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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
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PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHY
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MASSING AND SYSTEMS AXONOMETRIC DIAGRAMS
MASSING & SYSTEMS AXONOMETRIC DIAGRAMS
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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

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