Miami architecture has been at the forefront of Chic and Nouveau since its release dating back to Carl Fisher and his dreams of what Miami would be. Its newness and bold look has been evident through the eras, never the same, always changing and ever establishing to its surroundings. Its visual difference is unlike any other city and noticeable from building to building and its skyline forms a kaleidoscope of innovative style which is candy Miami architects to our eyes creating an ambiance of function and pleasure for those who live there and for the tourist Mecca it has become.
In its side fringed avenues with scantily dressed residents Miami is just about the dream commission of world known designers particularly in the town center and beach areas. The buildings are lively with airy and spacious connections becoming world well known and are constantly reinventing themselves while waiting on hold to its cultural influence.
Carl Fisher got the credit for Miami Beaches’ difference of Mediterranean architecture and shortly afterwards architects influenced by the Art Deco movement of Europe moved to the Magic city to apply their designs to the tropical look of the city. The buildings became streamlined with a nautical good taste that came with the sea, sun and surf. The hum drum of the past was out and the new and bold became its signature. The materials of the past were schedule for a newer and lighter look with the use of Stucco, Terrazzo and glass to mention a few.
From the Mangrove swamps and Side, Pinus radiata, and live Cherry reforested land Miami was transformed into a visual paradise dreamed up from the minds of innovative and forward thinking designers able to ignore normative. Miami’s architecture was not only functional but became successfully sensual to enjoy at every turn which brought tourists in by the millions creating its well known pedestrian atmosphere.
Recently Miami’s architecture with its resident in town icons, the Fontainebleau Hotel and the Eden Roc were renamed — MiMo — for Miami Modern. But in this modern age of travel and easy flip open access too many destinations, and the economical collapse of the 1970’s and 80’s Miami lost its luster and some of its influence. In the late 1970’s Miami’s Art Deco district of the past was put on the National Historic Registry and the area was restored to prominence making it Chic and shifting thought back to the Magic City, once again bringing back people and value to the once forlorn area which had gotten into decay.
Thanks partially to a new successfully vibrant tv program called “Miami Vice” that featured Miami as its track record, the city was energized and it brought back importance and international attention, and the people came running to Miami once again.
Pastel colored buildings and mirrored systems became what people thought of when they thought of Miami. It was edgy and fresh and a pleasure for everyone to gazed upon it.
But the Magic Cities architecture weren’t done, and through the 80’s and 90’s it was evolving once again and a big push to specify more areas as Historical was made and eventually named 11 more so.
Miami is a city which has always put civic pride first, thus designers have incorporated the in your own home with the outdoors. Many justly famed industrial firms such as Herzog and de Meuron to mention one have helped change the landscape and look of the Magic City. For years the city committed itself to reclaiming public spaces like Lincoln Road in Miami Beach which became a chain link living area for people to enjoy shopping while connecting with Fate.
Town center Miami’s effervescent skyline meshed residential buildings with its multifaceted cultural makeup making it a place to enjoy with all your smells and a true extraordinary destination.
The Miami art Museum is a great example of innovative design and is scheduled to open in 2013. It has incorporated large balconies with spacious outdoor spaces and multiple levels adding once again to the wonders of the city’s innovative designers making it unique in a world of copycat designers.
The economic crisis which has gripped the world today has made waterfront properties that were once out of reach viable in the marketplace and developing, and Miami has become a prime location for developers again.
A Malaysian firm recently purchased the land surrounding the Miami Herald building and is planning on creating a 3 billion dollar complex which will once again change the head of the Magic City in a new, innovative, and eye catching way incorporating residential, shopping, and public areas on the waterfront with spectacular views of the city and underwater beyond.
A new and exciting group of designers are now building in Miami for the first time, and they’re not trying to reconstruct the Art Deco designs or the MiMo features of years past, but are adding to the skyline with a Latin American flavor and tropical feel. You won’t really do the glitzy forms of yesteryear but a subtle balance which will be slightly Miami, taking into consideration its cultural mix and paying much more attention to detail instead of flash and establishing its designs more to the city’s tropical surroundings and feel.
Miami is refreshingly sophisticated and unique but does not take itself too seriously which will create a skyline that will be a joy to look at and its spaces a wonder to live in, work in and relax in. The future of Miami’s industrial designs is in good hands. The tropical lushness which is Miami and the beautiful buildings will be a wonder for all to enjoy.