The Alchemist in Miami Beach, Florida by Rene Gonzalez Architect

Article source: Rene Gonzalez Architect

Calmly perched 60 feet in the air like a floating cloud. Alchemist is a floating glass box inserted into the fifth floor of a parking structure designed by Herzog and de Meuron and Open to the Miami Beach sky. Inside, its reflective materials capture the colors and energy of the surrounding environment and make the space radiate in such a way that it is visible from many vantage points throughout Miami Beach.

Image Courtesy Michael Stavaridis

• Architects: Rene Gonzalez Architect
• Project: The Alchemist
• Location: Miami Beach, Florida
• Project Area: 1,726 sqf

Image Courtesy Michael Stavaridis

For the pedestrians and commuters along Alton Road, the reflective ceiling and walls create a visual link between the urban context and the shop, thereby drawing them into the space. Conversely, while inside the space, the activity of the urban landscape below is brought in and inverted by the reflective ceiling. Colorful cars and people move along the ceiling above the heads of the store’s patrons.

Image Courtesy Michael Stavaridis

The dynamic language of the space is derived directly from the constant motion surrounding the store. The speed and motion on the street and in the garage is not only reflected all around in the mirrors; it is also enhanced by a kinetic mirror installation. Interactive mirrors on sensors ripple in sync with movement within the shop. As clients enter the store, the mirrored panels move and tease them to come closer. Once engaged, the mirrors mimic the clients’ movements, stopping when they stop and starting again when they do. These images of movement are relayed to the street below and create a play of  reflections from the shop to the city and back.

Image Courtesy Michael Stavaridis

Image Courtesy Michael Stavaridis

Tags: Florida, Miami Beach

Category: Public Art

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