Norwegian architecture studio Snøhetta is nearing completion of a massive, interconnected headquarters building for automotive giant Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. The four-story Central Campus Building represents a dramatic shift from Ford's iconic Glass House headquarters, which has served as the company's global home since 1956.
The new structure features a striking design with overlapping glass volumes defined by cedar soffits and organized around hexagonal courtyards. The building's most distinctive feature is its scalloped glass facade on one side, where cantilevered edges extend beyond the building's footprint and are supported by pilotis. Working closely with Ford, Snøhetta developed a custom glass frit with a sun-responsive gradient that adapts to changing light conditions throughout the day.
"We really brought on board to help transform their culture through architecture," explained Nathan McRae, director at Snøhetta, in an interview. "It really is transformative for them in the way that they work, the way they engage with one another, and their ability to have these more multidisciplinary, co-located teams." The new building was specifically designed to promote openness and collaboration through multiple connections and overlapping spaces.
The building's foundation features a custom brick base that references Ford's early brick buildings while using a slightly darker shade for a modern update. A series of strategically shaped courtyards with terracotta-clad walls allows natural sunlight to penetrate deep into the building's interior while providing ample space for vehicle movement and testing. These courtyards serve as the organizational heart of the complex, with each one surrounded by specialized engineering studios developed in partnership with Ford engineers.
The engineering studios follow a distinctive chevron shape across the second and fourth floors, designed to provide privacy while maximizing functionality. "You can actually see all of the vehicles being studied and designed from one perspective," McRae noted, explaining the strategic layout. The studios are complemented by vehicle showrooms that line the courtyards, with one courtyard designated for amenity spaces and recreational facilities.
More than fifty percent of the building is dedicated to functional spaces, primarily design and engineering studios, with additional areas allocated for flexible offices and lounge spaces. The interior design philosophy emphasizes utility and adaptability. "The intent for us was to keep the interiors rather utilitarian, spare, functional, so that they could be developed over time," said McRae. "It has very flexible floor plates." To accommodate future expansion, the studio implemented knockout paneling in strategic wall locations, allowing for additional elements to be added as the campus evolves.
The building's communal areas feature more permanent finishes, including a prominent corridor called the Gallery that functions as a connective lounge space. This double-height area is crowned by an extensive skylight and lined with white-painted, perforated metal panels that create a refined industrial aesthetic. A tall atrium also benefits from natural lighting through overhead skylights. Workspaces are thoughtfully organized around these lounge elements as distinct "neighborhoods" to foster community and collaboration.
The Central Campus Building is part of Snøhetta's comprehensive masterplan for Ford's Global Headquarters within the company's Research & Engineering Campus. The various buildings in the complex are designed with multiple interconnections, though they are opening on a rolling schedule. This phased approach allows Ford to gradually transition operations while maintaining productivity throughout the construction process.
Extensive landscaping improvements are also being implemented across the entire campus to create a more welcoming and sustainable environment. This headquarters project reflects Ford's broader reinvestment in its Michigan roots, including the company's significant financial commitment to redeveloping Detroit's historic Michigan Central Station. The photography documenting the nearly completed project was taken by Garrett Rowland, courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
