Natwerk Designs

Architectural Buildings in Grand Rapids, MI?

I am an architecture student at Lansing Community College. I have an assignment that requires me to take pictures of various concepts of architecture in buildings (Ex. the use of proportions in a building, patterns, light, geometrical designs, ideas of sounds, etc.). I live in Lansing, MI and there is not a whole lot to visit here. I am planning on taking a one day trip to Grand Rapids to do some site-seeing. I am looking for interesting structures that are open to the public for me to visit an photograph. I plan on visiting the Devos center, the newly built art museum, and anything else on the way. My questions is: Does anyone know of any architecturally interesting buildings in Grand Rapids that are open to the public (preferably without having to pay) that I can visit and photograph? Thanks in advance!

Public Comments

1. You're kidding right? GR? Save the gas and study the Board of Water and Light power plant on Grand, or their HQ on Larch. The Power Plant was built using bricks that tell an allegorical story of how coal is turned into electricity. True. The HQ is a text-book example of WPA funded moderne architecture. The Capitol building? Largest cast iron dome in the world. You might want to also check out an LEED rehabbed building right on Capitol Ave. and Allegan; or any one of the Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Okemos. Have you been inside the Historical Museum or the Supreme Court? Really, save the gas and use some shoe leather. Your teacher will be impressed..
2. Yeah, Grand Rapids has a lot... but Lansing has a decent amount of buildings to take a picture of as well. Perhaps go to downtown Grand Rapids and you may find buildings to take pictures of... I've heard they have many structures too.