The building located at 45 NE 41 is situated in the heart of Miami’s Design District. Poised between an architectural trifecta, comprising the De La Cruz Art Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art and opposite the recently completed Museum Garage.

An idea of contradiction permeated the initial concepts. We settled on total darkness, a simple absence of light and color. Black. The blackness absorbs and eliminates solar reflection, creating a facade that is restorative when measured against the eclectic tapestry of façades within the District.

Divided by a sequence of black vertical fins and horizontal projections that act as a singular brise-soleil, the south facade reduces sunlight entering the building. In addition, the pattern and orientation of the vertical fins unsettles the almost 1:1 proportion of the building. 

Overall, an assemblage of 96 vertical fins and exposed slabs are clad in a custom formed, sho shugi ban inspired, fiber reinforced plastic; a low maintenance material that will not fade or deteriorate in the extreme South Florida weather.