One of the most ambitious projects is by Alan Faena. While others are building hotels or apartments, the Argentine developer is creating a whole neighbourhood: the Faena District. Yes, there’s a hotel, the Faena Hotel Miami Beach, but that’s merely one of several architectural statements in its six-block radius. Faena calls it “a unique place, a utopian place where the best minds in the world have the freedom to brainstorm”.
His version of Utopia lies on either side of Collins Avenue, between 32nd and 36th Streets of Mid-Beach, one half running towards the Atlantic Ocean, the other spreading back to the waters of Indian Creek. The beachfront features Faena House, a residential tower with sharp wrap-around terraces and a plush penthouse. Yards away is Rem Koolhaas’ stunning Faena Forum, an arts centre due to open this year. From the outside, the structure is a dazzling white drum and cube, pierced with tall windows.
