Placemaking Weekend Miami 2023
Welcome Libation at Upper Buena Vista
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami commenced with a Welcome Libation at Upper Buena Vista, a serene and bohemian artisan haven celebrated for its captivating Bodhi tree, an array of diverse micro-boutiques, and a vibrant community of local artisans and culinary innovators. This venue was chosen for its exemplary integration of nature with small-scale retail, showcasing a harmonious fusion of natural and industrial materials. The wide variety of restaurants, small boutiques, trailers, and tent businesses created a unique, zen-like atmosphere, embodying the essence of placemaking. The highlight of the visit was making wishes on the massive Bodhi tree, a symbolic center of the entire project, underscoring the importance of community and nature in urban spaces.
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami commenced with a Welcome Libation at Upper Buena Vista, a serene and bohemian artisan haven celebrated for its captivating Bodhi tree, an array of diverse micro-boutiques, and a vibrant community of local artisans and culinary innovators. This venue was chosen for its exemplary integration of nature with small-scale retail, showcasing a harmonious fusion of natural and industrial materials. The wide variety of restaurants, small boutiques, trailers, and tent businesses created a unique, zen-like atmosphere, embodying the essence of placemaking. The highlight of the visit was making wishes on the massive Bodhi tree, a symbolic center of the entire project, underscoring the importance of community and nature in urban spaces.
3D Dreams Art Show at VACO Studio
The Placemaking Weekend's exploration of innovative urban spaces continued with a visit to the 3D Dreams Art Show at VACO Studio, a collaboration with Street Dreams Magazine to unveil the first spatial reality art exhibition. This event was highlighted by the use of a groundbreaking 3D display technology provided by Sony, showcasing the talents of a young collective of artists, designers, filmmakers, and well-being enthusiasts. This group has been making waves by lending their unique vibe and voice to place-based brands, including the Miami Heat, demonstrating the power of collective artistic endeavors.
Held in VACO Studio's multi-media art space and community hub, which doubles as a co-working space with complimentary coffee for creatives every Friday, the event was not just an art show but a vibrant launch party. This gathering underscored the significance of artists working together, particularly those who are at the intersection of technology and well-being. By presenting their work in such an innovative format, these artists effectively bridged the gap between the desires of younger audiences and those "outside the norm," with brands eager to expand their appeal. This event exemplified the crucial role of technology in modern placemaking, highlighting how artistic collaboration can redefine brand engagement and community spaces.
The Placemaking Weekend's exploration of innovative urban spaces continued with a visit to the 3D Dreams Art Show at VACO Studio, a collaboration with Street Dreams Magazine to unveil the first spatial reality art exhibition. This event was highlighted by the use of a groundbreaking 3D display technology provided by Sony, showcasing the talents of a young collective of artists, designers, filmmakers, and well-being enthusiasts. This group has been making waves by lending their unique vibe and voice to place-based brands, including the Miami Heat, demonstrating the power of collective artistic endeavors.
Held in VACO Studio's multi-media art space and community hub, which doubles as a co-working space with complimentary coffee for creatives every Friday, the event was not just an art show but a vibrant launch party. This gathering underscored the significance of artists working together, particularly those who are at the intersection of technology and well-being. By presenting their work in such an innovative format, these artists effectively bridged the gap between the desires of younger audiences and those "outside the norm," with brands eager to expand their appeal. This event exemplified the crucial role of technology in modern placemaking, highlighting how artistic collaboration can redefine brand engagement and community spaces.
MakerSpace + Murals
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami included an immersive experience at Moonlighter FabLab, a premier MakerSpace and "fabrication laboratory" renowned as a design center and innovation hub for tactical urbanism projects throughout the city. The visit began with a transformative tour of the MakerSpace, followed by a masterclass from its founder, offering participants a hands-on opportunity to engage with the equipment. Utilizing open-source WikiBlock designs, attendees constructed street furniture on a CNC Router, blending practical skill-building with creative expression.
