why detroit matters - lessons and visions

摘要

For several years I have taken Dutch university students to Detroit. I never have to work very hard to sell the trip to them. Detroit. The very word evokes powerful images and strong meanings, especially to those who study cities. While Detroit is known for its cars and its music, it is perhaps most famous for being a symbol of urban failure. There are an estimated 90,000 vacant buildings in the city. My students come to Detroit wanting to see them. I take them there because I want to challenge them to look beyond them.