Ford Rotunda

As part of a 2020 renovation of professional offices in Dearborn, this project provides a functional and appealing commercial landscape. The design works to both complement and enhance the sleek modern feel of the architecture. Creating a welcoming first impression, a bosque of Gingko trees flanks the front entrance and adds a splash of color to the building’s gray exterior. Nestled behind is a Zen garden, carefully designed on-site to integrate with the space. Hand-selected accent stones highlighted by rich evergreens sit in a soft bed of decomposed granite. These rugged textures juxtapose the clean lines of the building and offer a picturesque view from the entrance lobby. Between the building and street, a custom bench serves as a striking piece of functional art. Inspired by facets and angles of the existing architecture, this one-of-a-kind piece consists of a continuous plane of pigmented gray concrete flowing effortlessly from sidewalk to seat to low wall leading to the entrance. Ipe wood offers a comfortable sitting surface while setting off the dynamic lines of the concrete. At night, a linear LED light glows from a hidden niche under the wood and illuminates the pavement. An interior plaza offers a versatile space for everything from employee lunches to formal company events. A long patio is bordered by simple layers of plants and trees that add textural interest while lending a human scale to the large space. Beyond, a custom fence doubles as both a visually permeable green screen and a secure enclosure.