In Miami, Embracing the Bold and Brilliant in Architecture

In Miami, Embracing the Bold and Brilliant in Architecture
The New York Times

Anyone who has strolled along Collins Avenue or Ocean Drive in South Beach knows that Miami is renowned for its colorful, geometric and all-around wonderful Art Deco architecture. But architects — inspired by the city’s tropical surroundings, its embrace of the future and its hedonistic spirit — never stopped creating groundbreaking buildings there. In fact, Miami’s newest wave of designs could be its most ambitious yet.

Fitting for a place that cherishes A-listers, virtually every celebrity architect in the world, and many rising stars, have built there in the last decade. The big names include Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid, Herzog & De Meuron, Grimshaw, César Pelli, Richard Meier, Arquitectonica, Rafael Moneo, Jean Nouvel and Bjarke Ingels. The impressive results are scattered citywide, from Miami Beach to the thriving Design District. And if you like parking garages, the city now boasts what is probably the most thrilling collection in the world.

 
 
Faena Forum, a new arts center, consists of an interlinked cylinder and cube.
Credit…Moris Moreno for The New York Times

Miami Beach

Located near Indian Creek in Mid-Beach, OMA’s Faena Forum, a new arts center, is the heart of a multiplot development that also includes hotels, condos, a retail bazaar and (of course!) a parking garage. The stark white Forum consists of an interlinked cylinder and cube, both cut with varied jewel-shaped windows and containing daylight-filled theaters, exhibit halls and meeting rooms. A large wedge cut under the cylinder opens up a landscaped plaza along Collins Avenue and creates a dramatic entry.

Home of Miami’s New World Symphony, which prepares young music school graduates for orchestral careers, Frank Gehry’s rectangular white building first appears uncharacteristically restrained for the architect. But it’s full of the architect’s folds, crinkles and sail-like forms inside, allowing voyeuristic glimpses (particularly at night) through the entry facade’s 80-foot-tall glass wall. An adjacent surface showcases abstract video projections, movies and even concert simulcasts. The hall overlooks the lively Miami Beach SoundScape, a 2.5-acre park featuring puffy aluminum pergolas, bright bougainvillea vines, meandering mosaic pathways and an advanced audiovisual system for movies and music.

No one has created more stunning new projects in Miami than the Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron. You may be familiar with their work on what some have called the “Jenga Tower” (56 Leonard) in New York or the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Their most unusual and exceptional building in Miami is 1111 Lincoln Road, a futuristic parking garage along the bustling outdoor Lincoln Road Mall. Its exposed concrete frame, with sharply tapered floor slabs and surprisingly varied ceiling heights, creates a mesmerizing, malleable form that reveals the movement of cars within and creates room for large events. It contains stores on its ground level and even a glass-walled, terraced penthouse on top.

 
 
 
One Thousand Museum in Downtown Miami is a 62-story luxury condo building with a curved concrete exoskeleton.
Credit…Moris Moreno for The New York Times

Downtown

Miami’s skyline has long needed some help, and it’s about to receive an exceptional jolt with the completion of Zaha Hadid’s Architects’s One Thousand Museum. The 62-story luxury condo building stretches upward like an angry alien, morphing and exposing its metallic innards as it hulks over the city. The building’s curved concrete exoskeleton, which becomes thicker and thinner as needed, in fact acts as a structural frame, leaving the high-end units inside virtually column-free. If you’re a skyscraper lover, be sure to also check out Arquitectonica’s zigzagging Icon Bay, in Edgewater, and Bjarke Ingels’s Grove at Grand Bay, a twisting pair of glassy condos in Coconut Grove.

Completed in 2013, Herzog & De Meuron’s Pérez Art Museum Miami (formerly the Miami Art Museum) anchors the downtown waterfront’s 30-acre Museum Park, across Biscayne Boulevard from One Thousand Museum. The intricate edifice features a series of floating concrete galleries, ensconced in thick (sometimes hanging) vegetation, shaded by an intricately gridded canopy. It opens to the waterfront, and an adjacent park, via a wide veranda and open stairs. The museum’s collection focuses on 20th- and 21st-century art from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa, and it holds one of the largest collections of contemporary Cuban art in the world.

