Receiving an honorable mention for their entry for the Dawntown Seaplane competition in Miami, Florida, NC-Office’s proposal, titled ‘Large Roof’, is a solution to when an artificial geographic condition demands an intuitive architectural response. When seen from above – either as one approaches by air or from the large cruise liners – the project is experienced as a large mass. As one enters the structure the project transforms into an ephemeral space. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The roof’s primary purpose is to protect from the elements. The space that is defined by the roof appears to be engulfed in shadow, in much the same way the Miami Beach Post Office or the Essex Hotel provide an escape from the Miami sun into a somber atmosphere of darkness. The shimmering water will reflect onto the underside of the concrete roof and sounds of the gentle waves created by the cruise ships will be amplified yet contained.
Light-wells are introduced at strategic locations, such as above the café, at the arrival sequence from the water as well as near the approach from land, in order to further emphasize the light quality of Miami.
The roof is considered to be a single plane which is folded down to become the vertical supports. The supports directly respond to the size of the program, which are spaced tighter to the west and more spread out to the east for the hangars. The plane is further compressed and folded in the East-West direction, in order to produce ridges for lateral support.
Project team: Nikolay Nedev, Peter Nedev, Cristina Canton. Elizabeth Cardona, Jorge San Marin
