American dream: tour our pick of Miami's ongoing projects

This project will occupy the last oceanfront site in Miami's Bal Harbour area. The all-star design team working on the development includes architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica, Italian designer Piero Lissoni and landscape designer Enzo Enea.

In our last Miami survey we unveiled a booming city, effortlessly combining brand new world-class architecture with art and culture, attracting starchitects from all over the world, as well as many prominent local architects. Since then, Miami has only been going from strength to strength with key projects reaching completion but several more taking their place in the Florida city's construction roaster.

The Perez Art Museum by Herzog and de Meuron was not the only prestigious new addition in town. Rene Gonzalez's shimmering Glass residences received their finishing touches this month, while Sou Fujimoto's Palm Court retail complex opened earlier this year at the Miami Design District. MDD has now entered its Phase III and the construction of twenty new buildings, slated for completion by August 2016. Meanwhile, the Faena District has been fast progressing with the Faena Hotel Miami Beach gearing up for inauguration later this year and Faena Forum by OMA swiftly following suite in early 2016.

Even more architecture schemes are still underway, including not only seaside condos - a Miami staple - but also many cultural and commercial ventures. Grimshaw Architects' Museum of Science is currently in construction, with the estimated completion date set for the summer of 2016. Similarly, Fernando Romero's Latin American Art Museum design is being built in Downtown Miami, on track for a 2017 completion. 

Renzo Piano, Herzog and de Meuron, Zaha Hadid, BIG and OMA are all involved in different residential projects around town - not to mention the new offerings by prominent local architects, such as Gonzalez and Arquitectonica. Take a tour of our pick of the city's most highly anticipated current projects, set to change the shape of Miami's skyline.   

Oceana Bal Harbour Hires Copy

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Ocean balconies

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What once was the city's famous Bal Harbour Club will now become the Oceana Bal Harbour luxury residential development, comprising 240 elegant units

Bathroom Rsize

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The complex's penthouse designs have just been unveiled. The scheme is scheduled for completion in the autumn of 2016.

The 56-storey tower will sit right by the Miami oceanfront

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The Residences by Armani/Casa will be the Armani Group's first real estate project in the US. The 56-storey tower will sit right by the Miami oceanfront

the scheme will include 308 luxury residences

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Designed by Cesar Pelli, the scheme will include 308 luxury residences with interiors designed by Armani/Casa 

currently underway in Miami

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Zaha Hadid's first-ever skyscraper in the Western hemisphere, the One Thousand Museum, is currently underway in Miami

downtown Miami's skyline

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Come 2017, One Thousand Museum's iconic, sculptural form, will stand out within downtown Miami's skyline

architecture and fine interior design

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Located in the city's cultural hub, with the new Perez art museum nearby, the project combines art, architecture and fine interior design, with prime location and luxury services

Latin American Art

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Designed by FR-EE/Fernando Romero Enterprise, the Latin American Art Museum (LAAM) was conceived to promote Latin American Art within the USA and aims to improve the relations between the two regions

the museum aims to act

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Situated within a residential complex of 111 apartments which will be built later, the museum aims to act as meeting point for both residents and visitors

under construction building

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 It is currently under construction, looking at a 2017 completion

the largest private-sector project under construction in Miami

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Currently the largest private-sector project under construction in Miami, the Brickell City Centre designed by Arquitectonica is a Downtown Miami mixed-used development that aims to be sustainable in both its choice of material and its construction and operation systems. It is set to complete by the end of 2015

the first new construction on Fisher Island

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Palazzo Del Sol is the first new construction on Fisher Island - the legendary private island resort community off Miami Beach - since 2007. The project, a 10-storey structure of 47 residential units, combines the traditional grandeur of an Italian palazzo, with a modern twist

Designed by architect Kobi Karp and Swiss landscape architect Enzo Enea

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Designed by architect Kobi Karp and Swiss landscape architect Enzo Enea, the project will include outdoor living spaces and exclusive six-star, white glove services. Construction started in Spring 2014 and is set to complete in January 2016

bay-side piers for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Bringing the seaside to the city, Biscayne Beach is a 399-unit luxury condominium tower. It includes the first private, members-only beach club, consisting of an elevated manmade sandy beach with private cabanas, premium amenities and bay-side piers for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding

Designed by WHLC Architecture and BC architects

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Designed by WHLC Architecture and BC architects, it is in the sought-after East Edgewater neighbourhood. It is set to complete in 2016

the Biscayne Line

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Providing much needed space for art, greenery, shade and pedestrians, the Related Group and Arquitectonica have designed a brand new public walkthrough for the city - the Biscayne Line

Edgewater's Bayfront

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If built, it will run the entire length of Edgewater's Bayfront

transform the entire waterfront experience

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The Biscayne Line, which is currently awaiting planning permission, intends to completely transform the entire waterfront experience

