Interior Design students get look at Detroit’s rich culture through architecture

Reading about historic architecture in a book can teach you many things, but in some cases, seeing is believing.

That’s what second and third-year students in the Interior Design program learned firsthand during a recent field trip to Detroit, MI, to check out some of the city’s renowned architectural landmarks.

Students explored Hart Plaza and the various art installments located around the riverfront, followed by a visit to the “The Fist,” a tribute monument to boxer, Joe Louis. Students also visited The Spirit of Detroit, which symbolizes the city’s rich culture.

The last stops on the site visit were The Guardian Building which showcases bold Art Deco décor, followed by a viewing of the Foundation Hotel, formerly the Detroit Firehouse Number One, a historic icon illustrating a blend of industrial and modern design.

“In a city like Detroit, it is imperative for the students not to just read about what it is like to visit the downtown. As upcoming designers, to relate wholeheartedly to the project, they had to experience the vibe that the city exudes firsthand,” said Tricia King, the program coordinator for Interior Design. “Standing next to the buildings and architectural monuments allows the students to get a reference to human scale, building materials and context that is best achieved through experiential learning.”

Breanne Vezina is a third-year Interior Design student and said it was a very informative trip.

“When observing structures such as the Guardian Building and the Detroit Foundation Hotel, it became evident the amount of work that was put into the construction of these facilities,” said Vezina. “It was truly an experience to learn about all these architectural pieces and how they tie back to our industry in terms of construction and design.”

“Attending this trip has helped us gain knowledge on how much structures and designs can affect a community and tell a story without the use of any words,” said Vezina. “The importance of design intent was highlighted as each of the stops visited on the tour were designed with purpose and intent to convey a certain mood within the public.”

Professors hope by visiting these sites and experiencing downtown Detroit through a different lens, the students will be inspired and gain knowledge they aren’t afforded sitting in a classroom.

Information gathered during the trip will be applied to their current Hotel Guestroom design project and all their future projects as emerging interior designers.