Cuban American architect Hilario Candela passed away this week at the age of 87 due to complications with Covid-19.  With his partner, Peter Spillis, who passed last year in March, the duo were pioneers in the development of Miami's architectural scene with their eponymous firm Spillis & Candela.  But at the young age of 28, Candela created what will surely be remembered as his masterpiece; a poured concrete stadium with a sweeping geometric cantilevered roof known as the Miami Marine Stadium.  Although the stadium sits idle today waiting for restoration efforts, it was once home to speed boat races, concerts, and many other activities along the waterfront at its location in Key Biscayne.  The impressive structure was considered the longest cantilever in the world at the time of its creation, which Candela created in order for all 6000 plus seats to get a glimpse of the water and downtown Miami skyline.  It has since been designated as a National Treasure from the National Trust of Historic Preservation.  

Candela also went on to design the two main campuses, North and South, for Miami Dade College.  The transitional spaces found at both locations used passive techniques to combat against the harsh heat and heavy rains of Miami, creating beautiful spaces that play with shade, comfort, and light.  Both campuses are recognized today for their brutalist approach in the tropics.  It was in fact these civic buildings that Candela began to shape the city that grew around it to what it is today; a responsibility that he believed, belonged to the architect.  

Originally from Havana and educated at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Candela lived the majority of his life in exile like many others after the revolution of 1959.  His work has been celebrated around South Florida through various lectures and exhibits highlighted his career.  His name resonates and is revered through generations working in the Miami area, and will be missed by many.