The man behind Detroit, Michigan’s, most iconic skyscraper has passed away. John Portman’s family announced the renowned architect had died at the age of 93 this past Sunday, according to The New York Times.
Portman ushered in a revolutionary architecture for skyscrapers that included the atrium. Many have experienced the architecture without knowing it was Portman’s signature look; pedestrians will find the design in numerous hotels and office buildings that tower above guests with balconies looking down to the ground floor. Portman first ushered the look in with the Hyatt Corporations hotel properties.
The Renaissance Center remains one of Portman’s shining stars. Built in the 1970s, the four skyscrapers encompassing 39 stories and a 73-story hotel, the building envisioned a revitalized downtown Detroit. At the time, Portman’s mission failed, though its effects are better felt in present day. The now GM headquarters houses a movie theater, shops, restaurants and more.
The Renaissance Center will undergo a refresh set for completing sometime in 2018, or possibly in 2019. Dubbed the GM Experience, the new space will focus on the past, present and future of the automaker. The exterior will also feature a large LED screen that will overlook Jefferson Avenue. Another 8,000 square-feet will also be added to the area currently housing the People Mover station.
Comments
Just one small correction. The movie theater closed a few years ago and is now in the process of being torn out to make room for the new addition for the GM experience.
The first phase for the refresh is almost complete in the center section. They are starting to move cars into it so it should be open soon.
https://youtu.be/h6RlUsi_-ZA
https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/renaissance-center
John Portman was an amazing architect whose work most all of us have been impacted by whether we realize it not. It wasn’t just Renaissance Center, many properties and particularly hotels feature an interior atrium with elaborate balconies, fountains, and glass elevators that face inward. These atriums frequently create an urban oasis of calm for guests ensconced just inside their walls of glass. That was Portman’s signature element and it forever changed the feel of hotels and other buildings adopting this design element. The narrow upper-floor corridors arrayed with nothing but doors gave way to open spaces with spectacular interior views to the sky above and the interior courtyards and fountains below.
As an Atlantan, Portman’s work is on abundant display throughout my world. It’s safe to say though that he reached way beyond the little southern town he helped to redefine. His ideas have now permeated into most everyone’s world. That’s an amazing life.
May Portman’s family be comforted by the prayers of his many admirers and may John rest in eternal peace.