Daily Detroit was kind enough to invite me to tour Ford’s new headquarters building in Dearborn to document the monumental structure and then discuss the experience on the podcast. If you don’t already follow Daily Detroit I suggest subscribing or joining their Patreon. Independent journalism is more important than ever and Daily Detroit is a great resource for what is happening in Metro-Detroit on a broad scope of topics and doesn’t skimp on details and nuance. You can listen to my interview HERE or search wherever you get your podcasts.
Ford is really making a statement with this new headquarters. It is emphatically pointing in the direction that the company wants to go with a forward and thoughtful design. The architect’s behind this building are the Norwegian firm Snohetta. As an architecture buff Snohetta has been on my radar for a long time as I am a fan of their style of thoughtful minimalism. Within this structure you will see choices that are very reminiscent of the work they would produce with some of their museum or opera house commissions. I really enjoyed wandering this building with my camera and honestly couple probably spend a week in there documenting the different spaces and details. I hope these images can give you a feel for the design and care that both Snohetta and Ford have put into creating an incredible modern workplace.
When you enter the headquarters you are given a taste of what is to come. The space is filled with light with a grand stairway that leads you to the employee areas of the building. While you wait though you are given several options for seating as well as art to enjoy. The art in the building is a mix of works made in house with an automotive nod, to those that are beautiful and simply enhance the spaces they inhabit. Other pieces throughout the building are drawings or pictures that reflect on Ford’s rich history of design, my favorite being the drawings of old concept cars. To further soften the modern design there is white oak throughout and furniture that invites you to sit on it.