The morning session concluded with a deep dive into the world of public art through a Kim Zanti's, "Under the Bridge," Akumal Mural Fest documentary viewing and an engaging chat with artists from the festival held in the Yucatán. This segment of the visit shed light on the dynamic nature of mural festivals, which rapidly transform spaces by introducing dozens of art pieces in a concentrated period. Participants had the unique opportunity to meet artist robots, further emphasizing the intersection of technology and art in contemporary urban placemaking. This experience highlighted the importance of community engagement and innovation in shaping vibrant urban environments, showcasing how tactical urbanism and public art contribute to the vitality and identity of city spaces.
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami included an immersive experience at Moonlighter FabLab, a premier MakerSpace and "fabrication laboratory" renowned as a design center and innovation hub for tactical urbanism projects throughout the city. The visit began with a transformative tour of the MakerSpace, followed by a masterclass from its founder, offering participants a hands-on opportunity to engage with the equipment. Utilizing open-source WikiBlock designs, attendees constructed street furniture on a CNC Router, blending practical skill-building with creative expression.
The morning session concluded with a deep dive into the world of public art through a Kim Zanti's, "Under the Bridge," Akumal Mural Fest documentary viewing and an engaging chat with artists from the festival held in the Yucatán. This segment of the visit shed light on the dynamic nature of mural festivals, which rapidly transform spaces by introducing dozens of art pieces in a concentrated period. Participants had the unique opportunity to meet artist robots, further emphasizing the intersection of technology and art in contemporary urban placemaking. This experience highlighted the importance of community engagement and innovation in shaping vibrant urban environments, showcasing how tactical urbanism and public art contribute to the vitality and identity of city spaces.
Artists at the Table at the Bakehouse Art Complex
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami also featured a visit to the Bakehouse Art Complex, an exemplary model of adaptive reuse transforming a former "white bread" factory into a vibrant arts hub offering over 100 low-cost studios for artists. This initiative stands out for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, diverging from the typical narratives of arts-based revitalization in Miami through a holistic upzoning plan that genuinely involves the surrounding community.
A highlight of the visit was the encounter with an artist whose photographic work aims to archive the everyday lives of community neighbors. This project, which culminated in the display of her photographs in a nearby park, struck a chord with the local community. When one community member discovered the portraits, he rallied the entire community, leading to a profound gathering of whole families who came together to celebrate the representation of their elders in beautiful, dignified portraits. This moment underscored the power of art to connect and uplift communities, showcasing the Bakehouse Art Complex not just as a space for artistic creation, but as a catalyst for community pride and cohesion.
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami also featured a visit to the Bakehouse Art Complex, an exemplary model of adaptive reuse transforming a former "white bread" factory into a vibrant arts hub offering over 100 low-cost studios for artists. This initiative stands out for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, diverging from the typical narratives of arts-based revitalization in Miami through a holistic upzoning plan that genuinely involves the surrounding community.
A highlight of the visit was the encounter with an artist whose photographic work aims to archive the everyday lives of community neighbors. This project, which culminated in the display of her photographs in a nearby park, struck a chord with the local community. When one community member discovered the portraits, he rallied the entire community, leading to a profound gathering of whole families who came together to celebrate the representation of their elders in beautiful, dignified portraits. This moment underscored the power of art to connect and uplift communities, showcasing the Bakehouse Art Complex not just as a space for artistic creation, but as a catalyst for community pride and cohesion.
Under the Bridge Downtown at The Underline
The Placemaking Weekend's exploration of innovative urban interventions led participants to The Underline, a transformative project part of the High Line Network. This ambitious initiative is reimagining the space beneath Miami's Metrorail, converting it into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail, and public art destination. Originating from the vision of a single citizen, The Underline has since garnered substantial support, reflecting the community's enthusiasm for revitalizing and repurposing urban spaces.