Split into four distinct parts

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Split into four distinct parts, the Living Core Aquarium, the Innovation Centre, the Exploration Centre and the Frost Planetarium, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will offer visitors a unique state-of-the-art facility designed by Grimshaw Architects

half way through construction

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The project is at the moment about half way through construction

the public in summer 2016

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The museum is set to open to the public in summer 2016

one of the tallest residential buildings in the area

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Brickell Flatiron is one of the latest additions to Miami's skyline. Located in one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods and soaring at over 700 feet, it is one of the tallest residential buildings in the area

downtown Miami's shining Cityscape and is set to be completed by 2018

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Architect Luis Revuelta's 64-story design provides residents with an inspiring 360 panoramic view of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami's shining Cityscape and is set to be completed by 2018

The impressive boutique beachfront condo

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The impressive boutique beachfront condo Eighty Seven Park is the result of collaboration between internationally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano, West 8's planners and landscape designers and interior designers RDA1. Set on white sand and surrounded by a 35-acre public park, it provides a moment of peace and quiet among the bustle of Miami Beach. Currently under construction, it will be open to the public in 2017

Rising over 305 metres high, upon its completion

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Rising over 305 metres high, upon its completion, Skyrise will be the tallest structure in Florida. This state-of-the-art entertainment and retail complex will include a theatre, a ten seat-245-metre-high sky drop and a 183-metre controlled bungee jump. It will also host amenities such as observation decks, fine dinning restaurants, a ballroom, board rooms and several clubs and lounges offering breathtaking views of Miami. The design was created by Arquitectonica and construction is underway, on track for a 2018 completion

the brainchild of a first-time partnership between Terra group and the Related Group

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Covering over 5.2 acres, Park Grove is the brainchild of a first-time partnership between Terra group and the Related Group

towers are designed by Dutch architecture practice OMA

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The scheme's three distinctive residential towers are designed by Dutch architecture practice OMA

The project will include properties ranging from 2,500-3,500 square feet

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The project will include properties ranging from 2,500-3,500 square feet, a two-acre sculptural park and a smaller building with recreational amenities. Construction work has started and it is set to finish late 2017

Downtown Miami's last waterfront piece of land has been snapped up by the Melo Group

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Downtown Miami's last waterfront piece of land has been snapped up by the Melo Group. Designed by Arquitectonica, the 647-unit luxury condominium Aria by the Bay offers unobstructed views of iconic sites like Margaret Pace Park, Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach, and is expected to complete in 2017

the largest urban real estate developments in the United States

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

In the heart of downtown Miami, the Miami World Centre currently stands as one of the largest urban real estate developments in the United States

hospitality and residential areas

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The Miami World Centre includes world-class retail, hospitality and residential areas. Phase one of the project will be unveiled later in the year

luxury suites designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Yabu Pushelberg

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

In the heart of Miami's financial district, the SLS LUX tower by the Related Group will feature over 450 residences and 85 luxury suites designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Yabu Pushelberg

VIP amenities such as Limousine service and a private beach club

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

With each guest given a private elevator leading straight to their apartment, and access to VIP amenities such as Limousine service and a private beach club, the project gives 'luxury' a new meaning. It will start welcoming guests in 2017

Ritz-Carlton Residences project at Miami Beach

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Celebrated Italian architect Piero Lissoni recently announced a new addition to his Ritz-Carlton Residences project at Miami Beach

The scheme now includes the world's first residential art studio

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The scheme now includes the world's first residential art studio, offering facilities for painting, sculpture work, ceramics, beadwork and more, and provides structured classes and an art focused library for residents. Construction work is underway and will be finished in 2016

Pritzker Prize winners Herzog & de Meuron recently launched

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Pritzker Prize winners Herzog & de Meuron recently launched Jade Signature, a new residential scheme for Miami's Sunny Isles Beach area. It is currently under construction with an expected completion date set at 2017

ocean views and is conscious of its surrounding landscape

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The cleverly designed high-rise features 360-degree ocean views and is conscious of its surrounding landscape

City Place Doral by Arquitectonica is an expansive new retail and residential development situated in the heart of the dynamic Miami-Dade County

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

City Place Doral by Arquitectonica is an expansive new retail and residential development situated in the heart of the dynamic Miami-Dade County. Combining the vision of world-renowned architects, designers and artists, this project will feature over 600,000 square feet of up-scale retail space and over 1,000 exclusive residences. It is currently under construction and set to open in late 2016

Garcia Stromberg has designed a hotel with 96 rooms and suites, and 128 exclusive condo units. Completion date is set for late 2016

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The Gale Boutique Hotel and Residences will be situated steps away from Fort Lauderdale Beach between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Garcia Stromberg has designed a hotel with 96 rooms and suites, and 128 exclusive condo units. Completion date is set for late 2016

