"Located in Miami Beach, the Faena Forum enjoys a unique site that stretches between Indian
Creek and the Atlantic beachfront. OMA has designed three buildings for the three-block
site along Collins Avenue - an arts center, retail bazaar and car park. These distinct functions
are linked by a sequence of public domains including a plaza, courtyard, and marina dock.
The Faena Forum is divided into two volumes - a cylinder that accommodates gathering
spaces and a cube of hotel and meeting rooms. On the building's third level, an Assembly
Hall occupies both the cylinder and the cube. Since each volume has a distinct form and
character, the two halves of the Assembly Hall can be used separately or in combination for a
variety of uses. Below the cylinder, an exterior plaza along Collins Avenue is formed by
removing a "wedge" from the front of the building. The cantilever, which shelters and shades
the outdoor plaza, is supported by a structural facade of white cast-in-place concrete with
high performance glazing infill panels. The solid cast-in-place concrete elements of the
façade both accommodate the structural needs of the building and orchestrate key views to
the surrounding buildings and the waterfronts. Along the building's north edge, the cylinder
and the cube are smoothly joined to accommodate circulation and structure as well as a
balcony accessed via the Assembly Hall.
The Faena Bazaar is a renovation of the historic Atlantic Beach Hotel, built in 1939 and
designed by prominent Miami Beach architect Roy France, whose work includes the Saxony
and Versailles opposite the site. The Bazaar preserves and restores the existing lobby and
facades, while reprogramming the building for retail.
Parking for the Forum and Bazaar is located on the third site with a mechanical system for
maximum efficiency. Elevators transporting vehicles between levels are exposed on 35th
street, while a facade of angled perforations allow for adequate airflow with controlled views."

Excerpt from project Description written by OMA NY