83° 
DASH Student Design to Launch Miami Beach Pilot Parklet
(Miami Beach, FL) Apr 16, 2019 -
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.
