Miami Architecture – Fontainebleau Hotel

No better time to feature Morris Lapidus’ magic, than during The National Association of REALTORS annual conference – President’s Circle RPAC, being hosted in Miami at the epic Fontainebleau Hotel.

First, let me start by sharing this VisualSOLUTIONS Media interview of Morris Lapidus.  One of Miami Beach’s best known Mid-century architects.  During his prime he was considered controversial and violated every rule, starting with “form follows function”.  Today, the Fontainebleau and Lincoln Road follies are clear representations of the evolution of our city and its eclectic concepts. MiMO (Miami Modern) is born.  From the mouth of the creator to you.

 

 Some Fontainebleau Hotel History

Designed by Morris Lapidus and opened in 1954, the hotel has gone through a few restorations with the last one market by a grand re-opening in 2008 after a $1 billion transformation.

Some original design elements, including the “Staircase to Nowhere” (formally called the “floating staircase”), are still in place.

Lapidus designed over 1000 buildings during his 50+ year carreer and was known for his “attention-getting techniques” that included sweeping curves, theatrical backlighting, floating ceilings, ameboid shapes he called  ‘woggles’, ‘cheeseholes’, but most importantly, his careful attention to user experience. He was the master of storytelling through space.

My whole success is I’ve always been designing for people, first because I wanted to sell them merchandise. Then when I got into hotels, I had to rethink, what am I selling now? You’re selling a good time.

While you enjoy your stay in The Fountainebleau, look around and know that you are in one of Miami’s most epic spaces, full of history and definitely one of our landmarks.