As yet another indication of the importance of Retail and Entertainment architecture in our communities and our profession, check out AIA Florida's Top 100 list!
Not only does Cinderella's Castle get some serious love, but the Number 1 building in the AIA Florida Top 100 is also a Retail/Entertainment project - The Fontainebleau Miami Beach:
Fontainebleau Miami Beach has stood as an American architectural icon since its grand opening in 1954. The most significant building of architect Morris Lapidus' career, Fontainebleau Miami Beach's emblematic curvilinear design came to define the Miami Beach skyline. Marked by Lapidus' signature details - such as bow-tie design motifs, circular ceilings and columns, and the infamous "Staircase to Nowhere" - Fontainebleau was the first of its kind.
"In 2008, Jeffrey & the Soffer family re-opened the Fontainebleau Miami Beach after a billion dollar renovation which sought to uncover Morris Lapidus' original vision, and mark a rebirth of an enduring architectural landmark in Miami Beach," said Phil Goldfarb, President and Chief Operating Officer of Fontainebleau Miami Beach. "This award is a testament to the magnificent restoration of Lapidus' work and the international team of architects assembled to accomplish that task. We are honored and want to thank the millions who voted to help us achieve this top placement."
To read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/18/4424433/aia-florida-reveals-winners-of.html
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-19-2012 23:10
From: Michael Lingerfelt
Subject: Best Public Entertainment Facility - Cinderella Castle
This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Retail and Entertainment Committee Advisory Group and Retail and Entertainment .
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Cinderella Castle Named
Top Building by AIA Florida
Winners announced in AIA Florida Top 100 Buildings Competition: 100 Years. 100 Places.
Orlando, Fla. - A great icon of the Orlando area has been recognized by the Florida Chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida) in naming Cinderella Castle the top recreational building in Florida. More than 2.4 million votes were cast.
In March, AIA Florida launched the Top 100 Buildings statewide online competition, inviting the public to vote for their favorite Florida building. This year marks the 100th anniversary of AIA Florida, recognizing the important contributions architects have made in the Sunshine State.
Cinderella Castle was inspired by the Castle Neuschwanstein in Bavaria. It is visited by millions of theme park goers annually.
The competition identified 100 structures across the state that represent the best in architectural achievement. The public was encouraged to vote online at www.aiaflatop100.org.
Earlier today, AIA Florida announced the Top Building in Florida, The Fontainebleau, at a news conference in Miami Beach. The AIA Florida also announced the top buildings in the following categories:
The top five buildings as voted by the public:
- Fontainebleau Hotel (Miami Beach)
- Mandi's Chapel (Live Oak)
- Baughman Center at the University of Florida (Gainesville)
- The University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville)
- Mar-a-Lago National Historic Landmark (Palm Beach)
Performing Arts - Florida Theatre Building (Jacksonville)
Civic - Boca Raton Town Hall (Boca Raton)
Commercial - Espirito Santo Plaza (Miami)
Educational - University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville)
Historic - Mar-a-Lago National Historic Landmark (Palm Beach)
Hotel - Fontainebleau Hotel (Miami Beach)
Museum - Dali Museum (St. Petersburg)
Public Use - City Park Municipal Garage (Ft. Lauderdale)
Public Entertainment Facility - Cinderella Castle (Orlando)
Religious - Mandi's Chapel (Live Oak)
Residential - Walker Guest House (Sanibel)
Write-In - Ponce de Leon Hotel/Flagler College (St. Augustine)
Architects' Favorite - University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville).
The top five buildings as voted by architects:
- The University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville)
- Saint Paul's By-The-Sea Episcopal Church (Jacksonville Beach)
- Walker Guest House (Sanibel)
- Beach Road 2 (Jupiter Island)
- The Breakers Resort National Historical Landmark (Palm Beach)
Today's announcement of the winners of the Florida Architecture: 100 Years 100 Places competition coincides with Architecture Month, as proclaimed recently by Governor Rick Scott. AIA Florida also has plans to host several events across the region including the 100th Anniversary Convention & Tradeshow at The Breakers in Palm Beach over the July 19 through 22 and a special Anniversary Celebration Event on December 14, 2012.
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Michael Lingerfelt, FAIA
President of Architecture & Design
Lingerfelt International
Orlando, Florida
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