I like to check out new architecture while vacationing. With some research I found that architect Frank Gehry had designed the New World Symphony building and parking garage in South Beach. Apparently he babysat the current New World Symphony director and couldn’t resist the call to work with a friend. As I looked for the building, I assumed it would be more modest than many of Gehry’s works due to funding constraints. Certainly the building exterior indicated a Gehry design, but also a restraint.

The facade showed some interesting detailing, with the curtain wall hung outside the building. We couldn’t get into the building interior, which I read was the best of the building design. It was lauded as a truly functional and beautiful space.

I actually loved the adjacent parking garage design. From what I could determine, a mild upgrade in cost led to a beautiful building.

I also thought the adjacent park, which wasn’t designed by Gehry but by a local firm, was also done really well. It just has a peaceful feel to it. The park gets used for concerts, both live and remote from within the building.

We enjoyed our little architecture tour. I could pretend that I have an aesthetic clue…which, of course, I don’t. But we sure do get things built efficiently.  Oh well, I yam what I yam.