first look into oolite arts’ miami home by barozzi veiga

Oolite Arts Unveils Miami Home by Barozzi Veiga

Oolite Arts, one of Miami’s leading supporters of visual artists unveils renderings of its new headquarters designed by architectural firm Barozzi Veiga. Located in the flourishing arts district, close to many artist studios, homes, and galleries, the building will serve as a cultural hub, enriching the visual arts ecosystem of the community, and raising dialogue about architecture and art. The exterior adopts an enigmatic form with scattered concrete volumes erecting from a rectangular base structure.

The aim of the new building is to offer a generous space; a home where artists and the community can meet, interact and exchange ideas. The building will accommodate up to 21 free, individual studio spaces for artists, an exhibition gallery, a theater, two classrooms, a makerspace, a print studio, and the organization’s offices. In addition to that, it will host a community garden and an easily accessible rooftop.all images ©Oolite Arts

achieving an energy-conscious design

The project — which will be the award-winning architects’ first-ever built project in the U.S. — sought to accentuate Barozzi Veiga’s standards for sustainability. They opted for an interior courtyard that invites the public and incorporates rich vegetation, coming in contrast to the sculptural external design. ‘We wanted the project to be a surprise for the artists and the community. Behind this opaque concrete wall, you don’t expect to have such an exuberant garden. This can create a kind of beautiful surprise when you discover the interior,’ adds Barozzi.

The project puts both artist and community needs first, in an attempt to achieve a balance between public and private. Οne of the building’s key elements is its diffused natural light, which offers artists spatial scenes in which they can realize their personal explorations. This quality is achieved by a repeated vertical typology that incorporates skylights, creates a collection of rooms, and optimizes control of the climate by powering solar chimneys and wind catchers. With these features, the architects have put forth an energy-conscious design that is set to attain LEED certification.

embracing arts and culture in Florida

‘We understand architecture as a background for life or work. We try to give the artist the best conditions to work. And that means finding this balance between a very intimate space, which is represented by the studio, and a space for community life, which is part of oolite’s DNA,’ says Fabrizio Barozzi of Barozzi Veiga.

‘Oolite Arts redefines and elevates the practices of South Florida artists not just through funding but with an imagination and support system that filters creativity beyond conventional methodologies,’ said Carl-Philippe Juste, 2021 Creator Award recipient. ‘It is a vital and a much-needed gasp of fresh air, exhaling equity with every breath and creating a diverse art atmosphere where we all can breathe.’

‘Hopefully this expansion will help to bring new artists to the city as well as help to keep the ones that are here.’ While construction takes place, Oolite Arts will continue to house its resident artists and offer programming at 924 & 928 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. The organization is committed to maintaining a presence in this area through exhibitions and art classes.