Winner of the 2024 Addison Mizner Award for Emerging Classicist

The design studio delved into the pivotal role that architecture plays as a steward of natural and cultural resources; focusing on “whole place preservation," a concept in which architecture can both call attention to and integrate with its environment. Biscayne Bay National Park houses the Earth’s third largest coral reef, the aqueous park embodies historic landmarks like the Miami Marine Stadium, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Lighthouse at Bill Baggs State Park, and the Deering Estate, each serving as gateways to the park. Our studio aimed to create an interpretive gateway for the underwater park, emphasizing the cultural-natural unity of South Florida’s environmental heritage.

Our specific project, The Garden Folly, located at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, aims to honor both modern Miami’s culture and the Italianate Villa Vizcaya while supporting Biscayne National Park’s conservation. This involves establishing a boat house and interpretive center allowing visitors to engage with the underwater park physically and intellectually.

The interpretive center strategically placed at Vizcaya, offers views and close proximity to the water, enabling effective dissemination of information about the bay and its wildlife. The building’s features include an interactive Cabinet of Curiosities, a kayak launch point to the ocean, and a Belvedere Tower providing framed views of the water and Vizcaya’s grounds. Constructed using native oolitic rock—on which Miami stands—the building harmonizes with the bayside landscape. Its design draws inspiration from Vizcaya’s Italian Renaissance influences, incorporating traditional elements like Corinthian columns and a Brunelleschian dome. However, it also adopts a mannerist approach by intentionally breaking some elements of the classical canon to respond to its natural surroundings and welcome curious visitors, akin to Vizcaya’s design philosophy. The interpretive center is envisioned as a catalyst for visitors to forge stronger connections with the bay.

As the Garden Folly ages alongside Vizcaya, it aims to become an integral part of Biscayne National Park’s conservation efforts and Miami’s cultural narrative.