Innovation Institute

DeMaria has transformed the 2nd floor of the Old Education Building into the Henry Ford Hospital Innovation Institute. It’s a unique meeting space where bright minds from various disciplines worldwide can come together to envision the future of medicine. The project involved extensive upfront planning and coordination to select high-end finishes, ensuring completion in just ten weeks.

Initially, the space was an auditorium built by Henry Ford himself and used by hospital staff. The open floor plan was ideal for the innovative design developed by the project team, including a transparent glass cube “think tank” near the center of the room. Support spaces, such as small meeting areas with various configurations, were also added on the main floor. The existing stage and balcony areas were refinished and integrated into the new meeting space.

The project team aimed to create a “wow factor” that inspires everyone who enters the space. They achieved this by leveraging the majestic 1920s architecture, highlighted by a grand staircase leading to the 2nd floor. The entire space was restored and complemented with contemporary design elements, resulting in a timeless finished product. One of the project’s highlights is a new wood-ribbed ceiling that exposes some of the structure of the original barrel vault.