Detroit’s Environmental Report
An environmental research report identifying the context and challenges relating to Detroit’s urban environment
Project Type:
UT 410 Strategic Design &Urban Systems
Date
Winter 2025
Duration
2 Weeks
Team member
Audrey Tang
Role
Researcher
SKILLS
Data Visualization
Field Research
Environmental Analysis
tools
Figma
Procreate
eBird
Site Visit
Overview
Background
This research investigates the environmental context and biodiversity of Little Village, Detroit, to inform future ecological planning and community greenspace development. Through a combination of historical climate data analysis and on-site biodiversity surveys, the study examines seasonal patterns, vegetation composition, and ecological characteristics across multiple city blocks.
By identifying key environmental challenges and patterns within the neighborhood, these insights provide a foundational understanding of Little Village’s natural systems and serve as a basis for environmentally responsive urban interventions.
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How might we ...
document the environmental patterns and biodiversity of Little Village to reveal key ecological challenges of Detroit?
Process
Geographic Context
Phenology
📊 Our first step was to understand Little Village’s seasonal rhythms.
I analyzed historical weather data to understand how temperature and precipitation trends relate to patterns in weather, animal migration, and plant growth.
By mapping weather patterns, we highlighted some of the climate challenges the area may face. Mapping animal migration helped us identify opportunities to preserve and create nesting and feeding habitats. And by visualizing plant cycles, we captured the neighborhood’s changing colors and textures throughout the year.
Biodiversity
🌱 Next, we went into the field to study the biodiversity of Little Village.
After investigating Little Village, we organized the habitats into six archetypes by density, land use, and human involvement: Urban Wilderness, Lone Giants, Grass (at first glance), Street Guardians, Tree Farms, and Curated Landscapes (sorted by least to most human-intensive).
Much of Detroit’s broader economic story is reflected in the landscape of Little Village: vacant lots and under-maintained spaces are a common sight. While these areas are often viewed as difficult to manage, they actually support higher biodiversity and hold unique potential for addressing environmental challenges, such as stormwater drainage. At the same time, these spaces face ongoing issues with invasive species and limited public maintenance.
*Photos Taken by Audrey and Me 😀
Challenges
🔍 Lastly, we assess the environmental pressures and vulnerabilities currently impacting Little Village.
Reflection and Takeaway
Conclusion
Little Village’s landscape reflects Detroit’s longer history of disinvestment and vacancy. As people moved away, many lots were left vacant, which contributed to the unmaintained and overlooked conditions we see now. If these patterns continue, climate change will only add more pressure, making flooding, heat, and deterioration harder to manage.
At the same time, these vacant spaces support surprisingly high biodiversity. However, their “wild” appearance can shape negative perceptions of the neighborhood. Moving forward, the opportunity lies in finding a balance in protecting the ecological value that’s already here, while creating spaces for human socializationation.
Personal Learnings
Before this project, I didn’t have much experience with environmental studies. My interest in sustainability had always lived in the world of buildings: how we design spaces, how cities grow, how people move through them. I understood “environment” as something mostly constructed.
Working with Audrey changed that. During our field visit, we spent time just observing: looking closely at plants, soil, shade, and how things changed block by block. I started noticing how connected everything is, and how small human choices can shift the balance of the environment around us.
This project taught me to slow down and pay attention. I learned to see the landscape as something active and expressive, not just scenery. It helped me understand that sustainability isn’t only about designing better structures, but also about recognizing and supporting the natural systems that are already there.