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Detroit Metropolitan Airport Terminal Retail Planning and Design Guidelines

Focusing on music in Motown and Detroit’s industrial heritage

  • Detroit, Michigan

    Detroit, Michigan

This is a defining focal point—and meeting place—for passengers at Detroit Metropolitan Airport

Detroit Metropolitan Airport is not only Michigan’s busiest airport, it’s the primary gateway to Asia from the eastern side of the US. So, Wayne County and Northwest Airlines (now Delta) wanted a retail and concession design that would reflect their City’s character.

Working under Unison Consulting and for Wayne County as landlord, our team was brought on to masterplan all of the retail spaces, create a design theme that reflects Detroit, and to increase concessions revenue. By the time we were engaged on the project, the primary planning decisions in the terminal had been made by base building architects SmithGroup.

By analyzing the passenger profiles and simply adjusting the angle of the storefronts, we significantly-enhanced the visibility and viability of all spaces in the post-security retail spine. Plus, we helped define a focal point and a meeting place for passengers—a spot to relax in full view of the retail and food and beverage core. Our design themes provide a memorable focus by reflecting Motown music and Detroit’s pre-eminence in automobile design. The result? We improved the quality and quantity of concession space and enhanced retail accessibility and exposure for the travelers at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

At a Glance

Offices
Architect
Stantec / SmithGroup
Meet Our Team

Brent North, Vice President, Buildings

Architecture is a legacy of the Renaissance. It requires a curious and agile mind, the joy of discovery, and the satisfaction of creation.

Terrance Wong, Senior Principal

Design doesn’t stop at the big idea—it’s always evolving. It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to turn an idea into reality.

Brent North

Vice President, Buildings

Terrance Wong

Senior Principal

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