Miami: where function follows form

I was reading the other day that as the Florida Chapter of The American Institute of Architects celebrates its centennial, it will also recognize the 100 most noteworthy buildings across the state. What I found most interesting is that Miami – a city once criticized for a lack of art and culture – is home to more than 20% of the organization’s selections – 22 buildings that have captivated and encapsulated our region through the years.

From historic buildings such as the Olympia Theatre at the Gusman Center, the Freedom Tower, and the Bacardi building, to awe-inspiring newcomers including the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 11 11 Lincoln Road, and the Cesar Pelli-designed Miami Tower, Miami shines as an example of how architecture not only tells a story but shapes a city.

The public now has its turn to join their voices with the 3,200-member architects’ group and vote on the best of the best in the competition by going to www.aiafltop100.org. There you can select your favorite building via online voting through April 6.

I am excited to follow the results as they come in. But what I am even more excited about is to see what the next decade brings for Miami in terms of architecture and infrastructure development. With projects such as Museum Park, Brickell CitiCentre, the Port of Miami expansion, and Airport City all well underway, the next 10 years should be among the most exciting in our city’s history.

All eyes are on Miami right now. And it isn’t because of our sandy beaches or velvet-roped nightclubs. It is because we have finally arrived as the international world class gateway city we have always dreamed of becoming.