Speculation

Hantz Farms LLC is technically just a concept at this point, started by John Hantz and lead by Matt Allen, both Detroit natives and very driven to participate in strengthening their community. Their vision is still fresh in that it has only been speculated and planned. But their goal is simple: Rejuvinate the city of Detroit by creating the worlds largest urban farm within the city limits.

What does this entail? From what limited information we can find on the subject without talking to someone directly involved, the details are quite vague. Apparently the first phase of the project will utilize 70 acres of vacant land and abandonded properties in Detroit's lower east side.

Their press release explains:

"Hantz Farms plans to grow natural, local, fresh and safe fruits and vegetables to help meet Michigan’s increasing demand for locally grown produce. In addition to food and trees, Hantz Farms will harvest wind energy and utilize geothermal heat and biomass fuel from recycling compost."

While this all sounds very positive, there appears to be a lot of technical issues in regards to taxing the land and getting Detroiters on board with the idea. There are a wide variety of non-profit urban gardens and farms already established in the city. Assuming that Hantz Farms is approved to start their project, what will become of these plots? How will the city distinguish Hantz Farms from the other urban farms? What will set them apart aside from sheer size?

Another thing to consider is the ability to grow safe produce in an urban setting. The Hantz Farms press release mentions:

"...working directly with Michigan State University to add its expertise on agricultural and soil sciences and consulting with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, a national leader in community-based food systems."

We are currently making contact with these people, as well as Matt Allen, to pin down specifics and get a better idea of how this project is panning out.

Once all the details are ironed out, our outside part in this project involves creating a comprehensive way of expressing the essence and promise of the Hantz Farms organization through systems of communication - media, signage, print work, interactive components, maps, websites, etc. While our designs and participation will be hypothetical, it's exciting to play a role nonetheless. Especially when considering the fact that Hantz Farms is such a new concept that it has hardly been touched.

How can we represent the positive impact of urban farming in Detroit through our design choices? This new organization would be bringing about a lot of change to the city, begging people to achieve a new perspective and welcome a change to the community. To most people, change is intimidating.

For now I see our end goal as having to communicate the authenticity of this change, the positive impact it will make, and to do so in a way that does not come across as invasive or assertive to the community.