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.
There is no better place to start than with what greets you as you approach the building… the exterior facade. This is a departure to the “Glass House” which is Ford’s previous headquarters and which is a great example of mid-century architecture. That building is linear and a rectangle, where Snohetta’s design allows for different views and angles of the outside due to its swooping facade. It adds visual interest but also makes for a far more interesting experience for the employees inside.
In a nod to Ford’s past, the architects kept the old archways that you would drive through to reach the Engineering and Research building. These were integrated into the landscape design and are a nice reminder of the history of the company and land that the new building resides on. I am looking forward to seeing how this landscaping and grounds look in the spring and summer. It is yet another delightful perk to this facility.
