Superstar Architect Rem Koolhaas Chosen to Design New Miami Beach Convention Center

Superstar architect Rem Koolhaas is bringing his talents to Miami Beach. Koolhaas, best known for his "philosophic" design aesthetic and as the founder of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, was recently chosen by the Miami Beach City Commission to redesign and redevelop the City's Convention Center along with real estate development company South Beach ACE. This selection continues the tradition of high-profile, globally recognized architects putting their stamp on Miami Beach.

Long the center of cutting-edge architecture, Miami Beach is home to the largest concentration of 1920s and 1930s resort architecture in the country. Miami Beach's historic Art Deco District is comprised of vibrantly colored Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern (or MiMo) style architecture. More recently though, some of the best and most in demand architects in the world have flocked to Miami Beach, drawn to City's unique mix of beach, business and innovation. From designing parking garages to hotels to condominium buildings, more and more "starchitects" are answering the City's siren call.

Koolhaas, who was awarded architecture's top prize, a Pritzker Award in 2000, has created an eye-popping vision for the 52-acre Convention Center site. The design creates a highly functional and versatile city-center which includes the convention center, public parks and green space, an 800-room hotel, shops and restaurants.

"Miami Beach has long inspired great urban design from gifted architects," says, Jeff Lehman, Chair, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. "Koolhaas' vision for the Convention Center will create a new landmark for the region that continues this storied relationship between our city and brilliant architects from around the world."

Koolhaas joins Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Herzog & de Meuron, Enrique Norton, and Perkins + Will, to name just a few, who have been inspired by the natural beauty of Miami Beach and whose designs are transforming the landscape of the city.

Frank Gehry's New World Center is not only the new home of Michael Tilson Thomas' New World Symphony, it has become a destination for ingenuity and sparkle, attracting world-class musicians, events and programming to a space now considered "a cornerstone of artistic activity at the intersection of architecture and music."

Herzog & de Meuron designed the edgy, completely non-traditional 1111 Lincoln Road parking garage which houses retail space, the roof-top restaurant and hot spot Juvia, and serves as a super sleek special event destination with a view of the Miami Beach skyline.

Koolhaas' Convention Center design is set to transform the area into a vibrant neighborhood with year-round activities; increase outdoor public spaces; and create a walkable district between the Convention Center, Lincoln Road and the City's historical and cultural centers.

Already, the notion of a redeveloped Convention Center is creating heightened buzz around the world. Though just in the rendering and planning phase, companies and organizations are already inquiring about booking their events when the renovation is complete. In the days following the Miami Beach Commission vote to move ahead with the project, tourism and marketing officials began receiving calls from companies interested in bringing their convention business to Miami Beach…a full five years before the estimated completion of the project.

"We're excited at the level of interest shown in the redeveloped Convention Center, but not surprised," Lehman adds. "The Miami Beach Convention Center is already a hugely popular destination for some of the biggest events in the world including Art Basel. Considering the scope of the project, the magnificent design of the new Convention Center, and the natural appeal of Miami Beach, we fully expect the level of interest to increase."

About Miami Beach

With an average year-round temperature of 75 degrees, Miami Beach has an unrivaled reputation for culinary offerings, nightlife, culture, fashion, and luxurious hotels. Also a popular destination among travelers, Miami Beach was recently ranked by Trip Advisor as number one on its Top Winter Sun Vacation Rental Getaway Destinations for 2011 list and was included on both the Top 25 Beaches in the World and Top 25 Destinations in the U.S. listS. Boasting seven miles of breathtaking beaches, Miami Beach is easily accessible from the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport. The City of Miami Beach has just been named one of the top cities worldwide for 'walkability' and is equally easy to navigate by bike or by boat. Home to unique museums, to the New World Symphony and Miami City Ballet, to over 17,000 luxury, boutique and resort hotel rooms, 12 public parks and to the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach is a destination for all seasons. Miami Beach is like no other place in the world! Visit MiamiBeachGuest.com or MiamiBeachINCARD.com for more information or contact Grisette Marcos at Groquemarcos@miamibeachvca.com.

SOURCE: BUSINESS WIRE

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