DASH-Student-Design-to-Launch-Miami-Beach-Pilot-Parklet-Final
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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT, Tel: 305.673.7575 PRESS RELEASE
Tonya Daniels, E-mail: tonyadaniels@miamibeachfl.gov
Melissa Berthier, E-mail: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2019
DASH Student Design to Launch Miami Beach Pilot Parklet
—Winning Design to Be Featured on 41 Street Corridor—
Miami Beach, FL – Last October, the City of Miami Beach tasked high school senior
students from the Design and Architecture High School (DASH) to create concepts for
modular, transportable parklets to enhance the beautification of city-owned corridors.
“The talented students at DASH did a phenomenal job of creating approaches that
reflect the essence of our great city,” noted Mayor Dan Gelber. “It was difficult to narrow
down a winning design, but we feel that Synthesis is the perfect new and fresh approach
we want to feature in MidBeach.”
Bringing the city’s natural elements to life, Synthesis by student Omar Leon is inspired
by the connectivity of veins in leaves. The cohesive, organic design features seating
areas that act as veins stemming from the sidewalk, encouraging bystanders to step
inside and interact with both the installation and one another. Establishing an open
environment with its exposed elements and sense of privacy with its shaded areas, the
organic form of the leaf is incorporated into the overarching shades and a cantilevered
table along the benches that stem out from the arch.
"This design opportunity presented by the City of Miami Beach is the perfect platform for
students to take the skills and knowledge they have learned in the classroom and apply
them to real-world ideas that enhance city infrastructure," said Superintendent of
Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. "We, at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, share Omar
Leon's excitement as his ingenuity and creativity, through his winning design, will help to
enhance the natural environment of Miami Beach and enrich the quality of life for its
residents."
The pilot parklet will be installed on 41 Street in front of Tasty Beach Café to help
stimulate activity and nightlife on the corridor. In conjunction with the artistic installation,
the city will install storefront covers by selected DASH student designs and corridor
lighting of trees.
See parklet design here. For Leon’s bio, please click here.
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