Firm Wins Zero Waste Design Contest in Detroit

Progressive Companies has won a design competition sponsored by Detroit non-profit Green Living Science and AIA Detroit's Committee on the Environment (COTE) focused on creating a Zero Waste Education Center “providing a space for Detroit families to learn about the environmental, health, and financial benefits of waste reduction.” The winner was announced during the AIA Detroit Green Circle Meet-up on June 25.

Our design focused on creating an immersive, hands-on experience through the lens of the Living Building Challenge, the world's only regenerative design framework. Strategies included rooftop solar, ground-source geothermal, rainwater collection, aquaponics system, using salvaged materials within the design as well as providing a “maker space”, “waste-as-a-resource” lab, and more. Other notable features included a universally designed ramp to access the second floor, and a rooftop urban garden. See more about the winning project below.

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