Miami is a city filled with texture, color and a wide range of emotions. This place is also regarded as a true stimulator for all your senses, because of its constantly growing Latin culture. It is located in the south-eastern part of the United States, very close to the Pacific Ocean, being one of the largest cities in Florida and an important center for tourism, finance and fishing at the same time. The city of Miami has a strong Latin influence, being often called the Casablanca of the United States or the Magic City. It is also the third most popular city for overseas visitors, after New York and Los Angeles. The fact that it is a truly multicultural city makes it different from all other cities of the country and adds uniqueness to its overall image. Much of the charm of the area is due to the different neighborhoods, which include buildings ranging from skyscrapers to the trendy South Beaches, which are probably the main factor that give the fame of the city. During the sunniest days, it is an absolute pleasure to admire the vividly colored buildings and the palm trees swayed by the wind. But let's take a look at the attractions that you should not miss whenever you visit the city of Miami. First of all, the Bass Museum of Art is located in Miami Beach and specializes in the art of the Renaissance world, as well as modern art. It was founded in 1963 by the city council of Miami Beach from a private donation. Nowadays, it is considered one of the best museums of ancient art in the area, along with the Wolfsonian Museum. Next, Bayfront Park is a large urban public park in downtown Miami, Florida. Stretching on an area of 13 square kilometers, the park was built in 1924, designed by Warren Henry Manuing and officially opened in mid 1925. In 1980 the museum was remodeled by the Japanese architect Isam Noguchi. Today it is managed and maintained by the Miami Dade Country Park, a public agency that manages most of the parks in the city. Finally, the "Coral Castle" is another must-see whenever you visit Miami. Most visitors remain amazed by the beauty of this attraction. This rather strange building was imagined, designed and developed over 20 years ago by Edward Leedskalnin (1887-1951). His motivation was his true love for the woman who left him the day before the wedding. Apparently, this sentimental failure transformed Edward intoMiami architectsa person who was totally dedicated to his work, which led to the creation of this marvellous building. ...read more

Miami architecture has been at the forefront of Chic and Nouveau since its inception dating back to Carl Fisher and his dreams of what Miami would be. Its newness and bold look has been evident through the eras, never the same, always changing and ever adapting to its surroundings. Its visual difference is unlike any other city and noticeable from building to building and its skyline forms a kaleidoscope of innovative style which is candy to our eyes creating an ambiance of function and pleasure for those who live there and for the tourist Mecca it has become. In its palm fringed avenues with scantily dressed residents Miami has become the dream commission of world known designers particularly in the downtown and beach areas. The buildings are lively with airy and spacious connections becoming world renown and are constantly reinventing themselves while holding on to its cultural influence. Carl Fisher got the credit for Miami Beaches' adaptation of Mediterranean architecture and soon after architects influenced by the Art Deco movement of Europe moved to the Magic city to apply their designs to the tropical feel and look of the city. The buildings became streamlined with a nautical flair that accompanied the sea, sun and surf. The hum drum of the past was out and the new and bold became its signature. The materials of the past were put aside for a newer and lighter look with the use of Stucco, Terrazzo and glass to name a few. From the Mangrove swamps and Palm, Pine, and live Oak forests Miami was transformed into a visual paradise dreamed up from the minds of innovative and forward thinking designers willing to let go of the norm. Miami's architecture was not only functional but became visually sensual to enjoy at every turn which brought tourists in by the millions creating its well known pedestrian atmosphere. Recently Miami's architecture with its resident icons, the Fontainebleau Hotel and the Eden Roc were renamed - MiMo - for Miami Modern. But in this modern age of travel and easy access too many destinations, and the economical collapse of the 70's and 80's Miami lost its luster and some of its influence. In the late 70's Miami's Art Deco district of the past was put on the National Historic Registry and the area was restored to prominence making it Chic and shifting thought back to the Magic City, once again bringing back people and value to the once forlorn area which had fallen into decay. Thanks in part to a new visually vibrant television show called "Miami Vice" that featured Miami as its backdrop, the city was revitalized and it brought back relevance and international attention, and the people came running to Miami once again. Pastel colored buildings and mirrored towers became what people thought of when they thought of Miami. It was edgy and experimental and a pleasure for everyone to gazed upon it. But the Magic Cities architecture wasn't done, and through the 80's and 90's it was evolving once again and a big push to designate more areas as Historical was made and eventually named 11 more as such. Miami is a city which has always put civic pride first, thus