SUMMER 2013

This website documents captivating research and projects developed by architecture students of the Design 7 Experimental Studio. Downtown Miami is currently in a state of flux as two new major civic centers will open by 2015. The recent construction of many elaborate hi-rise residential towers and 'starchitecture' parking garages indicates a post recession atmosphere where many South Americans and Europeans are moving into Downtown Miami and along the Biscayne Corridor. The identity of Miami is changing rapidly and can no longer be sustained solely by the perceptions of a South Beach tourist culture. The Downtown site is also not prepared for the sudden growth. Parking, traffic and safety amongst other issues hinder residents and visitors to perceive Downtown as vibrant opportunity.

Design 7 is an experimental studio which addresses local community issues through architecture and advanced technologies. Students explored existing identity perceptions and wayfinding for Downtown Miami and other cities as reference precedents. The students also researched advanced technology components introduced by the MIT Media Lab Sensible Cities Department and other initiatives in order to develop design solutions for a renewed Miami.