Participants delved into the project's history, gaining insights into the meticulous planning and consideration behind every aspect of The Underline. The team's dedication was evident in their comprehensive approach, which included conducting their own traffic studies and funding the installation of street crossings to ensure safety and accessibility. Moreover, the visit illuminated the thoughtful integration of public art within the park, with stories behind several pieces adding depth to the experience.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of The Underline is its approach to social issues, such as employing homeless individuals to maintain clean and safe public restrooms, thereby providing essential services while supporting vulnerable community members. This aspect of the project highlights The Underline's role not just as a recreational space, but as a model for inclusive urban development that prioritizes community well-being alongside aesthetic and functional improvements.
The Placemaking Weekend's exploration of innovative urban interventions led participants to The Underline, a transformative project part of the High Line Network. This ambitious initiative is reimagining the space beneath Miami's Metrorail, converting it into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail, and public art destination. Originating from the vision of a single citizen, The Underline has since garnered substantial support, reflecting the community's enthusiasm for revitalizing and repurposing urban spaces.
Participants delved into the project's history, gaining insights into the meticulous planning and consideration behind every aspect of The Underline. The team's dedication was evident in their comprehensive approach, which included conducting their own traffic studies and funding the installation of street crossings to ensure safety and accessibility. Moreover, the visit illuminated the thoughtful integration of public art within the park, with stories behind several pieces adding depth to the experience.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of The Underline is its approach to social issues, such as employing homeless individuals to maintain clean and safe public restrooms, thereby providing essential services while supporting vulnerable community members. This aspect of the project highlights The Underline's role not just as a recreational space, but as a model for inclusive urban development that prioritizes community well-being alongside aesthetic and functional improvements.
Little Havana Tour
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami included a captivating tour of Little Havana, guided by Dr. Moebius, whose extensive research and personal involvement in the area provided a deep and nuanced understanding of this vibrant community. The tour highlighted key landmarks such as Cuban Memorial Park and Domino Plaza, but also ventured into the residential zones that lie beyond the district's commercial heart, revealing the rich tapestry of public space dynamics, racial relations, and resilience that define the neighborhood.
Participants learned about the complex political and racial dynamics of Little Havana, a neighborhood where commercial success has, in some ways, overshadowed the contributions of pioneers and momentum builders who fostered the authentic energy of the community. The tour offered intriguing insights into the intricate dynamics behind every block, emphasizing that there are many layers to the stories and places within Little Havana.
This exploration underscored the importance of looking beyond the surface to understand the multifaceted narratives of urban neighborhoods. It highlighted how commercialization can impact the recognition and preservation of cultural and historical contributions, reminding us of the need to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse individuals and groups that shape the character and resilience of communities like Little Havana.
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami included a captivating tour of Little Havana, guided by Dr. Moebius, whose extensive research and personal involvement in the area provided a deep and nuanced understanding of this vibrant community. The tour highlighted key landmarks such as Cuban Memorial Park and Domino Plaza, but also ventured into the residential zones that lie beyond the district's commercial heart, revealing the rich tapestry of public space dynamics, racial relations, and resilience that define the neighborhood.
Participants learned about the complex political and racial dynamics of Little Havana, a neighborhood where commercial success has, in some ways, overshadowed the contributions of pioneers and momentum builders who fostered the authentic energy of the community. The tour offered intriguing insights into the intricate dynamics behind every block, emphasizing that there are many layers to the stories and places within Little Havana.
This exploration underscored the importance of looking beyond the surface to understand the multifaceted narratives of urban neighborhoods. It highlighted how commercialization can impact the recognition and preservation of cultural and historical contributions, reminding us of the need to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse individuals and groups that shape the character and resilience of communities like Little Havana.
Billion Dollar Placemaking at Miami Design District
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami took an intriguing turn with a visit to the Miami Design District, a testament to the transformative power of art and design in urban revitalization. Once a pineapple farm and a collection of shabby warehouses, this area has been meticulously assembled by developer Craig Robbins—renowned for introducing Art Basel to Miami—into a bustling luxury shopping district. This transformation utilized art and design not just as decor but as the driving force behind its rebirth as an arts-based revitalization project.
