Miami is changing from a land-use based zoning code to a form-based one. With the initiative of Miami 21, a new planning system, the city is overhauling its land use and urban planning codes, with the goal developing Miami into a more pedestrian oriented city. A master plan was coordinated between 2 classes in anticipation of Miami 21. The focus of this plan was to study the development of mixed-use in traditionally residential areas and to determine the feasibility of a continuous pedestrian path along the city’s waterfront.
I was responsible for designing a mixed-use building as well as a waterfront green space. The challenge in these projects was to foster a sense of intra-community ownership while enhancing the surrounding community at large. The mixed-used building presented challenges because it had a dual parti wall condition, disabling neighboring interactions. Additionally, all of the student concepts had to be developed in close coordination with each other, in an effort to present a unified approach. All exterior details had to complement each other as all of the proposals were presented simultaneously.
The retail frontage, a flower shop, is a gift to the community. The larger apartment above contains a two-story library and across the courtyard there are two smaller apartment units. The internal courtyard, offering the residents a more intimate social opportunity, can be glimpsed through the street entrance and also through the windows of the flower shop.
