Softening Industrial Space with Nature Newlab Detroit

Newlab at Michigan Central

Project Location

Detroit, Michigan

Industry

Technology Incubation & Co-Working

Project Focus

Interior Biophilic Design, Plant Procurement & Maintenance

Newlab at Michigan Central is a cutting-edge innovation hub fostering technology startups in mobility, transportation, and climate solutions. Housed in the historic Michigan Central Station Book Depository, the space maintains its raw industrial character with exposed concrete and steel.

To give a balance to the stark, industrial aesthetic, Newlab sought to integrate greenery as a core design element. Our role was to introduce a plant selection that would bring warmth and vibrancy while complementing the architectural vision.

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The Challenge

Transforming the raw, industrial space into a welcoming environment required a strategic approach to biophilic design. The challenge was twofold: selecting and sourcing plants that would effectively soften the stark concrete and steel aesthetic while ensuring their long-term viability through proper procurement and maintenance in a high-traffic workspace. This project presented numerous challenges beyond typical plantscaping complexities. Initially, collaborating with architects on plant selection carried risks. During acclimation, Hurricane Ian disrupted the process, requiring last-minute adjustments to plant choices. Additionally, as a direct contractor with Ford Motor Company, we had to negotiate independent labor agreements with the union rather than working under the General Contractor. Finally, a delayed opening shifted the installation from October to the middle of a harsh Detroit winter.

Our Approach

To meet these challenges, our team collaborated closely with Newlab’s architects to curate a plant selection that introduced an organic contrast while maintaining the integrity of the design. Key elements included:

  • Signature Tree Ferns:
    • 18 giant Tree Ferns were chosen as the primary plant feature for their sculptural and enchanting appearance, adding a soft, organic contrast to the industrial space.
  •  Hand-Selected Specimens:
    • Our designer guided the architects on a nursery tour through South Florida to personally select each specimen, ensuring both quality and aesthetic cohesion.

The Outcome

Despite logistical and environmental challenges, the installation was a success—by the time Ford Motor Company Chairman Bill Ford hosted the grand opening, the Tree Ferns had fully acclimated, with not a single failure. The decision to invest in biophilic design rather than traditional finishes reinforces the importance of nature in workspaces, making plants the defining decorative feature of this landmark innovation hub.
We are proud to have played a role in shaping this forward-thinking environment, setting a new standard for biophilic design in technology incubators.