Inspiration

Design considerations: The North Miami community is known for the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the large Haitian population. A branch of the Universal Church is located on the same block. The surrounding buildings are typically one-storey houses with many trees in their yards. Views from above the adjacent rooftops to the Biscayne Bay are unobstructed.

Design approach: Maximize a connection with the neighborhood, both the art and Haitian communities. Include studio apartments for artists and allocate a portion of the ground floor retail to an art gallery. Establish a relationship with the Universal Church, which has many religious and non-religious community gatherings.

The building is a billboard for local culture by mirroring the colors and steps of Haitian favelas. Balconies face the south for the best views and a green façade covers the exterior walkways on northside.