Construction-The Soup Kitchen
Artist
Gretchen Maricak
(American, 1952-2018)
Date5/92
MediumWhite corrugated paper in bas relief on brown board.
DimensionsFull size: 20 x 20 in.
Image size: 17 x 18 in.
ClassificationsMixed Media
Credit LineBequest of Gretchen Maricak
Object numberM026
DescriptionThe Soup Kitchen is located on the I-75 service drive and Wilkins near the Eastern Market in Detroit. Corrugated metal and concrete are used on the exterior of the building with broken concrete forming the berm around the perimeter of the building to provide outside seating. Wild flowers grow between the broken concrete to soften the landscape. The soup kitchen is a large open space. There are fixed sculpted tables and seating integrated with the concrete floor. The entire environment may be cleared with a hose with water flowing into floor drains. Lighting is provided by a large skylight operable kite-shaped elements in the roof for ventilation. The soup kitchen is accompanied by a mini-police station and public showers. The mini-station is located in the tower and is able to oversee the entire area. Shower stalls, lavatories and toilets are grouped togeher in individual 3-walled units. Shopping baskets/belongings may be placed across the opening to provide for both some privacy and security. Homeless individuals would be able to protect their belonging as they utilized a restroom unit.
