Fit for a King
Words: Michelle Wallace IG @my.michelle.w
Photography: Sergey Yusin @sergey_yusin
Wardrobe: Jaxson Maximus @jaxsonmaximus
Make-up: Julia Brig @juliabrigmia
style | June 01, 2021
Travel
Spanish Influence on
Miami’s Architecture
Word / Miami Vibes Magazine | IG: miamivibesmag
Either a full-time Floridian, Seasonal, or a tourist, you'll notice the Spanish architecture all over Miami as it spreads down our coast. Many different historical structures and landmarks tell the story of Florida, alongside homeowners looking to build houses that pay homage to the history and style. In Florida, contemporary designs are acknowledged and are now very popular. Many homes with natural materials, clean lines, and windows galore are being built in place of these classic Florida-style estates. However, with the ever-changing trends in architecture, Floridians' designs have always known are being restored and developed.
Hispanic-inspired architecture left lasting contributions in Florida's public buildings, commercial structures, and private residences across the State. As you travel throughout the city of Florida, you may notice the trends of how the buildings are. You notice many houses or buildings have stucco finishes on the outside walls and tiled roofs. This is a major example of Hispanic architecture.
To appreciate the style of buildings in Florida, it will be nice to have a brief understanding of the history of the State. In 1513, Juan Ponce de León, the man responsible for the naming of the State, came from Spain (St Augustine). The French who tried to colonize the land were overthrown by the Spanish, who developed the first permanent settlement in St. Augustine in 1565.
In their Spanish Architecture photo gallery, Miami memory explains that many iconic buildings in the states, e.g., grand hotels, civic buildings, cathedrals, etc. where construct- ed during the Mediterranean revival period and Spanish Colonial periods of architecture.
The development of Miami’s architecture through the past century showcases the city’s diverse background as it has evolved from European influences into its own original Miami style. Like its people, the architecture is a melting pot of influences.
The Biltmore, which was inspired by the Giralda Tower in Seville, Spain, brought the Mafia and Hollywood to the area. It drew both tourists and companies as the community's first high-end hotel.
The Venetian Pool, located half a mile from the hotel, served as another tourist attraction, introducing the Mediterranean flair to the area. Coral Gables was designed by George Merrick, who employed large structures and plazas to resemble a traditional Mediterranean estate.
The Ancient Spanish Monastery is little piece of Spanish history hidden in modern North Miami Beach. An enclave of European architecture and history, this Florida Heritage site—which was originally built in Sacramenia, a municipality of Segovia in northern Spain.
Long story short, the building to the United States, with each wall and structure having to apart stone by stone.
Coral Gables' architectural foundation combines Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial styles, giving the neighborhood a distinct Miami feel.
The 1925 Exposition des Arts Decoratifs in Paris spawned another famous and arguably most identifiable architectural form: Art Deco. It is distinguished by its vibrant colors and geometric designs.
