The Arscht Center in Miami Planning & Execution

by  Tateo Nakajima     |     partner     |     November 18, 2010

The Arscht Center in Miami is one of those projects that took a long time to become a reality.

Many people find this a reason to criticize. I disagree.

I think that the leadership of this community came together in an amazing way to take a visionary step for the City of Miami that will make an increasingly positive impact as the years pass: It’s a shining example of exactly the sort of long range planning that ultimately shapes the future identity and vitality of communities through times both good and bad. The project saw its share of trials and tribulations (like all projects do) but I find that the leadership was remarkable in its determination that the project not give up on the quality that was envisioned at the outset despite rising costs and delays. Rather than compromise they took courageous steps to see that the project was executed as well as possible.

Artec design work on both the concert hall and opera house balanced both a desire to create world class acoustic experiences, with the very clear mandate to ensure that the halls would accommodate the broadest range of performances so that the center would indeed become the home for the entire community. This of course permeated every aspect of the design from the adjustability in seating and acoustics, to the shaping and finishes. At the same time, it was also the desire to meet the needs of the Florida Grand Opera, the Philharmonic, and New World Symphony, and simultaneously elevate the city’s reputation as a center for national and regional cultural activities, ensuring its ongoing international presence.

All in all, our work on this landmark project spanned 15 years, and we look back on the relationships we have had through its development and execution - with the artists, county administrators, the private citizens who gave their time to take a leadership role, and the center itself which embodies their vision and leadership - with great pride.