Mandarin Oriental, one of Asia’s premier hotel chains, selected the city of Miami as the location for its first U.S. hotel – and RTKL, an affiliate company of ARCADIS, as its architect. The objective was a modern image that would speak to the vibrancy of Miami yet whisper of the Orient.

RTKL’s design is a six-star facility that includes 329 guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two lobby-level bars, a fitness center, spa and meeting facilities. Sited to maximize views of the water and the downtown skyline, the arcing structure enjoys a strong profile along the Miami waterfront. In addition to a prominent profile and a contextual fit with the city, Mandarin Oriental also wanted an affordable building. The liberal use of glass and stucco provides an answer that conforms both to the architecture of Miami