The visit prompted discussions on the complexities inherent in such a transformation. The Miami Design District stands as a beacon of economic vibrancy, beauty, and cultural richness, boasting an array of great art and public institutions. However, it also presents a paradox, being critiqued as a monument to taste, luxury, and spectacle. This duality was encapsulated by our guide, Ryan Smolar, who offered a spoken word performance within a Buckminster Fuller fisheye structure. This structure, serving as a selfie-worthy portal from the underground parking lot, symbolizes the district's allure and its contentious position as a space of opulent display.
This exploration into the Miami Design District highlighted the nuanced debate around placemaking initiatives that prioritize high-end development and art as tools for urban renewal. While undeniably successful in creating an economically vibrant and aesthetically pleasing environment, it raises questions about inclusivity, accessibility, and the broader impacts of gentrification on the urban fabric. This visit underscored the importance of critically examining the layers of urban redevelopment projects, especially those that reshape cities through the lens of luxury and spectacle.
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami took an intriguing turn with a visit to the Miami Design District, a testament to the transformative power of art and design in urban revitalization. Once a pineapple farm and a collection of shabby warehouses, this area has been meticulously assembled by developer Craig Robbins—renowned for introducing Art Basel to Miami—into a bustling luxury shopping district. This transformation utilized art and design not just as decor but as the driving force behind its rebirth as an arts-based revitalization project.
The visit prompted discussions on the complexities inherent in such a transformation. The Miami Design District stands as a beacon of economic vibrancy, beauty, and cultural richness, boasting an array of great art and public institutions. However, it also presents a paradox, being critiqued as a monument to taste, luxury, and spectacle. This duality was encapsulated by our guide, Ryan Smolar, who offered a spoken word performance within a Buckminster Fuller fisheye structure. This structure, serving as a selfie-worthy portal from the underground parking lot, symbolizes the district's allure and its contentious position as a space of opulent display.
This exploration into the Miami Design District highlighted the nuanced debate around placemaking initiatives that prioritize high-end development and art as tools for urban renewal. While undeniably successful in creating an economically vibrant and aesthetically pleasing environment, it raises questions about inclusivity, accessibility, and the broader impacts of gentrification on the urban fabric. This visit underscored the importance of critically examining the layers of urban redevelopment projects, especially those that reshape cities through the lens of luxury and spectacle.
Vizcaya Farmers Market
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami concluded with a visit to the Vizcaya Farmers Market, an event that allowed participants to immerse themselves in the outdoor beauty and community atmosphere characteristic of great markets. This visit wasn't just about enjoying the fresh fruits and artisan food vendors; it also served as an opportunity to formally analyze the market through the lens of placemaking principles, identifying both its strengths and areas where it could improve.
Key aspects appreciated at the market included the presence of a diverse crowd encompassing the old, young, and animals, which contributed to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The market also scored well on the availability of activities and entertainment, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The friendliness of vendors and a diverse mix of stalls, including those offering hot food, further elevated the market's appeal, making it a welcoming space for community gathering.
The Placemaking Weekend in Miami concluded with a visit to the Vizcaya Farmers Market, an event that allowed participants to immerse themselves in the outdoor beauty and community atmosphere characteristic of great markets. This visit wasn't just about enjoying the fresh fruits and artisan food vendors; it also served as an opportunity to formally analyze the market through the lens of placemaking principles, identifying both its strengths and areas where it could improve.
Key aspects appreciated at the market included the presence of a diverse crowd encompassing the old, young, and animals, which contributed to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The market also scored well on the availability of activities and entertainment, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The friendliness of vendors and a diverse mix of stalls, including those offering hot food, further elevated the market's appeal, making it a welcoming space for community gathering.
