Materiality led to the decision to use Brazilian pedra portuguesa for the ground plane and throughout the project. In order to engage both sides of the block, visual corridors were preserved. One can see clearly over lower plant massings and under tree canopies. Water is used to botanically enrich the spaces. All four of the ponds are linked into one system that uses gravity and biofiltration. The equipment is contained in a sculptural vault which is melded into the plaza through a series of platforms, or stages, reducing the impact of its necessary scale.

Integrated plantings and water cascade from the top level, a secret ceremonial vantage point, now popular with adventurous children and adults. Diversity of experience is provided by these stages, and the generous concrete benches that are comfortable for one are also capable of accommodating a small crowd or performance. The opportunity for spontaneous human interaction abounds. All of the trees are native, including Live Oak, Pond Apple, Red Mangrove, Bald Cypress and Lignum Vitae, with the exception of the Guiana Chestnut or Money Tree.

Indigenous grasses and water plants are used in large, wild drifts, thus softening the abundance of hard surface. The City of Miami Beach gave the project the name “urban glade.”Credits:Herzog & de Meuron - ArchitectG.T. McDonald Enterprises, Inc. - General ContractorSuperior Landscaping, Inc. - Landscape ContractorLeni Schwendinger, Light Projects LTD. - Lighting ConsultantKimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. - Civil EngineeringBiscayne Aquaculture - Aquatic ConsultantJames Urban - Urban Soil and Tree ConsultantSean Jacobus Company, Inc. - Specimen Tree BrokerSteven Brooke - Photography