A brand requires a significant, relentless ubiquity to compel their customer base to remain loyal. This notion is embodied in the collection of diverse architectural motifs within Miami’s Design District.
Creating architecturally significant projects in an area dense with projects by internationally acclaimed architects is the prime objective for any international retail brand venturing into the cultural nucleus of Miami. It was an objective Royal Byckovas relished.
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.
There were significant site constraints as it relates to the bounding properties. Both the ICA and De La Cruz were re- zoned to allow increased lot coverage and height. To rezone the subject property for more favorable zoning allowances would have been a time consuming and lengthy process. Creative zoning “interpretations” were needed to push the potential of the development.
Due to the underlying zoning, the building was limited in height to 40’. Through a vigorous challenge of the Miami 21 code parameters, a building height of 45’ was ultimately achieved. By incorporating the additional height afforded by the parapet extension into the overall design of the façade, a taller interior space on the second floor was realized, which overall, translated to a higher quality leasing environment. From an exterior perspective, the subtle height increase ensures the building relates to the taller presence of the adjacent buildings.
An idea of contradiction permeated initial ideas, 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 brise soleil, the south facade reduces sunlight entering the building. In addition, the pattern and orientation of the vertical fins unsettles the conforming square proportion and scale 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.
Team:
Architects: RoyalByckovas
Structural Engineer: YCHE
MEP/FP Engineer: CREDO
Civil Engineer: Ocean Engineering
Landscape: L&ND
Photographer: Robin Hill
