Puerto Rican Chamber of CommerceMiami, USA

The project entails the design of the new Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce and County Office Building in Wynwood. The Puerto Rican Community has a rich and long history in Miami centered in Wynwood, but until now, it has not had a hub. Our project will provide a café, learning, art, meeting, and office spaces for this purpose. In addition, the upper floors will also be devoted to offices for Miami-Dade County and the Commissioner serving Wynwood. The building draws its inspiration from the industrial nature of the neighborhood and the mostly one-story warehouses that define the character of Wynwood, along with the street art (murals) that have become a tourist destination. In keeping with the neighborhood and to diminish the building mass, the last floor is set back, and a large terrace fronts 29th Street. The façade treatment of the upper floors is governed by the rhythmic repetition of vertical fins that recall industrial building architecture of the 20th century. The ground floor comprises retail spaces, a café, and the building entrance lobby. A glass storefront lines 29th Street, which is generously set off the sidewalk to create additional space for outdoor events. The upper floors have offices and a children’s education center.