Working in an art gallery in Miami

“A workplace imagined as an urban refuge of light, art and architectural clarity” is how the designers at Arquitectonica describe the renovation of the Courvoisier Centre in Brickell Key, in the visually striking financial district of Miami. “Originally created to showcase the owner’s art collection, the interiors now serve a dual purpose as commercial offices and a venue for art and creativity.”

The upper floors, arranged in staggered steps, house corner offices with panoramic terraces, a rarity in Miami. “This distinctive geometry, combined with glass façades, offers breathtaking views of the terraces, Biscayne Bay and the Brickell skyline, while maximising natural light and privacy. The stepped façades also pay subtle homage to Miami’s tropical modernism, while providing shade and passive cooling.”

The atmosphere is one of refined minimalism with a deliberate gallery-like sensibility. “The interiors not only meet the functional requirements of an office but are also perfect for housing the owner’s art collection. We designed the lighting – both natural and artificial – to suit each work. We opted for neutral wall finishes in soft greys, matt whites and delicate metallic tones to highlight the artworks while maintaining warmth and tactility. The materials were chosen for both aesthetics and durability and include brushed metals, white oak, ceramic slabs and acoustic surfaces. The furnishings have a sculptural presence, with contemporary European and American design pieces conceived almost as functional works of art.”

Every corridor, lobby and meeting area is treated as a potential exhibition space, maintaining a constant dialogue between art and architecture. “The interior curves and sense of fluidity echo the stepped façade, creating a sense of spatial continuity between indoors and outdoors,” the architects add.

Inside, the new main hall serves to connect the building’s towers. “It is a transition space that offers views of the bay while creating an atmosphere of calm and sophistication, a ceremonial passageway that also functions as an immersive gallery. Here we chose Coem’s Flow ceramic tile collection in Light Grey. Its fluid veining and soft tonal variations create a sense of movement and depth, reflecting the waters of the bay. We used ceramic tiles on the floor to unify the spatial experience, and on selected walls to create a sense of continuity and permanence. The matt finish minimises glare, ensuring both comfort and optimal conditions for displaying art. The Italian ceramic tiles are not only highly durable but also reflect the cosmopolitan character of the building’s international tenants.”

The architects integrated sustainability at every stage, “from the reuse and adaptation of the existing structure to the choice of eco-sustainable materials. Coem’s Flow collection, for instance, is produced with recycled content and sustainable manufacturing processes. The stepped façade provides passive solar shading, reducing heat gain and energy use. High-performance glazing, LED lighting and advanced HVAC systems further increase efficiency. Biophilic design features, such as indoor vegetation and abundant natural light, improve both energy performance and occupant well-being.”