The latest addition to the up-and-coming East Edge Water neighbourhood

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The latest addition to the up-and-coming East Edge Water neighbourhood, GranParaiso is a scheme by The Related Group, designed by Arquitectonica

The 55-storey residential building is situated

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The 55-storey residential building is situated at the ten bay front acres that encompass the developer's Paraiso master planned community and will be unveiled in 2017

The 20-storey towers

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The 20-storey towers of Grove at Grand Bay emerge from the ground twisting at a 38-degree angle

Designed by BIG, the project will be completed in autumn 2015

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The structure has wrap-around balconies that provide a prime panoramic view of the nearby marina and sailboat bays in Miami's Coconut Grove neighbourhood. Designed by BIG, the project will be completed in autumn 2015

Nestled within a part full of the city's famous art deco and mid-century architecture

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Nestled within a part full of the city's famous art deco and mid-century architecture, the Louver House can be found at South of Fifth Street neighbourhood near Miami Beach. Rene Gonzale's design is enclosed by natural landscape of tropical vegetation and sandy beaches. The building is designed to reinterpret the surrounding vernacular designs in its layout and scale. It is expected to break ground by summer 2015

the completion date for this project has been set for August 2016

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Part of the Miami Design District development, Museum Garage, curated by architect Terence Riley, will present art and design installations from Keenan/Riley, Work Architecture Company, Clavel Arquitectos, Nicolas Buffe and Jürgen Mayer-Hermann on five wildly different facades. Among them will be installations of real cars that jut out of the face of the building along with a front of interlocking puzzle pieces and Baroque motifs. Currently under construction, the completion date for this project has been set for August 2016

A separate building by LA architects

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A separate building by LA architects Johnston Marklee, which will host luxury retail brands such as Jimmy Choo and Versace, is also underway as part of the Design District's Phase III

new designs by Aranda/Lasch

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Meanwhile, more new designs by Aranda/Lasch...

the Miami Design District

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...and Neri & Hu are currently in progress eslewhere in the Miami Design District

The project is under construction and set to open in 2017

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Studio Gang is working on a luxury residential building in the District. The project is under construction and set to open in 2017

Richard Meier and run by the Four Seasons

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Surf Club, a new Miami development by Fort Capital, will combine hospitality and residential in a building designed by Richard Meier and run by the Four Seasons

luxury amenities such as a spa and fitness centre

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

With a panoramic view of the Atlantic oceanfront on a 9-acre site, the project will incorporate two residential towers, a private membership club, and luxury amenities such as a spa and fitness centre, an expansive park and ocean-facing gardens

the Surf Club will gear up to welcome its first guests in spring 2016  

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Construction has now topped out, and the Surf Club will gear up to welcome its first guests in spring 2016  

OMA is also behind the district's marina design

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Miami's brand new Faena District has been progressing fast. The complex's Faena Hotel Miami Beach is scheduled to open in November this year, while OMA's Faena Forum is slated to swiftly follow, in early 2016. OMA is also behind the district's marina design

JMH Development and completion is slated for 2017

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Danish-born, New York based architect Thomas Juul-Hansen's first luxury residential development in Miami, Three Hundred Collins, recently had its sales launch. The project, which includes 19 units across five storeys, is created for JMH Development and completion is slated for 2017

Groundbreaking is expected to start early next year, with completion to follow in 2018

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

One of Miami's latest additions, the Elysee Residences is a 57-storey luxury boutique high-rise and the tallest condo in the city's Edgewater district. The architects are Arquitectonica, led by Bernardo Fort-Brescia, while French designer Jean-Louis Deniot looks after the lavish interiors. Groundbreaking is expected to start early next year, with completion to follow in 2018

46-storey condo scheme that offers the luxury of just one residence per floor

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

One more project by Miami-based architecture firm Arquitectonica is set to rise fast in the last oceanfront parcel in Sunny Isles Beach. The Regalia tower is a 46-storey condo scheme that offers the luxury of just one residence per floor

the project has just 39 high-spec

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Regalia's arrangement means that the project has just 39 high-spec, modern units available

storey residential tower

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Met Square, the final phase of this new development in downtown Miami, has just broken ground. The project is designed by Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates (NBWW). Its base will feature restaurants, shops and an 18-screen cinema - a 43-storey residential tower will sit above

The Harbour is a 425-unit luxury development in North Miami Beach

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

Designed by Gustavo Spokoiny, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Design Development and Construction Administration for 13th Floor Investments, in collaboration with architectural and interior design firms Corwil Architects and The Design Agency, The Harbour is a 425-unit luxury development in North Miami Beach

The design was conceived to bring the outdoors

(Image credit: Frederika Fraser)

The design was conceived to bring the outdoors in and uses natural materials and elements such as wood, water and flora

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Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).

With contributions from