Although architect Zaha Hadid’s proposed Collins Park Garage behind the Miami Beach Public Library has not been outright canceled yet, things aren’t looking good. Hadid submitted a value engineered design that straightens columns, flattens lines, and basically makes the whole place look like, well, a parking garage instead of one of her typically surreal creations.
Although architect Zaha Hadid’s proposed Collins Park Garage behind the Miami Beach Public Library has not been outright canceled yet, things aren’t looking good. Hadid submitted a value engineered design that straightens columns, flattens lines, and basically makes the whole place look like, well, a parking garage instead of one of her typically surreal creations.
Gone is the feature staircase and glass-enclosed elevator for a simple switch-back stair in concrete enclosure. Gone is the elaborate landscaping in favor of a simple surface treatment. Gone are the rooftop pavilions. Gone are the angled glass walls of the ground floor retail spaces.
Unfortunately for architecture lovers and valets everywhwere, however, Mayor Phillip Levine is apparently of the opinion that at around $28 million the new design will still cost too much. According to The Next Miami, the Mayor said he wants it built “as cheaply as possible,” and “closer to $25 million.” Zaha’s original design came in at about $50 million.
