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.

Cosmic Architecture: Studio Christian Wassmann's Sun Path House

2020-05-25T09:00:00-04:00

A monumental spiraling concrete wall takes on structural, functional, and sculptural purposes in a three-story Brutalist addition to a 1930s bungalow in Miami Beach.

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 .

Berenblum Busch Architects on Exploring the Constraints of Miami's Climate

2020-02-28T15:31:00-05:00

When running an architectural practice, most architects can attest to the profession's fair share of rewards and obstacles—many variables factor in starting and maintaining a practice, after all. For Miami-based duo Gustavo Berenblum and Claudia Busch of Berenblum Busch Architects, the decision to start their own firm stemmed from the 2008 recession. "Although the great recession was very much present in 2010, in a way, it created a space for us to breathe and think about the future. We decided then to do what we always dreamed of: to have our own firm," the duo explains.

For this week's Studio Snapshot, Archinect chats with Berenblum and Busch as they share how they stay focused and inspired while also working in a city that is as fast-paced as Miami. From their expertise in port design to accommodating Florida's environmental constraints, both architects express their passion for the profession and what keeps their firm going.

Canal House by Studio MK27 Captures a Tropical Miami

2020-02-26T15:21:00-05:00

Brazil-based Studio MK27, led by Marcio Kogan, is known for its authentic blending of modernism with the Brazilian regional aesthetic, often seen through cantilevered horizontal lines, louvered walls, and organic materials. While not in Brazil, this Miami-based property, called Canal House, captures a similar feeling.

Miami's Alexis Cogul Lleonart of Doo Architecture on Picking Up Where Tropical Modernism Left Off

2020-02-19T14:17:00-05:00

Ask anyone who has ever visited Miami and you'll hear that the city has a certain energy and vibrancy that's reflected in the built environment there. When one thinks of this region, for example, it's likely that visions of Tropical Modernism and luxe design come to mind. It's at this delightful intersection that Barcelona-born Alexis Cogul Lleonart is able to apply his dual degree background in urban planning and architecture to help shape Miami's architectural landscape.

After collaborating with various practices, including Miami's Oppenheim Architecture, Lleonart sought out to use his expertise and start Doo Architecture. According to Lleonart, "We believe in the process. We're engaged from inception to execution, and we believe our European roots taught us to develop a dialog with our clients and projects further than 'what is required.'"

For this week's Studio Snapshot, Archinect connected with Lleonart to discuss his intellectually curious practice and what it means to work p...

Faulders Studio's Wynwood Facade Highlights Street Art in Miami's Dynamic Parking Structure Scene

2016-11-10T13:59:00-05:00

An eight-story parking garage and mixed-use office building becomes an ever-changing reflection of its street art surroundings with Faulders Studio's modifiable Wynwood Facade.

DesignMiami: The infiltration of ArtBasel Miami Beach, December 8-10, 2006

2006-12-20T18:08:00-05:00

The distinction between art and design is certainly becoming more and more of a vague science. Last week, Miami played host not only to ArtBasel, but also to its little sister art fair: DesignMiami . Under Zaha Hadid’s amazing Elastika installation in the Moore building deep in Miami-’s design district, eighteen galleries curated mini-exhibitions of architectural elements, furniture, and various objects d’art. The traditional rules and customs of fine art were in full effect here, making us wonder if the traditional retail environment still holds court in the world of high design.

by Zoë Coombes