Miami Herald features University of Miami School of Architecture Building of the Year

Bernardo Fort-Brescia and Coastal Construction CEO Tom Murphy, Jr. sat down one afternoon to reminisce over decades of friendship as well as their partnership that was able to bring to life the University of Miami School of Architecture Thomas P. Murphy Design Studio.

Featured in the special section, Tropic Sunday in the Miami Herald, the article focuses on the need for a studio space and how the new space is already paying dividends as applications are up. Click here to read the full article.

The need for a dedicate architectural design studio at the University was long overdue and it was affecting recruiting. Discussions on a new creative space were ongoing for many years before Arquitectonica was selected to design the new space. Working closely with Dean Rodolphe el-Khoury and the faculty, Arquitectonica spearheaded the project and brought in Coastal Construction as a partner.

The studio building with 18-foot high floor to ceiling windows creates a sense of openness allowing an abundance of natural light to enter the space. The open plan accommodates 66 desks and is adaptable to future work/study styles. The faculty offices are also moveable and can be redesigned and rebuilt by students each year, making a setting for creativity and collaboration. A fabrication lab is also included in the new studio building that allows students to see their ideas in 3D.