 

The newest addition to Museum Park is Grimshaw’s Frost Museum of Science, which opened last year. From outside, the textured white concrete and colored tile structure looks like a cross between a shimmering computer punch card and a Miami Modern (a tropical, futuristic style also known as MiMo) motel. Inside, the village-like compilation of structures opens purposefully to the elements, centering on an open courtyard filled with breezes. The highlight is an enormous suspended “martini glass” containing a 500,000-gallon aquarium. A globe-shaped planetarium acts as a Death Star-like foil to all this pleasant lightness. Make sure to visit Mr. Pelli’s Arsht Center for the performing arts, just down Biscayne Boulevard, with its stepped, mountain-like masses clad in beige granite.

 
 
Credit…Moris Moreno for The New York Times

Design District

The Design District, about a 10-minute drive north of downtown, has become a more polished, commercial cousin to the Wynwood Arts District just below it. Its boldest piece yet is Museum Garage, a seven-story, cast concrete structure with capacity for about 800 cars and (soon) ground-floor retail. For its surface, the architect and curator Terence Riley commissioned the designers WORKac, J. Mayer H, Clavel Arquitectos, Nicolas Buffe and his own firm, K/R, to carry out what he calls “Exquisite Corpse,” a mash-up of strange, wildly inspired wall-mounted art pieces. “Ant Farm” combines colorful graphics with perforated peeks at the antlike movement of people and cars behind. “Urban Jam” hangs 45 metallic gold and silver car bodies like Tetris pieces. “Barricades” is a mismatched grid of white and bright orange traffic barriers. And that’s just the beginning.

Just when you thought the delirious parking garages couldn’t continue, enter City View Garage, a 600-car facility (also containing some office and retail) on the edge of the Design District, designed by the architects IwamotoScott and Leong Leong, with murals by the famed artist John Baldessari. The bluish eastern facade of the garage consists of a woven series of diamond-shaped aluminum panels, with apertures of varying sizes. You’ll keep changing your mind about whether they’re two- or three-dimensional. Its western frontage consists of a punched and bent stainless-steel surface, kind of like hanging chads, or a menacing cheese grater. From below, it (appropriately?) recalls the bumpy base of a palm tree, and from inside, it creates a hypnotic kaleidoscope of light and shadow.

 
 
Credit…Moris Moreno for The New York Times

The newest addition to the city’s exploding art scene is Aranguren & Gallegos’s permanent home for the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami. As with the Art Deco legends of Miami Beach, the building’s main facade acts as signage, pulling people in with its geometrically arranged, pearlescent metal panels. Some are set back to make the whole building appear to glow from within at night, while elegant metallic lettering below is an effective branding coup. Inside, galleries fill three flexible, double-height levels, luminously lighted via the building’s all-glass north facade, which opens onto a rear plaza.

Recent Projects

Miami Art Deco and MiMo Architecture

Miami Art Deco and MiMo Architecture

A new law is threatening Miami’s beloved Art Deco and Miami Modern MiMo Architecture. Here are some of the unique and historic buildings I had the pleasure of capturing. I hope they continue to endure the passage of time. Check out my recent collaboration with the New...

Flexible Workplace Design

Flexible Workplace Design

Flexible Workplace Design Photographed for NBBJ, Zillow's new collaborative hybrid office space offers an enticing glimpse into the future of the workplace. With an innovative design, this project represents a fusion of cutting-edge technology, forward-thinking...

Loews Hotel, Coral Gables Florida

Loews Hotel, Coral Gables Florida

Loews Hotel, Coral Gables Florida I was commissioned to capture the essence of the newly unveiled Loews Hotel in Coral Gables through a 4 day comprehensive photoshoot. Nestled in the heart of The Plaza Coral Gables, this hotel sets a new standard in hospitality with...

Health Sciences Education Building

Health Sciences Education Building

Health Sciences Education Building at the University of Washington Photographed for Miller Hull, Lease Crutcher Lewis, S/L/A/M, the University of Washington, and Catalyst, this project was documented over several days during three distinct stages as construction...

20th anniversary and 2023 Recap

20th anniversary and 2023 Recap

20th anniversary and 2023 Recap As 2023 comes to an end, I realize that this year marks my 20th anniversary as an architecture and interior design photographer. From my early days in Miami to establishing a second studio in Seattle, it has been an incredible journey...

FIU Frost School of Music

FIU Frost School of Music

FIU Frost School of Music When planning this shoot, at the Frost School of Music, designed by HOK Architects, we had to consider: Campus schedule, to align the classes and their availability. Coordinated with Campus security for access Rented a lift to get a higher...

