Miami construction has been at the attention of Chic and Nouveau since its invention 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 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 is candy to your eyes Miami architects creating an ambiance of function and pleasure for those who live there and for the tourist Mecca it has become.
In its palm fringed avenues with scantily dressed residents Miami has become the dream commission of world known designers particularly in the downtown and beach areas. The buildings are lively with airy and open connections becoming world renown and are constantly reinventing themselves while holding on to its cultural influence.
Carl Fisher got the credit for Miami Beaches’ adaptation of Mediterranean and beyond construction and just after architects influenced by the Art Deco movement of Europe moved to the Magic city to apply their designs to the tropical feel and look of the city. The buildings became streamlined with a nautical style that escorted 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 set aside for a newer and lighter look with the use of Stucco, Terrazzo and glass to name a few.
From the Mangrove swamps and Palm, Pine, and live Oak woodlands Miami was transformed into a visual paradise thought up from the minds of innovative and forward thinking designers ready to let go of normal. Miami’s construction 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 construction with its homeowner icons, the Fontainebleau Hotel and the Eden Roc were renamed – MiMo – for Miami Modern. But in this modern age of travel and quick access too many destinations, and the economical break of the 70’s and 80’s Miami lost its luster and some of its influence. In the late 70’s Miami’s Art Deco location of the past was put on the National Historic Registry and the area was gained to popularity 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 gone down into decay.
Thanks in part to a new visually vibrant television show called “Miami Vice” that featured Miami as its foundation, the city was revitalized and it brought back relevance and international attention, and the people came running to Miami once again.
Pastel colored buildings and mirrored towers became what folks thought of when they thought of Miami. It was edgy and experimental and a pleasure for everyone to gazed upon it.
But the Magic Cities construction has not been done, and through the 80’s and 90’s it was improving once again and a big push to designate more areas as Historical was made and eventually named 11 more consequently.
Miami is a city which has always put civic pride first, thus designers have incorporated the in the house with the outdoors. Many world famous architectural firms such as Herzog and de Meuron to name 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 an outdoor living area for people to enjoy shopping while connecting with Our mother earth.
Downtown Miami’s effervescent skyline meshed residential buildings with its boring cultural makeup making it a place to enjoy with all your feels and a true unusal 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 open 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 of once out of reach viable for purchase 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 preparing to creating a 3 thousand dollar complex which will once again change the face 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 water beyond.
A new and exciting group of designers are now building in Miami for the first time, and they’re not trying to repeat the Art Deco designs or the MiMo features of years past, but are leading to the skyline with a Latin American flavor and tropical feel. It won’t are the glitzy forms of yesterday but a subtle balance that is exclusively Miami, taking into consideration its cultural mix and paying much more awareness of detail instead of flash and adapting 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 is a joy to look at and its spaces a wonder to live in, work in and relax in. The future of Miami’s architectural designs is in good hands. The tropical lushness which is Miami and the beautiful buildings will be a wonder for all to enjoy.