Bioluminescence by the sea
To integrate the indoor and outdoor spaces of a Miami Beach tropical ocean front apartment residence in an elegant and rigorously designed curvilinear building by Renzo Piano. The goal is to seamlessly integrate the very generous outdoor and indoor space through architecture and interior design.
The spaces are an homage to the delicate play of light and shadow created by the building with its continuous balconies and
overhangs where the outdoor space is two-thirds the square footage of the indoor space. The overhead projections function
more than mere balconies; they act as a brise-soleil that protects the space from the sunrise in the east to the sunset in the
west. The interior partitions are intentionally kept off the free flowing curtain wall so the expanse and continuity of the
outdoor spaces can be experienced without interruption.
In order to contextualize the indoor and outdoor spaces, we conceived a vibrant bioluminescent palette that expresses the
joyous colors, textures, and patterns of its surrounding conditions. The uniqueness of Miami beach and its tropical sensibility
is expressed through this palette that alludes to the trees, the fish and the reflection of light on water. The ocean side is treated
with a palette of a blue, responding to the ocean exposure and the intercoastal facing deck chairs reflect the gardens and
distant views of the sun setting on downtown Miami.
Circular architectural ceiling details, furnishings and art become a part of the architecture, almost emerging out of the
building’s cylindrical organic form. The kitchen disc wall sculpture by Domingos Totora and the living room coffee table by
Francois Bauchet similarly have a dialogue with this Architectural gesture. The bioluminescent dynamic sculpture by Gisela
Colon (in collaboration with Nasa) expresses the changing light and views of the water beyond. The light and the ocean are
never the same and Ms. Colon’s work embodies infinite combinations, both day and night. The back-painted floor to ceiling
glass wall panels by Max Ingrand in the primary bedroom respond to the coastal greens and gardens while the light blue
circular sculpture by Rupert Deese above the guest bed responds to the palette of the ocean.
At the entry, the three dimensional bioluminescent shaped canvas by Charles Hinman foreshadows the vibrant two tone
Misha Kahn chair in the living room. The architectural Sottsass bookcase is a formal backdrop for books and objects from the
sea.
