What’s the Deal with the Orange Men on Michigan Rooftops? Exploring the ‘Man In The City Project’

I have to admit, the first time I saw one of these sculptures, I was in Traverse City, and I kind of freaked out because I thought it was a real person perched on the edge of a tall building. Yesterday, I spotted one in downtown Pontiac.

These striking silhouettes of a man in a 1950s-style fedora are featured on various buildings across Metro Detroit and in over 60 locations throughout Michigan. I did a bit of digging and discovered that these sculptures are part of the 'Man In The City Project,' created by artist John Sauvé.

The project goes beyond just artistic expression; it’s also about celebrating and highlighting local architecture. Sauvé chose buildings based on their personal meaning to him and their role within the city’s landscape.

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The project originally took shape on New York City's High Line, an elevated park that was once a railway. Sauvé was given the chance to launch the orange man as the first public art installation on the High Line, collaborating with a local student group affected by cuts to arts funding.

It was a suggestion from one of these students that inspired the rooftop installation idea, which eventually led to the project's expansion to Detroit. With support from the community and local connections, the project came to life.

For nearly four years, Sauvé’s sculptures have been displayed with minimal promotion, which explains my initial confusion. The discovery of the artwork has been a slow process, but Sauvé values the natural way people come upon his pieces. He points out that the choice of buildings for his installations reflects both their personal and historical significance to Detroit, aiming to honor the city's architectural heritage.