Archinect - Features

A House of Cards: The Miami Condo Collapse Exposes a Dehumanized Mindset in the Built Environment

2021-08-17T08:00:00-04:00

On June 24th, 2021, the Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, Miami collapsed, killing 98 people. While the causes of the collapse are still under investigation, the building's history of structural deficiencies is likely to have played a part. The Champlain Towers collapse is only the latest in a series of fatal building catastrophes which could have been prevented with proper oversight. In their wake, the continuing deterioration of our buildings and infrastructure causes us to ask if the commodification of buildings as real estate, and exercises in wealth creation, has caused us to lose sight of architecture's primary role as shelter and habitat.

Brillhart Architecture’s Eponymous House Pays Homage To Florida's Architectural Vernaculars with a Tropical Modern Flare

2020-03-19T18:52:00-04:00

The South Florida-based architecture practice Brillhart Architecture has cemented itself as the region's experts on Florida's local building traditions by highlighting its roots within the realm of Tropical Modernism. Within Florida's humid, rainy climate, Brillhart founders, Jacob and Mellisa Brillhart, emphasize the importance of incorporating the surrounding landscape into their buildings while also working to fine tune each space's ability to evoke emotional responses from its occupants.

One of the firm’s most recognizable and celebrated works is the duo's own private residence, the Brillhart House. When asked about the details and motivations behind the project, they explain, "The design for our house relies on a back-to-the-basics approach – specifically studying old architectural models that care about good form but are also good for something. Each design decision was organized around four central questions that challenge the culture for building big: what is necessary; how...

Miami's Urban Robot Associates on Creating Fun, Multidimensional Architecture

2020-03-10T13:28:00-04:00

Miami-based Urban Robot Associates strives to create memorable projects within the realms of landscape, hospitality, residential, and interior design. Led by Giancarlo Pietri, Sebastian Velez, Justine Velez, and JJ Wood, the firm's work showcases a mix of formal playfulness and meticulous, detail-oriented design.

Founded in 2009, Urban Robot Associates has since become one of Miami's powerhouse firms as the team pursues its stated goal of creating "something memorable that's also multidisciplinary in nature, while also referencing the context within which we design."

For this week's Studio Snapshot, Archinect chats with JJ Wood and the rest of the team as they collectively share their experiences of running and growing an integrated, design-oriented architectural practice .

Glavovic Studio on Using Architecture as a Catalyst for Environmental Stewardship and Social Impact

2019-07-15T12:45:00-04:00

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa, architect Margi Nothard uses her global heritage and upbringing as a keystone to leading her Florida-based practice Glavovic Studio. A practice whose values stem from community-based engagement, socially conscious designs and environmental stewardship, Nothard has helped transform South Florida. Through her work in urban planning projects, affordable housing, public art projects, and commercial projects, the studio has made a lasting impact in Florida. Leading her firm for twenty years, Nothard's enthusiasm for social change through good design has allowed her and her team to works like the Young Circle Arts Park and the Kennedy Homes.

For this week's Studio Snapshot, Nothard shares her experiences of running a firm and what has changed over time. According to Nothard, "I was told after graduating to go somewhere where I could make a difference." After starting her practice 1999, Glavovic Studio has established itself as one of Fort Laude...

Jacob and Melissa Brillhart of Brillhart Architecture Discuss Florida's Architectural History and The "Chemistry of Space"

2019-02-11T16:30:00-05:00

Jacob and Mellisa Brillhart have established their place in South Florida's architectural history through their emphasis on vernacular building principles. Tapping into the area's roots of Tropical Modernism, the duo emphasize the importance of construction methodology in designing sustainable structures for hot and humid climates. The studio's design process utilizes a blend of analog and digital techniques, all while incorporating natural materials found within Florida's landscape.

For this week's Studio Snapshot, the founders of Brillhart Architecture share the importance of uncovering what makes up the emotional qualities of a space. By reflecting on their built works, the two discuss the importance of drawing inspiration from their surroundings and Florida's vernacular architecture.