Construction work has begun in earnest on Zaha Hadid's One Thousand Museum – a 62 story, "Six Star" luxury residential skyscraper in Miami that will offer impressive views over Biscayne Bay. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.
The Iraqi-British architect isn't really known for producing residential towers, and this is her first in the Western Hemisphere. The name One Thousand Museum derives from the Museum Park area (formerly Bicentennial Park) the tower is situated in, rather than denoting a building full of old stuff.
Indeed, the project is very much the antithesis of everything old. Its futuristic twisting glass-fiber reinforced white concrete exoskeleton and extensive glazing should contrast well with Miami's beautiful brilliant white art deco architecture. It will also offer a welcome change from the sprawling city's bland commercial buildings.
Luxury is definitely the primary focus of the project, and there will be only 83 residences in the entire 215 m (706 ft) high tower, with half floor, full floor, and double floor residences measuring between 4,600 and 9,900 sq ft (427 - 919 sq m). Each home will boast multiple oversized balconies, and tricked-out Crestron home-automation tech offers control over services like lighting, heating, air-conditioning, and security.
In addition, One Thousand Museum will boast an aquatic center, wellness and spa center, sunbathing deck, and an on-site concierge. The building will be topped by a "sky lounge" for schmoozing and residents will also enjoy access to a private helipad (providing final permission is granted from the Federal Aviation Authority).
The timelapse video below shows some 9,000 cubic yards (243,000 cubic ft, or 6,880 cubic m) of concrete poured over a period of 24 hours for the tower's foundations.
Sources: ZHA, One Thousand Museum via Arch Daily