Ross School of Business in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
For the newbuild of the Ross School of Business on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, USA, rain screens in natural red terracotta, installed partly as upright elements, were chosen. These elements are partly closed, but also installed as open transparent column structures inwoven with huge glass cubes. The clay façades are arranged ornamentally in projecting and recessed sections, with a lively relief thanks to different smooth or structured surface finishes. This dissolves as they rise into slender columns that hold glass surfaces framed in matt aluminium. Smooth panels alternating with slanted lamella structures directed alternately towards the left or right make the red brick appear in different shades. Vertically arranged filigree brick “baguette” shapes shade the windows in their deep bays.
In the interior of the building, the theme of ornamentally structured walls is repeated. The effect of the warm colour of the natural red terracotta material is partly highlighted by the artificial lighting. Areas of the walls and ceilings are clad with a ceramic façade acoustic board, in the same material and same colour as the other terracotta elements.
