The Key Undeniable Features of Miami’s Architectural Identity

When the topic is Miami architecture, the first thing that might come to mind is Art Deco. Even though the modern and luxurious style is a big part of the city’s landscape, there is a lot more that goes around in the streets of the sunniest town in the United States. South Florida has a very unique yet diverse architecture. From South Beach to Coral Gables, there is a lot to see when it comes to historical buildings and skyscrapers. In this blog, we will list some significant buildings, neighborhoods, as well as architecture styles to best exemplify what the Miami best architects have built in the city. Since we have already mentioned it and it is the most iconic in Miami, let’s start with…

Art Deco

Miami Beach has, by far, the biggest concentration of Art Deco in the world. Short for Arts Décoratifs, this style is present in many shapes, sizes, and forms. It represents the luxury and modern times, with hope in a technological future. This might explain why every time I look up to The Breakwater Hotel in Ocean Drive, I can not help but not to think about The Jetsons cartoon. The fun colors and shapes make you feel like you were transported in time. This specific building was designed by Anton Skislewicz, very active in Miami, he is one of Slovakia’s best architects. Although, this is only one of the uncountable Art Deco buildings in Miami Beach. A good stroll down Ocean Drive will already give you enough to be amused for days. This is where the Miami Beach Architectural District is located, not surprisingly popularly known as Miami Art Deco District.

Mediterranean Revival

But Art Deco is not all that Miami has to offer. Moving a bit further west, we can find Coral Gables, the home of the Mediterranean Revival style. This architecture style was introduced in the United States during the 19th Century and has a lot of Spanish Colonial references. One of Miami’s best architects for the Mediterranean Revival style is Addison Mizner. He has also signed off great buildings in South Florida, such as Boca Raton Resort & Club as well as La Guerida, United States President, John F. Kennedy’s house in South Florida, a.k.a. Winter White House. This style relies heavily on a rectangular floor plan and a symmetrical and strong-looking façade. Another great construction around the area that is a huge representation of the style is Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, located in Coconut Grove. One last iconic example is the Casa Casuarina, which was once home to Gianni Versace until the designer was shot right in front of it; now serves as a hotel to tourists that come to enjoy the heat.

MiMo

Miami Modernist architecture - also known as MiMo - was developed in the post World War II and resides all throughout Miami. From South Beach to Midtown, until the Design District, this style is not only a response to the International Style but also to client demand. Inspired in excessive use of materials, luxury, fun, and exoticism, the buildings transpire what the locals are. A great building that exemplifies the style is the architect design firm Kobi Karp building, located in Biscayne Boulevard. Not only the office building holds many aspects of the MiMo style but many of the constructions made by the architect design firm make part of Miami’s landscape. Another place in town that is home to the architectural style is the recently renovated Design District. This part of town was for long designated to lodging sites and now has a great number of tourists as well as locals coming in every day.

Design District

Talking about the most recent addition to the Miami life, the Design District is a place that showcases Miami culture. The neighborhood that was redeveloped in the early 2000s is now home to more than one hundred art galleries, creative spaces, luxury stores, restaurants, and bars. This area breaths and transpires art - and it shows - it is also home to more than one architect design firm. The original location of the neighborhood is Buena Vista, which is composed of buildings that incorporate the Mediterranean Revival, Mission Revival, Craftsman, and Art Deco styles; which represent very well the big 305.

The Skyline

Even though there are many classical and historical buildings around the city, its skyline looks a lot different from afar. Coming from Miami Beach to Miami, you will be faced with many skyscrapers and modern buildings that are a much more recent addition to the area. Downtown Miami has its very unique buildings. Some examples include the home to the Miami Heat - the American Airlines Arena (a.k.a. The Triple-A, AAA, or A3). The art also extends itself and reaches the Biscayne Bay, accommodating extremely big constructions such as the Pérez Art Museum and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. There is also an entire neighborhood that makes up the looks of Miami’s skyline and it is called Brickell.

Brickell

The big financial district is the fastest growing neighborhood in the city and holds a lot of the city’s $$$. Being one of the tallest buildings, the Brickell Arch is an office building right in the center of the neighborhood. The most urban area of the city is also home to one of the most well-renowned, expensive constructions, the Brickell City Centre was planned by Swire Properties Inc and accommodates luxury stores, restaurants, bars, offices, hotel services, and apartments. In sum, Miami’s architecture is a big mirror of its residents. There is a piece of town for every taste and every culture. The big 305 has never looked so good and has a big prospect in terms of its architecture. It does not matter if it is your first time visiting or you have been here your entire life, there is always space in the mind for amusement when it comes to the city’s constructions. From historical to modern buildings, we love and appreciate them all.