Street Collective asked LOHA to design the new headquarters for contemporary art gallery and project space Louis Buhl & Co. in the East Village neighborhood of Detroit, set to open in late 2024. The site is home to a former residence, used as a Convent to the adjacent church. Much of the site has fallen into disrepair, however, the brick façade and concrete block garage remain standing. The new retrofit and addition engages with the existing structures to support responsible neighborhood regrowth. Familiar textures are reimagined as a backdrop for new programming - a strategy that sustainably repurposes the former residence and respects the fabric of the existing community.
The Convent site has been developed as an extension and addition to the programs of the Shepherd, an adjacent multi-disciplinary arts and education space. The primary program of the Convent site is an artists studio, a collaboration with Library Street Collective. To support the studio, a gallery, exhibition space, and exterior plaza are fluidly connected to host installations, educational programs, and community events. The circulation through the site seeks to create a balance between public and private, providing productive space for artists and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The gallery is enclosed with translucent polycarbonate panels. Polycarbonate was selected for both its lightness and durability, a compliment to the weathered brick of the existing façade. Its translucence will create an atmospheric lantern at night, creating a distinct identity and offering a unique canvas for artists. The lighting design will be developed by local Detroit artists as a dynamic installation with the potential to transform over time.
The landscape and plaza are community amenities designed to be both secure and inviting. New and existing building elements combine to frame an exterior courtyard space that is suitable both for impromptu visits and curated programing throughout the year. The plaza is a flexible and comfortable outdoor area that can extend the gallery programming or can independently host outdoor education, art exhibitions, craft fairs, or public events. Recycled brick from fallen walls of the original building is used as a sustainable hardscape palette. Landscape, integrated with porous brick pavers, creates a lush and robust gathering space.
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