Cavalier Hotel by wood
One aspect which excited us most about going to Miami last summer, other than going to Miami, of course, was to see all of the fabulous Art Deco buildings that line Ocean Drive, South Beach. What we weren't prepared for was just how colourful and vibrant they really are in real-life. So many mornings were spent just aimlessly wandering, snapping photos and just soaking in the sun and happy vibes that surrounded the immaculately cared for and colourful buildings.
Crescent Hotel by tennyson / wood
Leslie Hotel by tennyson / wood
Not only is it a beautiful area, but these buildings are also steeping in culture and history, portraying a glimpse into century-old history of a bygone era. The Art Deco architectural movement was prominent during the 1920s to 1930s and was a modernised, rather flamboyant take on the popular Neoclassical style that preceded it. Over 800 buildings make up The Art Deco Historic District that stretches along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue on Miami Beach.
Colony Hotel by tennyson
Of these buildings, possibly the most spectacular and famous would be The Colony Hotel. Designed in 1935 by Henry Hohauser, it was one of the first buildings to be constructed during Miami's Art Deco renaissance. The Colony Hotel is typical for Art Deco of its time, with the bold geometrical shapes, colourful pastel tones and the modest and symmetrical design. The Colony's iconic blue hue continues to overlook Ocean Drive over 80 years on, welcoming and entertaining people from all over.
Colony Hotel by tennyson / wood
In amongst the pastel toned and curvaceous buildings, one non-Art Deco building stands out from the lively crowd. Casa Casuarina was built during the peak of the Art Deco aesthetic in 1930 but stands firmly as a Mediterranean Revival building designed by architect Alden Freeman. It was constructed with a few unusual features, including a room filled with 100 medallions of famous people including Lenin and Julius Caesar and a rumoured time capsule hidden within one of the walls.
The house was famously owned by fashion designer Gianni Versace and was recently featured in the TV series American Crime Story that we have been watching, which deals with Versace’s assassination on the steps of his beautiful home. It’s hard to believe such a tragedy would occur in such an idyllic location.
Casa Casurarina by tennyson / wood
The tropical modernism, created by a group of architects will forever shape the internally renowned front of Miami Beach that is a must-see for all architecture lovers.
Casa Casurarina by wood
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