Classical Planning at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, situated across from the Farmers Market, stands as a testament to the enduring principles of classical planning. This National Historic Landmark, once the Baroque mansion of a Midwestern industrialist, beautifully merges European antiquity with the lushness of tropical surroundings. Our exploration of Vizcaya served as a deep dive into how classical planning principles can inform and enrich modern placemaking efforts. Key lessons drawn from Vizcaya include the use of natural building materials, the seamless transition between formal and informal spaces, and the meticulous integration of gardens and landscaping with the natural environment. These elements underscore the importance of proportion and scale, cultural references, and a well-defined hierarchy of spaces in creating harmonious and timeless places.
Moreover, Vizcaya's design emphasizes the significance of axis and pathways, geometric order, water features, sculptures, and symmetry, all of which contribute to a sense of order and beauty. Attention to detail, the creation of focal centers, strategic vistas, and well-considered edges further exemplify how classical planning principles can create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply connected to their cultural and environmental context. Through the lens of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, we gleaned valuable insights into how these timeless principles can be adapted to modern placemaking, offering lessons in creating spaces that are not only functional but also spiritually and visually enriching.
The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, situated across from the Farmers Market, stands as a testament to the enduring principles of classical planning. This National Historic Landmark, once the Baroque mansion of a Midwestern industrialist, beautifully merges European antiquity with the lushness of tropical surroundings. Our exploration of Vizcaya served as a deep dive into how classical planning principles can inform and enrich modern placemaking efforts. Key lessons drawn from Vizcaya include the use of natural building materials, the seamless transition between formal and informal spaces, and the meticulous integration of gardens and landscaping with the natural environment. These elements underscore the importance of proportion and scale, cultural references, and a well-defined hierarchy of spaces in creating harmonious and timeless places.
Moreover, Vizcaya's design emphasizes the significance of axis and pathways, geometric order, water features, sculptures, and symmetry, all of which contribute to a sense of order and beauty. Attention to detail, the creation of focal centers, strategic vistas, and well-considered edges further exemplify how classical planning principles can create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply connected to their cultural and environmental context. Through the lens of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, we gleaned valuable insights into how these timeless principles can be adapted to modern placemaking, offering lessons in creating spaces that are not only functional but also spiritually and visually enriching.
Cleaning Our Palates at Miami Ironside
Our Placemaking Weekend in Miami culminated at Miami Ironside, an eco-friendly creative district that stands as a beacon of sustainability and innovation through its commitment to depaving and the adaptive reuse of warehouse spaces. This transformation has given rise to lush, tropical landscapes that weave through art galleries, design studios, and communal spaces, fostering a vibrant community of creatives and eco-conscious businesses. The highlight of our visit was a Mediterranean Mezza shared around a large dining table, where Ofer Mizrahi, the visionary behind Miami Ironside, shared his passion for The Miyawaki Method. This unique approach to vegetation growth has enabled the creation of dense, lush landscapes that not only beautify the area but also attract a diverse mix of eco-businesses, design firms, art galleries, dance studios, and children's play spaces. Mizrahi's deep belief in this method underscores the potential of thoughtful, environmentally focused urban development to cultivate thriving communities and transform spaces into hubs of creativity and sustainability.
Our Placemaking Weekend in Miami culminated at Miami Ironside, an eco-friendly creative district that stands as a beacon of sustainability and innovation through its commitment to depaving and the adaptive reuse of warehouse spaces. This transformation has given rise to lush, tropical landscapes that weave through art galleries, design studios, and communal spaces, fostering a vibrant community of creatives and eco-conscious businesses. The highlight of our visit was a Mediterranean Mezza shared around a large dining table, where Ofer Mizrahi, the visionary behind Miami Ironside, shared his passion for The Miyawaki Method. This unique approach to vegetation growth has enabled the creation of dense, lush landscapes that not only beautify the area but also attract a diverse mix of eco-businesses, design firms, art galleries, dance studios, and children's play spaces. Mizrahi's deep belief in this method underscores the potential of thoughtful, environmentally focused urban development to cultivate thriving communities and transform spaces into hubs of creativity and sustainability.
