Alan Faena is working «with the best minds» in architecture to bring Argentina to Miami Beach

Marcus Fairs: And why did you choose to work with those particular architects? Do you think it’s important to work with leading   architects and designers? I lived in my house on the beach, planting roses. Alan Faena: I worked with Norman in Buenos Aires. Images courtesy of Faena. I believe in collaboration to really make big changes in cities and in the world. Related story: OMA and Foster to work alongside Hollywood duo on Miami BeachAfter starting Argentinian fashion brand Via Vai when he was a teenager and later selling it, Faena turned to real estate in 2000, buying land and buildings in Buenos Aires’   abandoned Puerto Madero docks. Alan Faena: Yeah, we have been doing things and thinking things in the summer. Rendering by Hayes DavidsonBesides Foster and OMA, Faena has commissioned buildings from American architects William Sofield and Brandon Hall,   a fountain and embroidered banners from Studio Job,   and is rumoured to be discussing a building with Thomas Heatherwick. «And I like to work with the best minds and, together, create the best, no?»
Alan FaenaThe lavish   barbecue was held   in the middle of the construction site at   the $1 billion development, which takes up six ocean-side blocks on Collins Avenue. Faena Saxony Hotel. It’s the connection between the south and the north, and cannot be a better fit. Interview: after building   the most talked-about   urban development in Buenos Aires, Argentinian hotelier and property developer Alan Faena has now turned his attention to Miami Beach, where he has commissioned architects including   Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster to create the Faena District Miami Beach. We’ll see. In a rare interview, he told Dezeen about his plans (+ slideshow). Rendering by Hayes DavidsonWorking   with Norman Foster and Philippe Starck, he created Faena District – a development consisting of hotels, apartments and cultural buildings that is regarded as one of the most successful recent urban regeneration projects in South America. Marcus Fairs:   You worked with Foster Partners and Philippe Starck at Feana District. Tell us about that. Marcus Fairs: And those are going to become part of the development? What did you do before Faena Miami? Where would you go next? Alan Faena: Yeah. Alan Faena: My partner bought the old Saxony Hotel that was abandoned and then –   you’ve seen the model that we used in Buenos Aires –   I started buying land around to create, as we did there, a big change. Alan Faena: For me what is important is the hand that you see there in this collaboration. And I like to work with the best minds and, together, create the best, no? I was part of the freedom movement. Marcus Fairs: Have you brought any architectural ideas from the south? Alan Faena: Miami is the perfect entrance. So it was very important. Hoardings by Studio Job at the Faena Miami Beach developmentMarcus Fairs: Talk us through the elements that are going to be part of this development. Rendering by Hayes DavidsonNow he hopes to do the same in North America, claiming that Faena District Miami Beach is «the first time a project is coming from the south to the north». «I believe in collaboration to really make big changes in cities and in the world,» he said, talking at an Argentinian-style «asado» lunch   at his Miami Beach development site last week. And it became one of the most important places in the city. And it became one of the most important places in the city.»
Faena Miami Beach development. Is that correct? This is the first time a project is coming from the south to the north so I realise that, in Miami, there are small doors with small balconies. You should go and see. Faena Forum by Rem Koolhaas/OMAHere is the interview with Faena:
Marcus Fairs: Give me a little bit of background. For example the Foster building has very deep balconies… Alan Faena: I took a part of the city that was abandoned. Alan Faena: When I was very young I created a very important fashion company. Rendering by Hayes DavidsonMarcus Fairs: And you even worked with Studio Job to do your flag. And then I started thinking: «How will I come back?» And I decided that the best way to do it is to make like a big installation; an urban installation. We have another hotel that is Casa Claridge, we have a new tower here designed by Brandon Hall, we have a parking garage by Rem Koolhaas… So even, though I work with Foster, I bring   the   spirit [of the south] and offer a new way of living. It is a place the city will enjoy forever. So I work with the people that I worked with, because we know each other and we’re part of the same script. Faena hotel, Buenos AiresMarcus Fairs: Somebody told me that Thomas Heatherwick might be doing something here. So to invite the people to live how we live there. I have been working with Rem and OMA for some time. It was very big in Argentina in a moment when democracy was starting.