DeVos Place Convention Center
Grand Rapids, MI
The expansive Grand Gallery of the largest building project in West Michigan features a 450’ long brick wall, sloped at 10 degrees, dividing public space from exhibit halls. In addition to its durability in high traffic areas, brick brings a human scale to entry ways and pedestrian walks, reducing the massive size of the building at street level. Brick is also used as a transitional element, bringing the outdoors in and helping to ground the undulating steel roof. Concrete block partition walls in the food service and shower areas prevent mold and provide both fire resistance and acoustical separation. Stone accents throughout the building contrast with the smooth monolithic appearance of the brick. A black granite base creates a consistent horizontal line around the building, rising and falling with the walking surfaces.