Friday Eye Candy: The Antidote to Detroit 'Ruin Porn'

The new book "Detroit: The Dream Is Now" tells a story of revitalization and ambition, in the same city where far too many "ruin porn" photographers have tread.

1 minute read

May 5, 2017, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Detroit, Michigan

The Spirit of Detroit statue, created by Marshall Fredericks and located at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in Detroit. | J Dennis / Shutterstock

Ashley Zlatopolsky shares news of the new book "Detroit: The Dream Is Now," by photographer Michael Arnaud.

"The book is positive and upbeat," writes Zlatopolsky. "While others were focusing on Detroit’s post-industrial decay and ruins, Arnaud decided to shine on a light on the city’s resurgence and growth."

The positive spin on the book is, in fact, the reason Arnaud got the greenlight for the three-year project from his publisher, Abrams. Instead of decaying city blocks and decrepit buildings, certain to be demolished, Arnaud's book surveys "a vibrant arts movement, a strong culinary culture, [and] a city with seemingly endless pockets of creativity to explore." The 272-page book focuses on the adaptice reuse of buildings throughout.

The article includes a sprinkling of the photos that populate the book, and a calendar of events in the Detroit area to promote the book's release.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017 in Detroit Free Press

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

6 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

7 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.