The Italian automobile design firm, Pininfarina, established in 1930 and famous for creating iconic designs for companies like Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ferrari, and Maserati (you might have heard of them) has recently expanded its repertoire of to skyscrapers, and is setting up shop with a new office in Miami to design them.
Their first ever high-rise was built right here in Miami, Brickell's recently completed 1100 Millecento. As the New York Times points out, "The color of the walls, floors and ceilings is a dead giveaway" of Pininfarina's aesthetic: red, glossy, and sleek (think Ferrari turned condominium). The company is already working on new projects on several continents, including three in South Florida. In addition to the previously mentioned 1100 Millecento, the firm is moving forward with Beachwalk by Pininfarina in Hallandale Beach, which is nearing completion, and a third project in Bay Harbor Islands.
The unidentified seven-story building will have 29 upscale residences, illustrating Pininfarina's "'interpretation of Miami Modern.'" The New York Times also nods to a potential prospect of a boat-centric "Miami marina and condominium complex," similar to Pininfarina's waterfront projects in Argentina. Matteo De Lise, the firm's managing director of the United States subsidiary, suggests this would be ideal for our city, appealing to boat aficionados and helping to resolve "'the historical problem of a shortage in boat slips and marinas.'"
With a longstanding interest in Florida (the founder, Battista "Pirin" Farina, had his own car named after the state following the time he spent here in the 50s), Pininfarina has decided to set up a design studio and office here in Miami. Don't worry, we're making them feel right at home, as Mr. De Lise claims to "'see more Maseratis here than anywhere.'" Considering this is Pininfarina's first move outside of Italy, we take it as a sign they are just gearing up.— Alexandra J Miller
· Ferrari Interiors for a Miami Condo [NY Times]
· 1100 Millicento coverage [Curbed Miami]
· Beachwalk coverage [Curbed Miami]