Miami Beach Convention Center achieves LEED Silver Certification

Completed in 2020, the 1.435 million sq ft redesign included an expansion and renovation of the existing 50s era centre to accommodate upgraded show needs while creating a sleek, modern and regionally inspired design befitting MBCC’s reputation as a world-class entertainment destination. The venue has become internationally known for hosting annual events such as Art Basel Miami Beach and eMERGE Americas. 

Located in the heart of Miami Beach, Florida, the design means the facility now complies with FEMA code as part of a resiliency plan to safeguard against future hurricanes and flooding. 

Fentress collaborated with Arquitectonica on the context-driven design to incorporate natural elements of ­the ocean, beach and underwater life such as waves, manta rays, and coral reefs. The exterior façade is designed with more than 500 unique aluminum “fins”, angled aluminum linear forms, to create a curving undulation reflective of the nearby ocean waves. 

This contextual inspiration was brought inside with colours and patterns that emulate receding water, sea foam, and local coral reef patterns. The team also translated satellite images of nearby ocean waves, coral and sandbars into custom patterns for the carpets throughout pre-function and public circulation areas. 

Site responsive architecture the façades’ angled fins create a curtain wall that responds to the solar orientation of each façade, filtering dappled light throughout the daylit lobbies and prefunction spaces to provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. 

Hurricane-resistant connections and projectile resistant glazing on the exterior façade establish a strong and stable building envelope. Additionally, the elevation of critical building systems to the second floor allows the building to remain operational during hurricanes while raised floor elevations respond to rising sea levels. 

In collaboration with West8, Fentress Architects transformed the existing six-acre surface parking lot into a vibrant public park, a key element of the project’s resilient design that includes a tropical garden, game lawn, shaded areas, and veterans’ plaza. Additionally, Bent Pool, a public art installation by international artists Elmgreen & Dragset celebrates Miami Beach’s dynamic culture and natural environment. In total, the design team added twelve acres of greenspace, preserved more than 100 existing trees, and added over 1,300 new trees. As a result, the design increases the previous acreage of the 25 acre campus by 245% and significantly reduces heat island effect. The project is designed to be a 25 year, three day storm event as the maximum stage for site drainage retention.