Miami architecture has been at the forefront of Chic and Nouveau since its inception dating back again to Carl Fisher and his dreams of what Miami would be. Its newness and bold look has been evident through the eras, never the exact same, always changing and ever adapting 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 will be candy to the eyes creating an ambiance of function and pleasure for many who live there and for the tourist Mecca it has become.
In its palm fringed avenues with scantily dressed residents Miami has transformed into the dream commission of world known designers particularly in the downtown and beach areas. The buildings are lively with airy and spacious connections becoming world renown and are constantly reinventing themselves while waiting on hold to its cultural influence.
Carl Fisher got the credit for Miami Beaches’ adaptation of Mediterranean architecture and soon after architects influenced by the Art Deco movement of Europe moved to the Magic city to utilize their designs to the tropical feel and look of the city. The buildings became streamlined with a nautical flair that accompanied the sea, sun and surf. The hum drum of days gone by was out and the newest and bold became its signature. The materials of days gone by were put aside for a more recent and lighter look with the usage of Stucco, Terrazzo and glass to mention a few.
From the Mangrove swamps and Palm, Pine, and live Oak forests Miami was transformed into a visible paradise dreamed up from the minds of innovative and forward thinking designers willing to release the norm. Miami’s architecture was not only functional but became visually sensual to enjoy at every turn which brought tourists in by the millions creating its well-known pedestrian atmosphere.
Recently Miami’s architecture using its resident icons, the Fontainebleau Hotel and the Eden Roc were renamed – MiMo – for Miami Modern. However in this modern age of travel and easy access a lot of destinations, and the economical collapse of the 70’s and 80’s Miami lost its luster and a number of its influence. In the late 70’s Miami’s Art Deco district of days gone by was wear the National Historic Registry and the region was restored to prominence which makes it Chic and shifting thought back again to the Magic City, once again bringing back people and value to the once forlorn area which had fallen into decay.
Thanks in part to a brand new visually vibrant tv program called “Miami Vice” that featured Miami as its backdrop, the city was revitalized and it cut back relevance and international attention, and individuals came running to Miami once again.
Pastel colored buildings and mirrored towers became what people thought of when they thought of Miami. It had been edgy and experimental and a delight for anyone to gazed upon it.
But the Magic Cities architecture wasn’t done, and through the 80’s and 90’s it had been evolving once again and a huge push to designate more areas as Historical was created and eventually named 11 more as such.
Miami is a city which has always put civic pride first, thus designers have incorporated the indoors with the outdoors. Many world famous architectural firms such as Herzog and de Meuron to mention one have helped change the landscape and look of the Magic City. top Miami architects For decades the city committed itself to reclaiming public spaces like Lincoln Road in Miami Beach which became an outdoor living area for individuals to enjoy shopping while connecting with Mother Nature.
Downtown Miami’s effervescent skyline meshed residential buildings using its multifaceted cultural makeup which makes it a place to enjoy with your entire senses and a true one of a form destination.
The Miami art Museum is a good example of innovative design and is scheduled to open in 2013. It’s incorporated large balconies with spacious outdoor spaces and multiple levels adding once again to the wonders of the city’s innovative designers which makes it unique in a world of copycat designers.
The economic crisis which has gripped the world today has made waterfront properties which were once out of reach viable to buy 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 thinking about making a 3 billion dollar complex that’ll once again change the facial skin of the Magic City in a brand new, innovative, and eye catching way incorporating residential, shopping, and public areas on the waterfront with spectacular views of the city and ocean beyond.
A fresh and exciting number of designers are actually building in Miami for the first time, and they’re not trying to recreate the Art Deco designs or the MiMo features of years past, but are increasing the skyline with a Latin American flavor and tropical feel. It won’t be the glitzy forms of yesteryear but a subtle balance which will be uniquely Miami, taking into account its cultural mix and paying far more attention to detail as opposed to flash and adapting its designs more to the city’s tropical surroundings and feel.