


TRANSITION + REFLECTION
NEW CONSTRUCTION PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY
COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION
CONFIDENTIAL CLIENT
SMITHGROUP DETROIT
2019
This connector was introduced at a pivotal time for a confidential American multinational automotive manufacturing company. This company had recently announced a plan to relocate thousands of employees to two campus mega-buildings, and this new construction project was vital to promote agility and connectivity between the two work environments. The project team developed a solution that celebrated the historic legacy of the building site and promoted employee convenience and satisfaction.
The form of the connector was driven by user experience and simplicity. As users enter the space, a monumental stair allows for an on-axis ascension to the fully elevated walkway, promoting a simple yet significant passage. Fully elevating the walk preserves the reflecting pool’s continuity and unifying character, as well as primary north/south sight lines across the site. The pool as unifier is an important component of the original 1950's campus design concept, supporting the legacy-inspired mentality. The procession across the reflecting pool introduces framed portals, momentarily guiding one’s view off-axis toward the gorgeous view across the waters, encouraging moments of reflection and tranquility during the workday.
As an architectural designer on this project, I contributed to the development of the conceptual design alongside the project design lead, implementing strategies to improve the user experience. I prepared presentation content and diagrams to illustrate the design intent and conceptual framework to our client. I developed and organized construction documentation including orthographic drawings, construction details, notations, and finish information. I also coordinated with internal team members and external consultants for building systems and site integration prior to project deliverables. After documentation was delivered for construction, I aided in the construction administration process to ensure the design intent was implemented with quality and care.
PROJECT PORPOSAL RENDERINGS
PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHY





MASSING & SYSTEMS AXONOMETRIC DIAGRAMS
SMITHGROUP PROJECT TEAM
MICHAEL WEINGARTS, PRINCIPAL IN CHARGE & PROJECT MANAGER
CIVIL ENGINEERING
BILL WOOD
JERRY VOGT
EVERETT GORUP
CHARLOTTE CARLTON
LOUIS COX
PAT DOHER
ALEX RUSSEAU
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
CLARE JAGENOW, SITE PROGRAM LEAD
ABIGAIL FIALA
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
RUBY & ASSOCIATES
JACOB LONGTON
JUDY XIAO
BSRAT GHEBREMARIAM
MICHAEL SKALSKY
ARCHITECTURE
MICHAEL PAUL KRUG, ARCHITECTURAL PROGRAM LEAD
JASON SMITH, DESIGN PRINCIPAL
JUSTIN FIEMA, DESIGN LEAD
ABI ARAGON
WOODY BERGMAN
NATSUME ONO
BILL MOORHEAD
ASYA SHINE
CARRIE KUKLA
JOHN HROVAT
INTERIOR DESIGN
JENNIFER PLAGENS, INTERIORS PROGRAM LEAD
ABI ARAGON
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
GEOF WRIGHT
CHRIS FAZZALARE
ANDREW VARILONE
LIGHTING DESIGN
GEOF WRIGHT
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
JOHN E. GREEN COMPANY
ED PFANNES
BRAD REUTHER
HAMZA BILAL
GRAPHICS & RENDERINGS
PAUL LORDACHE
OLIVIA VENUTO