GM Tour Celebrates Detroit Architecture Legend Saarinen

WARREN, MI, April 14, 2011:

• More than 100 area architecture students, faculty, fans participating in Friday event
• Susan Skarsgard, GM designer and author, leads lecture and tour
• GM Technical Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; AIA-Designated "Most Outstanding Architectural Achievements of its Era"

GM Design and GM Research and Development will offer a rare opportunity to view the historic GM Technical Center campus Friday during a lecture and tour showcasing the excellence of its designer, Detroit architecture legend Eero Saarinen. About 125 local architecture students, faculty and admirers are scheduled to participate in the 2.5-hour program led by Susan Skarsgard, GM designer and author.  

The program begins at 1 p.m. in the Saarinen-designed GM R&D Auditorium with Skarsgard sharing her vast knowledge, research and visuals, followed by a 1.5-hour guided tour of the two, carefully preserved, 55-year-old facilities to GM researchers, engineers, designers and craftspeople. The event will conclude with a viewing of Skarsgard's book on Saarinen and his GM Tech Center legacy, "Where Today Meets Tomorrow," in the GM Design Archive Department.

"GM Design and R&D are excited to share our architectural masterpiece with the community," said Skarsgard. "It's a special treat to share the majestic and meticulous details that comprise Saarinen's breakthrough vision and work."

Designated the "Versailles of Industry" at its inauguration in 1956, today the GM Technical Center is on the National Register of Historic Places and an AIA-designated "Most Outstanding Architectural Achievements of its Era." Architecture circles have attributed the facility's long life to Saarinen's innovative and flexible plan as well as GM's commitment to good design, faithful maintenance and preservation.

Tour participants will view several historically significant installments inside the R&D and Design buildings and campus grounds, including the suspended spiral staircase, executive suite, terrace, GM Design gallery, cafeteria and library. Skarsgard said the enthusiastic response to this year's program has prompted her team to offer future lecture-tour programs.  

"The overwhelming response says a lot about the vibrancy of the Metro Detroit architecture community," said Skarsgard. "The sheer expansiveness of the campus and the level of detail available to share could easily fuel dozens of tours. We're considering making this an annual event."

About GM Design

General Motors Design is the first and largest global automotive OEM design function with a network of 10 Design Centers in eight countries around the world. Over 1,700 men and women are responsible for the design development of every GM concept and production car and truck globally. The Design Centers are located in the United States, Germany, England, Korea, China, Australia, Brazil and India.

About General Motors

General Motors , one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 202,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries.  GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 30 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall, and Wuling. GM's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Italy. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.