DETROIT | Development & Construction: Motown Lowdown

[deja vu]

Originally Posted by animatedmartian

Latvian-American and Detroit-based architect Gunnar Birkerts has passed away at the age of 92. Arriving in the Detroit area during 1949, his time spent here helped add a dose of modernism to the cityscape. His works include;

1300 Lafayette (guy in the middle),


https://1300lafayetteeast.com/

University of Detroit Fisher Brothers Administration Center

http://www.michiganmodern.org/buildings/university-of-detroit-fisher-brothers-administration-center

IBM regional offices in Southfield,

IBM Regional Office Building, Southfield (1975) Gunnar Birkerts by Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, on Flickr
http://www.michiganmodern.org/buildings/international-business-machines-regional-office-building

...and the Calvary Baptist Church in Elmwood Park.


http://www.infinitemiledetroit.com/30_MODERNIST_CHURCHES_06_48207.html http://www.michiganmodern.org/buildings/calvary-baptist-church

Other works include designs he created while working for Perkins and Will, Eero Saarinen, and Minoru Yamasaki. Quite a few in the Detroit area, many in the Midwest, and some in Europe. RIP to a great local architect.

It seems like Detroit is known for it's 100 year old architecture, but there is quite a lot of modernism built during the middle part of the 20th century. Though it's also when Detroit had its greatest suburban expansion so many cool and unique buildings get lost in the far spreading blandness of suburbia. Well, here's hoping to another 100 years of great architecture in Detroit.

Sad to hear of the passing of this iconic Architect. He also designed the Domino's Farm Complex, and a lesser-known but still interesting campus for Glen Oaks Community College, located near my neck of the woods, outside Centreville, MI (aerial view below):


Source: Panoramio