SOM unveils terraced tower '848 brickell' for modern miami offices

Miami’s Next-Gen Workspace

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has revealed its design for 848 Brickell, a high-rise office and retail development set to rise in Miami‘s Brickell neighborhood. The project is envisioned to reflect the coastal city’s unique environment and culture. Local climate informs the design, with a focus on creating an innovative and resilient workplace that prioritizes occupant well-being with top-tier amenities.

Towering over Biscayne Bay on Brickell Avenue, 848 Brickell addresses the city’s growing demand for high-end office space. The 51-story structure will introduce over 750,000 square feet of office space, curated ground-floor retail, and on-site parking.

SOM designs 848 Brickell, a high-rise office building in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood | images © SOM

the exposed structure by SOM

Building on SOM‘s legacy of high-rise design, a defining feature of Miami’s 848 Brickell is its exposed structural system. Angled structural elements dramatically elevate the tower above two distinct 40-foot outdoor terraces, strategically placed at the amenity level and anchor tenant arrival floor. Panoramic terraces at regular intervals on the north and south facades offer additional exclusive outdoor spaces for individual tenants.

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a lofty double-height lobby accessible through an elevated, landscaped entrance plaza. Native vegetation and trees wrap the block, preserving pedestrian access along Brickell Avenue, where retail spaces line the street front. A welcoming porte-cochere provides a covered drop-off zone and leads to a 10-story podium with ample parking.

the design reflects Miami’s climate and offers a modern, healthy work environment

wellness-Focused Amenities

For SOM, occupant health and well-being are central to the design of 848 Brickell in Miami. Levels 11 and 12 will house state-of-the-art fitness centers, cafés, collaboration areas, and conference spaces, all hidden within a lush garden setting. The expansive outdoor amenity space on the eleventh floor offers sports courts, work areas, and additional wellness lounges, further emphasizing the connection to nature.

The tower’s structure allows for column-free office floors, ranging from 19,000 to 27,000 square feet, with impressive 11-foot clear ceiling heights. This flexible design caters to a diverse range of industries, from tech and finance to legal and beyond, and can adapt to evolving business needs.

Sustainability is a core principle, targeting LEED Gold certification. The building incorporates passive cooling strategies such as shading louvers and a well-considered window-to-wall ratio. High-performance glass minimizes heat transfer, and access to natural light and views are prioritized throughout, including stairwells and restrooms. Accessible terraces offer occupants a chance to connect with the outdoors and enjoy a protected microclimate.

the 51-story tower features over 750,000 square feet of office space and ground-floor retail
an exposed structural system and outdoor terraces are signature design elements
health and wellness are prioritized with cafes, fitness centers, and landscaped terraces