faena forum by OMA nears completion in miami beach

faena forum is a new venue dedicated to the development of cultural programming. located in miami beach, the building has been designed by rem koolhaas of OMA. once complete, the 50,000 square foot institution is intended to encourage collaborations across artistic, intellectual, and geographic divides. work on the project began in 2011, with construction now coming to a close at 33nd and collins avenue.

the venue will be dedicated to the development of cultural programming in the region
image © designboom

OMA has designed faena forum as a series of flexible spaces, capable of showcasing new projects, commissions, and performances. the structure is divided into two distinct volumes, taking the form of both a cylinder and a cube. the cylinder is an open, soaring void rising 40 feet to a dome that features a central glazed oculus. encircling the perimeter of this volume, a walkway spirals upwards from street level, presenting a range of different perspectives. the adjacent cube features two large interlocking spaces, while the dome can be combined or subdivided to accommodate a range of installations and performative productions.

construction is now coming to a close at 33nd and collins avenue in miami beach
image © designboom

the venue will eventually be joined by two other OMA-designed buildings along collins avenue — a retail bazaar and a parking garage. the cultural development is the brainchild of argentine hotelier and real estate developer alan faena. ‘faena forum has been designed to radiate art and ideas into the community and throughout the city,’ he says. ‘it is a new kind of cultural enterprise, one that encourages thinkers and practitioners from across a range of disciplines — the arts, sciences, technology and urbanism — to collaborate and creatively collide in ways that push their practices and produce new works, new experiences, and new ideas.’ see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.

the venue will eventually be joined by two other OMA-designed buildings
image © designboom