As the Ford Engineering Laboratory (FEL) celebrates its centennial this year, the historic structure remains an enduring symbol of innovation and transformation at Ford Motor Company’s corporate campus in Dearborn. Originally constructed in 1924 under the design of famed industrial architect Albert Kahn, the building has seen numerous renovations over the decades, adapting to the changing needs of Ford’s engineers and designers.
The FEL, once known for housing some of the largest open office spaces of its time, played a pivotal role in the development and testing of entire vehicles. The building’s iconic façade bears the inscription: “Mankind passes from the old to the new on a human bridge formed by those who labor in the three principal arts – agriculture – manufacture – transportation.” This sentiment is echoed in The Human Bridge, a 1949 Ford film showcasing the collaborative process of designing and building vehicles like the 1949 Super Deluxe.
While the original open workspace fostered collaboration and experimentation, the FEL underwent its first major transformation in the 1950s. With the relocation of designers to the newly built Research and Engineering Center, the FEL was reconfigured to focus on powertrain and engine engineering. By the 1970s, another modernization effort saw the installation of drop ceilings and cubicles, but the building was ultimately decommissioned in 2007.
In 2015, as part of Ford’s Campus Renovation project, the FEL was resurrected and renamed the Ford Engineering Laboratory. The building’s center was repurposed to house the Ford Archives, which now stores a wealth of historical materials, including three miles of shelving and coolers for preserving film and photographs.
The current renovations, aimed at bringing the FEL closer to its original design, have uncovered many historical elements. Workers revealed bright orange and powder blue paints from past designs, as well as a vaulted steel ceiling hidden beneath drop ceilings. New skylights were installed, restoring the natural light that once illuminated the workspace. Intricate metalwork on support columns, including height marks by Henry Ford himself, were also rediscovered and preserved.
The building’s new interior features modern amenities, including acoustic paneling, soft seating, and collaborative workspaces. Employees will enjoy a 24/7 market, a coffee bar, and specialized rooms for meetings and focus work, making the space ideal for Ford’s future needs. This fall, the FEL will once again serve as a hub for creative collaboration, honoring its storied past while looking toward the future.
