Architectural Cases

Miami's skyline is set to welcome another architectural marvel with the introduction of the Delano Residences, a collaboration between renowned Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott and American studio Cube 3. This ambitious project signifies a continued upward trend in the city's urban development, particularly in the realm of supertall structures, transforming its silhouette into a testament to modern vertical living.

The Delano Residences Miami, planned for the vibrant Downtown district, will rise to an impressive 90 stories, reaching a height of 985 feet (300 meters). This puts it in close proximity to the city's inaugural supertall building, the Waldorf Astoria Miami, also designed with contributions from Carlos Ott and currently under construction. The new tower is a joint venture by PMG, known for developing the Waldorf, and hospitality giant Ennismore, in partnership with the prestigious Delano Hotels brand.

Beyond its imposing height, the Delano Residences will house 421 luxury residences, offering an elevated living experience. New York-based Meyer Davis is spearheading the interior design, promising sophisticated and comfortable spaces. Residents and guests will have access to an array of high-end amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a sprawling pool deck, and exclusive dining and entertainment options such as a restaurant, bar, and observation deck situated on the upper floors, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Visually, the structure is designed to impress with a highly reflective facade that captures and plays with light, giving it a dynamic appearance. Its sleek, canoe-like form is distinctive, culminating in a gently inward-curving crown that creates a softened apex. Layers of glass subtly peel away from the top, adding to its elegant and modern aesthetic. Terraces cascade down both sides of the building, further integrating outdoor living with the urban environment.

Will Meyer, co-founder of Meyer Davis, describes the property as a 'vertical resort' meticulously layered to offer new environments with each ascent. He highlights how elements like filtered light, sculptural circulation, and tiered landscapes are crafted to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This thoughtful design aims to cultivate a sense of both energy and tranquility, allowing individuals to move seamlessly through a rich tapestry of atmosphere, texture, and experience. While a construction timeline has not yet been disclosed, the project is anticipated to make a significant impact on Miami's architectural landscape.

This development marks Delano Hotels' first foray into branded residences, coinciding with the forthcoming reopening of the historic Art Deco Delano Miami Beach hotel this spring, following extensive renovations. The Delano Residences joins a burgeoning collection of supertall skyscrapers transforming Miami, including a Dolce & Gabbana-branded tower in Brickell and a Foster + Partners-designed structure set to become the new home for the hedge fund Citadel, solidifying Miami's reputation as a hub for cutting-edge architecture and luxury living.

The Delano Residences project epitomizes Miami's ongoing architectural evolution, introducing a towering structure that blends luxury living with innovative design. Conceived as a 'vertical resort,' it promises a unique residential experience with its distinctive facade, extensive amenities, and a strategic location in Downtown Miami, further cementing the city's status as a global destination for contemporary urban development.

A recently published report by the Government of Catalonia has officially recognized Antoni Gaudí as the designer of Xalet del Catllaràs, a modernist mountain retreat located in northern Spain, dispelling decades of speculation.

Official Confirmation: Gaudí's Xalet del Catllaràs

In a significant architectural discovery, the Government of Catalonia's cultural department recently unveiled a comprehensive report confirming Antoni Gaudí as the architect behind Xalet del Catllaràs. This early 20th-century chalet, nestled in the mountainous region north of Barcelona within the Berguedà county, was constructed between 1901 and 1908. The commission came from Eusebi Güell, Gaudí's lifelong patron and the visionary behind projects like Park Güell. The detailed investigation, led by Professor Galdric Santana Roma from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, meticulously analyzed the chalet's structural elements. Professor Roma's findings highlighted distinctive architectural features—such as specific types of arches, vaulting techniques, and interior walls set at 45-degree angles—that were hallmarks of Gaudí's style during that era, preceding their widespread adoption by other architects by a decade or more. While Gaudí's association with Güell always suggested his potential involvement, concrete evidence had been elusive until now. Reports from Reuters suggest that Gaudí might not have openly claimed authorship due to his limited supervision during construction, which led to deviations from his initial designs. The chalet's construction also coincided with Gaudí's demanding commitments to other major works, including Casa Batlló and Park Güell, which previously fueled doubts about his connection to the remote project. Today, the Xalet del Catllaràs stands vacant, characterized by its striking pointed arch structure, housing six apartments spread across three floors, and featuring a prominent chimney and a central spiral staircase on its façade. This confirmation adds another significant piece to the rich tapestry of Gaudí's legendary architectural legacy, as the world anticipates the completion of his most iconic masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, this year, marking the centenary of his passing.

This definitive confirmation of Gaudí's authorship of Xalet del Catllaràs offers a fascinating glimpse into the less-documented aspects of his prodigious career. It underscores the profound influence and intricate network of relationships that shaped his work, particularly with patrons like Eusebi Güell. Moreover, the story of the chalet highlights the challenges architects faced in the early 20th century, where distance and concurrent projects could lead to the anonymity of significant works. It's a reminder that even the most celebrated artists can have their contributions obscured by circumstance, only to be rediscovered through meticulous research and scholarly dedication. This revelation not only enriches our understanding of Gaudí's stylistic evolution but also emphasizes the importance of preserving and investigating architectural heritage, ensuring that historical truths eventually come to light.