Miami Beach, long the center of cuttingedge architecture and world-famous architects who have put their stamp on the city, continues the tradition, as global superstar architects continue to bring their talents here. With the selection of “starchitect” Rem Koolhaas and South Beach ACE as the developer of choice for the large-scale remodel of the Miami Beach Convention Center, it proves this city acts as a canvas for these global “artists.”
Koolhaas’ eye popping vision for the 52- acre Convention Center site creates a highly functional and versatile city-center which will include a convention center, public parks and green space, an 800-room hotel, shops and restaurants.
Koolhaas joins Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Herzog & de Meuron, Enrique Norton, and Perkins + Will, just a few of the top architects in the world, who have made Miami Beach their work space recently. These worldrenowned architects are shaping not only structures on the ground but also the future of Miami Beach as their innovative buildings transform the landscape and the city.
Frank Ghery’s New World Center has given a worthy home to the harmonious sounds of the New World Symphony, attracting world-class musicians, events and programming to the building considered “a cornerstone of artistic activity at the intersection of architecture and music”.
The Herzog & de Meuron-designed 1111 Lincoln Road parking garage, with its edgy design, houses retail space, the roof-top restaurant, hot spot Juvia, and even serves as a special event space, overlooking the Miami Beach skyline.
Koolhaas’ redeveloped Convention Center is poised to be the focal point of the City of Miami Beach, creating not only a state-ofthe- art meeting place for large-scale events like Art Basel Miami Beach but a truly unique space that will serve to support hotels, retailers, and restaurants and enrich the lives of those in the Miami Beach community. The modern, redesigned Convention Center will give Miami Beach a competitive edge to bid for more substantial business that will benefit both locals and tourists alike. It will also redevelop the surrounding area, including: transforming the Convention Center District into a new, vibrant neighborhood with year-round activities; increasing outdoor public space; creating a walkable district providing connectivity between the Convention Center and Lincoln Road and the City’s historical and cultural district; providing iconic architecture in keeping with the City’s history of significant design; incorporating sustainable (LEED) design principles; while being sensitive to the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Miami Beach, known for its crayon box of Art Deco buildings and Miami Modern (or MiMo) architecture is still attracting global attention and architectural superstars. The city is quickly positioning itself as an international cultural and design mecca; a place to see and be seen in every way. It’s truly like no other place in the world.
