Photo Credit: Tony Tur Photography
One of the world’s most in-demand residential neighborhoods has a new architectural icon to call its own. Brickell Flatiron, the 64-story luxury condominium tower built by developer Ugo Colombo’s CMC Group in the heart of Downtown Miami’s Brickell Financial District. Designed by Miami-based architect Luis Revuelta, the building’s distinct flatiron shape and curvilinear façade are complimented by sleek interiors created by Italian design architect Massimo Iosa Ghini. The 736-foot-high skyscraper, located at 1000 Brickell Plaza, is the tallest condominium in Miami.
Known as one of the most prominent Italian architects and designers in the international world of design, Massimo Iosa Ghini contributed in the 1980s to the innovative action carried out by design avant-gardes, by establishing the cultural movement Bolidism and by taking part in Ettore Sottsass’ Memphis group. Among his main interior design and architectural projects, there is the worldwide development of the chains of Ferrari Stores and Kiko Stores, Casa Museo Giorgio Morandi in Bologna, amongst others.
Haute Residence caught up with Ghini to discuss how his involvement came to be with the Brickell Flatiron project and where his design inspiration comes from.
Photo Credit: CMC Group
What led you to want to take on a project in Miami? What attracts you to designing here?
Miami is a dynamic city. The economy has a strong propulsive thrust, art plays an important role and life is truly celebrated and enjoyed. These are elements of Miami’s daily routine. When designing any project I make sure to consider these signature aspects of a place.
Have you done any other projects in Miami before? How does Brickell Flatiron differ from those?
I have been working with CMC Group since 2000. The first project, “4000 Ponce,” involved the interior design of the common areas in a building with various commercial units and offices, including the Italian Consulate in Miami. “The Collection,” a nearly 20,000-square-foot showroom of luxury cars followed. In addition to Brickell, I also recently designed the interiors of the CMC Group headquarters in Miami, as well as my own Miami offices. Other Miami retail design projects include Italian clients Ferrari and Kiko Milano.
How did your involvement with Brickell Flatiron come about?
We have had a trusted collaboration with CMC Group for many years. We share the same intention: succeed by striving for high-quality projects.
Photo Credit: Tony Tur Photography
Where did you draw your design inspiration from for this project?
In this case, the interiors were inspired by a classic aesthetic—one in which the interiors mimic the natural flow of movement in the building. Materials are classic and traditional. Clear metals, bronzes, and wood are used with a light touch and high quality stone finishes from Italian quarries—the same used by Renaissance artists—are implemented. This classicism is contrasted with unfinished materials, such as rough surfaces, concrete, raw metals, and elements where technical and structural parts are exposed. We used energy-efficient lighting to create a cozy atmosphere, which enhances Ugo’s collection of Julian Schnabel pieces of art.
What do you love about working with Ugo Colombo on projects?
I believe that Ugo and I have the same approach. It is necessary to be meticulous and a little bit “obstinate” in order to succeed in creating quality within a project. This does not mean one must spend more to achieve it, but it means simply, that one must be more thoughtful. Through a strong collaborative effort and effective communication, Ugo and I have become great partners and we share the same goal of achieving exceptional results. In my more than 20 years experience as an architect for Ferrari, I’ve always had a clear idea of how to operate at the highest level necessary and how to constantly improve. This approach yields a superlative outcome no matter the project I am undertaking.
