Who inspires you?
Were there any particular influences early in your career?
“My work displays a rare concern for those timeless aspects of architecture that transcend fashion. I always want to produce architecture responding to the local culture as it relates to regional variations in climate and landscape. Perhaps I try to be in the tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright, Alvar Aalto, Louis Kahn, Carlos Ott, Norman Foster, and some other "master" Architects.
Architecture is both an interior and an exterior experience. The best architecture comes from a synthesis of all the element[s] that separately comprise a building: from its relationship to the streetscape or skyline to the structure that holds it up, the different services that allow it to work, the ecology of the building, the materials used, the character of the spaces, the use of light and shade, the symbolism of the form and the way it signals its presence in the city or the countryside. Successful sustainable architecture addresses all these things and many more."
What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your work? What do you want to be remembered for?
"My ultimate goal is always my next work to be done. All the works are very important to my practice in the search of authentic architecture.
Architecture is by nature a complex endeavor. Involving countless numbers of people, both in the foreground and behind the scenes.
My colleagues in the practice – both past and present – have all helped to design the building and master plans. Our work always has been driven by a belief that the quality of our surroundings directly influences the quality of our lives.
Whether in the workplace, at home or in the public spaces that make up our cities - the emphasis in our work on the social dimension is an acknowledgment that architecture is generated by people’s needs - both spiritual and material."
How did you approach CASSA BRICKELL?
The Directors of TSG Paragon Development invited my practice to present some sketches for this new development, very close to Brickell Avenue. After the first round of approaches, we had preliminary sketches that satisfied our clients. Immediately we started with the design development.
The building and massing has been designed to respect the heights allowed by the authorities and neighboring buildings and to frame the view of the Miami skyline. The façades are principally made of glass, used in a range of translucencies to create elevations, which vary in appearance and sparkle according to prevailing light conditions and changing viewpoints. All façades, with clear glass balustrades are accessed through full height sliding glazed panels, which allows the apartments to open out onto the surrounding areas. The strong horizontal lines of the balconies reinforce a sense of visual order, allowing perfect views for each unit.
The building form responds to the specific demands of the small site and local regulations. Maximizing space and daylight penetration at all levels. The building`s environmental strategy focuses on a series of sky gardens and sky balconies. The gardens form part of the building shape, and the rooftop is where most of the amenities are located to assure the best views for all owners and visitors. |