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The Jury
Nila Leiserowitz, Assoc. AIA, FASID
Gensler
Santa Monica, California
Lewis Goetz, AIA
Group Goetz Architects PC
Washington, D.C.
Victor Saroki, FAIA
Victor Saroki & Associates Architects PC
Birmingham, Michigan




G.M. Global Headquarters Circulation Ring



Location
Detroit, MI
Architect
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Client/Owner
General Motors
General Contractor
Turner Bailey Brinker
Consultant(s)
Mero (circulation ring contractor); Fisher Marantz Stone (specialty lighting)
Photographer
Justin Maconochie © Hedrich Blessing

Detroit’s Renaissance Center is a concrete behemoth that dates from 1977. Circulation through the multi-use complex was always problematic and became more critical when an automotive giant decided to create a global headquarters here. This project is a "simple, bold move that provides a solution to a very complex problem," according to a juror. In addition to providing a simplified circulation pattern, the ring improves the aesthetics with light, modern materials of steel and glass that contrast with the massiveness of the concrete.