Miami’s Tallest Observation Tower Underway

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

 Arquitectonica‘s “Skyrise Miami“, Miami’s tallest observation tower, is one step closer to realization as construction has just begun of the 1000 feet tall landmark tower, that’s expected to be completed by mid 2017.

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

According to Arquitectonica, the design vision is based on a continuous sheet of translucent mesh rising one thousand feet from the bay to the sky. It wraps around a colossal atrium and descends dramatically, forming a sweeping curve. At its base the curve becomes a monumental canopy under which cascading steps create a performance amphitheater. The resultant form can be interpreted as a giant wave, or a billfish jumping out of the water, a giant fishing net, or even a flowing dress over a sensuous form. More simply, the curving silhouette references Miami’s tropicality.

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

 Unlike other observation towers, Skyrise Miami is asymmetrical. It is decidedly directional, facing the Caribbean and South America. It welcomes our visitors from the south into North America. It is our abstract version of the Statue of Liberty. A sculpture to view from afar, and also to explore within.

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

 Also, unlike other observation towers, Skyrise Miami is more than a viewing deck. It has content. A cluster of functional levels at its top contain multiple restaurants, shops, an event ballroom, an exhibit gallery, a soaring domed theatre, a night club, and a thrill ride that allows daring visitors to drop at high speed from the sky to the bay along its facade. It emphasizes current thinking that architecture is not only about form, but also about content.

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

According to their Skyrise Miami, the building will be the iconic landmark of the great City of Miami – where the world comes to play. Beautiful weather, world famous beaches and the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay are the backdrops for Skyrise Miami. Located only minutes from one of the busiest international airports in the world (27 million annual passengers) and next door to thePort of Miami, also known as the Cruise Capital of the World (4 million annual passengers), Skyrise Miami is easily accessible.

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

Skyrise Miami is the heart of Downtown Miami’s Bayfront Entertainment Center. Standing on the water’s edge of Bayside Marketplace, a shopping and dining destination for over 23 million annual visitors, Skyrise Miami is walking distance from a variety of other entertainment venues including: the American Airlines Arena(820,000 annual visitors), home to the world champion Miami Heat; Museum Park, with its two brand new venues, the Science Museum(550,000 projected annual visitors) and the Miami Art Museum (200,000 projected annual visitors); and Bayfront Park with over 500,000 annual visitors.

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

Courtesy of Skyrise Miami

source: arch2o