HGTV kitchen & Bathroom

HGTV kitchen & Bathroom

HGTV kitchen in Seattle, WashingtonArchitecture and Design by ROM Architecture Contractor Woodmark The architect reenvisioned this classic cottage on Haller Lake kitchen, Seattle with a sleek, modern, and airy vaulted ceiling kitchen. With a substantial remodeling,...

Hunt’s Point private residence

Hunt’s Point private residence

Hunt's Point private residence Kim Sparks interiors Modern simplicity meets bold patterns and tantalizing textures to create this one-of-a-kind 1940s classic home. With dramatic skylights, bold patterns and tantalizing textures, and subtle art pieces, each room...

Cloudburst Brewery Ballard

Cloudburst Brewery Ballard

Cloudburst Brewery Babienko Architects So much fun shooting Cloudburst Brewing for Babienko Architects. Cloudburst on Shilshole invites customers into a fresh atmosphere to enjoy their renowned beer. Babienko Architects’ work here adds character that perfectly fits...

Port Everglades Garage 

Port Everglades Garage 

Joint Construction at Port Everglades Garage  This was a unique project shot for Stiles Construction, Pirtle Construction, and Cartaya and Associates Together they built an efficient experience of parking and onboarding for tourists before they hop on their cruise....

Uptown Apartments at Kirkland Urban

Uptown Apartments at Kirkland Urban

Making Commercial Real Estate Shine Through Photography The Uptown Apartments at Kirkland Urban built by Ryan Construction represent a beautiful tie between city and suburban living.  Weber Thompson’s architecture design creates a fusion of modernity and coziness for...

Case studies

Case studies

Architectural Case Studies - Planning and Approach Every project is so different from each other, that I wanted to share a collection of different projects in several categories Multi-family / Mix Use photography Institutional architectural photography Commercial...

The Miami Vice House

The Miami Vice House

Featured in the trendsetting TV series that defined 80s style. This Miami Modern classic was masterfully redesigned by Brown and Davis

Iconic Architecture in Seattle

Iconic Architecture in Seattle

This is a collection of some of Seattle's most iconic architecture and landmarks. See buildings like the Seattle Library and Smith Tower through the eyes of award-winning architectural photographer Moris Moreno.[dpddg_dynamic_gallery gallery_ids="269,166,3084,2"...

HYATT REGENCY BELLEVUE

HYATT REGENCY BELLEVUE

Hotel Interiors from a lavish Indian wedding at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, Washington. My client, the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, asked me to capture their Grand Ballroom and event spaces during this very special occasion. I was blown away by the level of detail and...

2020 Video Portfolio

2020 Video Portfolio

Preview Portfolio Mixed Use Portfolio Institutional Portfolio Commercial Portfolio Hospitality Portfolio Retail Portfolio Residential Portfolio

Florida Design Magazine cover story

Florida Design Magazine cover story

Thrilled to be featured in the latest Florida Design Magazine @floridadesign cover story, December 2017. Great way to wrap up 2017! Looking forward to a new year filled with amazing projects like this one by BrownDavis @bdinteriors - as always a privilege to work with...

JW Marriott Marco Island – Maia Restaurant

JW Marriott Marco Island – Maia Restaurant

Bali inspired breakfast restaurant “Maia” at the JW Marriott in Marco Island, Florida September 29, 2017 in Publications Featured on the latest publication of The Hospitality Network Magazine @newhinc, the Bali inspired breakfast restaurant “Maia” at the JW Marriott...

Gianni Versace’s Mansion

Gianni Versace’s Mansion

In the past few weeks, while updating my website with new work, I’ve been exploring my archives revisiting some amazing projects through the years. I’ll be posting and adding them to the archived section of my site. Here is the first one of the series. The Gianni...

TAG Heuer Boutique. Aventura, Fl

TAG Heuer Boutique. Aventura, Fl

TAG Heuer with their second North American flagship boutique in Aventura Mall. Designed by renowned architect Eric Carlson.  Photo: Moris Moreno     TAG Heuer North American flagship boutiqueTAG Heuer North American flagship boutiqueTAG Heuer North American flagship...

