The building is a curve that stretches along a natural ridge on the site's high point. Along the northern length of the building is the factory, and along the southern length are the offices. They bump into each other, see the sun, feel the sun, they can see how the weather has changed since they came to work. It's an urbane space in a sub-urbane place. Of course, the sun doesn't stop there.
Daylight floods the offices and factory.
A sophisticated arrangement of operable windows, skylights and clerestories allows the sun to penetrate the building from many angles. In fact, the building is like a giant sundial, according to McDonough, and if the movement of shadows through the building are noted, then one can tell the time of day. In addition to the personal benefits of working in daylight, dramatic lighting energy savings also are achieved, even though Michigan experiences around only 30 percent direct solar exposure per year. A variety of glass coverings are used to insulate, diffuse and filter light as necessary. In office areas, a light shelf shades the lower portion of the glazing while bouncing light off of the ceiling.