designers have incorporated the indoors with the outdoors. Many world famous architectural firms such as Herzog and de Meuron to name one have helped change the landscape and look of the Magic City. For years the city committed itself to reclaiming public spaces like Lincoln Road in Miami Beach which became an outdoor living area for people to enjoy shopping while connecting with Mother Nature. Downtown Miami's effervescent skyline meshed residential buildings with its multifaceted cultural makeup making it a place to enjoy with all your senses and a true one of a kind destination. The Miami art Museum is a great example of innovative design and is scheduled to open in 2013. It has incorporated large balconies with spacious outdoor spaces and multiple levels adding once again to the wonders of the city's innovative designers making it unique in a world of copycat designers. The economic crisis which has gripped the world today has made waterfront properties which were once out of reach viable for purchase and developing, and Miami has become a prime location for developers again. A Malaysian firm recently purchased the land surrounding the Miami Herald building and is planning on creating a 3 billion dollar complex which will once again change the face of the Magic City in a new, innovative, and eye catching way incorporating residential, shopping, and public areas on the waterfront with spectacular views of the city and ocean beyond. A new and exciting group of designers are now building in Miami for the first time, and they're not trying to recreate the Art Deco designs or the MiMo features of years past, but are adding to the skyline with a Latin American flavor and tropical feel. It won't be the glitzy forms of yesteryear but a subtle balance which will be uniquely Miami, taking into consideration its cultural mix and paying much more attention to detail instead of flash and adapting its designs more to the city's tropical surroundings and feel. Miami is refreshingly sophisticated and unique but does not take itself too seriously which will create a skyline that will be a joy to look at and its spaces a wonder to live in, work in and relax in. The future of Miami's architectural designs is in good hands. The tropical lushness which is Miami and the beautiful buildings will be a wonder for all to enjoy. I am Rafael Montilla, a SEO Manager and I also write articles for myMiami architectsclients, aboutModern Furniture, travel, Architects and Internet Marketing. I love what I do for a living!! I hope you too! ...read more

There's just so many things to see and do in Miami -- there's the beach, surfing, parties, fashion shows, and other events that attract a lot of tourists each year into this bustling global city in Florida. But in recent years, Miami has added a new offering to its visitors and residents: it has been reinventing itself and is becoming the art capital of America. Miami is home to many museums and galleries which showcase works from different media. Among the most popular are the Bass Museum of Art and the Lowe Art Museum which both display European artworks from the 16th to 18th century, the Miami Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Florida, and Art Central in South Florida that features contemporary artworks, and numerous personal heritage galleries and collections. Many of these galleries, collections, and museums are located in the Miami Design District near Midtown Miami. Top designers such as Alison Spear, Peter Page, and Holly Hunter have moved and set up their shops in the Miami Design District. Soon after, a growing number of artists and designers have moved in and created a hub for both art creators and appreciators. Aside from the traditional art pieces like paintings and sculptures, contemporary media and non-conventional art materials are also used in the pieces featured in more than fifteen galleries in the Miami Design District. Galleries and showrooms like the Abitare, Art Fusion, and Art Formz Galleries feature interesting pieces and exhibits with various themes and moods. Collectors and philanthropists troop to the Miami Design District most especially during the second Saturday of each month when the Art and Design night is held. Galleries and showrooms also open their exhibits to the public in this community-wide fair, coupled with performances and refreshments. Art Basel/Miami Beach Art Show Aside from the museums and galleries, Miami is also host to many cultural events featuring works and performances from many of the new designers and artists, the biggest of which is the annual Art Basel/Miami Beach (ABMB) art show. Since 2001, the ABMB art show has highlighted thousands of artists from all over the world and their works in a program that features several events such as musical performances, film viewings, and special exhibitions. It is the sister show of the Art Basel show in Switzerland, and since bringing the show to America, it has attracted thousands of the viewing public which has spurred more interest in the arts, mostly contemporary in recent years. It is usually held in the Miami Beach Convention Center, with many of the other activities spilling over to the surrounding galleries in Miami. The pieces featured in the ABMB art show range from the mass-appealing, but some galleries carry works that often draw the attention (and checkbooks) of high-rollers. This year's ABMB will be held on December 4-7, 2008 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. ThousandsMiami architectsof guests are expected in the South Beach area during these dates for the show. ...read more