HGTV kitchen & Bathroom

Haller Lake kitchen & Bathroom

Haller Lake kitchen in Seattle, WashingtonArchitecture and Design by ROM Architecture Contractor Woodmark The architect reenvisioned this classic cottage on Haller Lake kitchen, Seattle with a sleek, modern, and airy vaulted ceiling kitchen. With a substantial...

Miami Art collector’s house

Miami Art collector’s house

Miami Art collector’s house, Sunset Island, Florida Architecture by Shulman & Associate ArchitectsInterior Design by Frank De BiasiInterior stair by Martin Creed. This Miami Art collector’s house is the perfect match of tropical modern architecture with a client’s...

Boulud Sud Restaurant

Boulud Sud Restaurant

  Boulud Sud Restaurant, Miami   Boulud Sud restaurant at the JW Marriott Marquis by celebrated Chef Daniel Boulud. Evoking the casual sophistication and luxurious comfort associated with the ambiance and aesthetic of southern France. A walking distance of American...

The Triangle – Redmond, Washington

The Triangle – Redmond, Washington

The Triangle - Redmond, WashingtonAt the heart of downtown Redmond, Washington this project sits at the edge of the city’s historic, red-bricked district. Winner of NAIOP Night of the Stars 2019 Award for Multi-Family Residential Suburban Development of the Year: More...

Nike – Flagship Miami

Nike – Flagship Miami

Nike Flagship Store Miami at Lincoln Road. Touzet Studio ArchitectureBrodson Construction Brodson Construction, Nike Store, Lincoln RoadBrodson Construction, Nike Store, Lincoln RoadBrodson Construction, Nike Store, Lincoln RoadBrodson Construction, Nike Store,...

Cougar Ridge Elementary School

Cougar Ridge Elementary School

Cougar Ridge Elementary School expansion. Bellevue, WashingtonBassetti Architects   With clean lines and a modern look, the new expansion added new classrooms and multiple activity rooms. Cougar Ridge is part of the Bellevue school district. The idea behind the...

American StemCell Center

American StemCell Center

American StemCell CenterMiami, Fl Interior and lifestyle images of the American StemCell brand new office. Created with the client in mind the images show the different areas, interior design, and functionality of the office. Commercial interior design photographer...

AIA Seattle stock library

AIA Seattle stock library

AIA Seattle Image stock library at the Miller Hull PartnershipSeattle, Washington Seattle architects at work. Commissioned by the AIA Seattle we capture the day to day operation of Miller Hull partnership and their architects. With corporate portraits around their...

Fire Station 5

Fire Station 5

Fire Station 5Seattle, Washington Bassetti Architects Fire Station 5 is a Seattle's landmark mid-century modern building in the heart of downtown. Capture by Seattle architectural photographer Moris Moreno. Seattle fire station 5 was redesigned by Bassetti architects...

Olympia West Capitol Campus

Olympia West Capitol Campus

Olympia West Capitol Campus Olympia, WashingtonBassetti Architects Historical preservation of the  Olympia Capitol Campus. Built during the first half of the 20th century, the Capitol Campus houses buildings that are prime examples of the grandiose civic architecture...

Wynwood Garage

Wynwood Garage

Goldman PropertiesArchitect: Faulders StudioWynwood, Florida The Wynwood Garage is a mixed-use project is reshaping Wynwood in a vibrant landscape. The development offers approximately 20,500 square feet of retail space, 428 parking spaces and 30,000 square feet of...

Porto Vita

Porto Vita

Porto VitaMiami, FloridaTamara Feldman Interior design Photo: Moris Moreno Tamara Feldman Interior design Miami, FloridaTamara Feldman Interior design Miami, FloridaTamara Feldman Interior design Miami, FloridaTamara Feldman Interior design Miami, FloridaTamara...

Nourish 305

Nourish 305

Nourish 305 at Zoo Miami ELM Architecture Amicon Construction Zoo Miami opens its new restaurant Nourish 305. A new concept in dining for the park provides an amazing experience to the visitor. Photo: Moris Moreno Amicon, Nurish 305, Miami ZooAmicon, Nurish 305, Miami...

Memorial Hospital parking garage

Memorial Hospital parking garage

Memorial Hospital parking garage Zyscovich ArchitectureStyles ConstructionThornton Construction Company Photos: Moris Moreno   Memorial Hospital parking garage Memorial Hospital parking garage Memorial Hospital parking garage Memorial Hospital parking garage Memorial...

error: Content is protected !!