MiMo: Miami Modern Revealed

Book Description

MiMo: Miami Modern Revealed is the first comprehensive survey of the rich postwar architecture that epitomizes the romance and energy that is Miami. Well-known for its revitalized South Beach Deco architecture, Miami's vibrant strain of modern architecture combines attention to space, form, and innovative design with a nuanced subtropical exoticism particular to the region, the gateway between the States and Latin America. From humble motels to sprawling oceanside resorts, this lively style also thrives in the city's civic, domestic, and commercial architecture. MiMo tracks the history and development of the Magic City from the days of nightclub acts and swank hotels to the advent of the crystalline downtown skyscrapers, including detailed overviews of work by Morris Lapidus, Gilbert Fein, and regional masters Alfred Browning Parker, Norman M. Giller, and others. Preservation-minded, the authors list the important buildings which did not survive decades of redevelopment, and conclude with a chapter on the effort to protect threatened MiMo masterpieces. Hundreds of recent and period photographs from the heyday of Miami glamour complete this celebration of some of the hottest architecture around.

Customer Reviews:

Miami Nostalgia.......2007-10-14

There's a school of thought, so to speak, about Miami that holds that no matter what it does it will be tacky in the end. Having grown up there, I sort of agree. This charming book, with smart illustrations, doesn't at all make one reconsider such a view, rather puts it in the mountains out of molehills category. Its pointless to think of the architectural spasms pictured therein as having artistic merit or not. I testify that I actually purchased this volume at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, where it was displayed showing the South Pacific Motel on page eighty-eight. Stopped dead in my tracks in by the sight of this book in the NGA bookstore in what is arguably not only Washington DC's greatest museum but perhaps the world's. Having grown up in the Morningside Neighborhood of Miami which is right off Biscayne Boulevard, I know a thing or two about not only the South Pacific Motel and but also the others. It's to this book's credit that it manages not to convey the character of these places, which from the priveleged world of Mornignside houses, so close yet so far away, always seemed nothing but completely sleazy. An Artforum online review of Art Basel referred
quite naively and stupidly to the idea of Miami in scare quotes.This makes no sense to anyone who knows Miami
because Miami has exquisitely beautiful houses, full of the best taste, which rely on the same stylistic tropes
as those buildings of the worst taste many of which are featured and cleverly described in the text. Miami in scare quotes --"Miami" -- would seem to fit this book if anything at all. The too-clever will see in all this an easy point about the erasure of standards, the triumph of kitsch and so on. Miami will always have poles between the classy places like the Rubell Collection and CasaLin , and the pseudo-classy like the the new concert hall they put up on Biscayne, a place that deserves scare quotes if there ever was one, This book makes clear that some of the architectural elements were borrowed from Las Vegas. Doesn't that lend credence
to the idea that these distinctions are fatuous when applied to such places. Washington DC is known for its John Russell Pope buildings, