Hall of Science

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This multi-story concrete, brick, and glass structure joins old and new Detroit. The historic Dalgleish Cadillac dealership can be seen in two faces of the building, with showroom windows in golden ratios on the ground floor. The annex to the dealership is done in asymmetric concrete and glass panels that span multiple floors until the main atrium. The atrium is enclosed by glass fritted with a forest of narrow trees and branches. Wooden remnants from the old building have been fitted together to climb from the entrance awning all the way to the top of the building and over, to serve as a trellis for a section of the roof. Twin roof-top telescopes are visible from the ground.

The surrounding grounds have been reclaimed from parking lots. Paths wind through trees and native grasses. Close in to the building an outdoor seating area with tables provides a welcome spot for lunch and study breaks. There are multiple culdesacs on the grounds for people who want more peaceful breaks. In one of these, green slatted benches with graceful curves encircle an abstract sculpture standing in the middle of a wading fountain.

Main Atrium

The main entrance opens up in a huge atrium lined by hallways and offices spanning floors. Bars of light and shadows of branches from the atrium windows crisscross with thatches of warm colors, oranges, golds, reds. Art is promenently featured throughout the facility. This is a place of creativity and balance where the Two Cultures are encouraged to meet. The atrium has communal seating areas and tables where people can study or work together. This is a place of collaboration and the open floor plans and exposed hallways makes it easy to see all of the work taking place. The older part of the building is less modern and more traditional in style. The offices are a little cramped, yet coveted by those who do not want to work in the fishbowl style of the new construction.

Roof and Greenhouse

The roof houses the astronomy department's telescopes and planetarium. The Detroit Biodiversity Network, a collective of Urban Ecologists, run a world class greenhouse with beehives. Shade is available under the large trellis that folds over from the front of the building. The Detroit Biodiversity Network also maintain a "Green Roof" that mitigates the heat island effect of traditional commercial and industrial spaces and improves air quality. The roof is a pleasant place to relax.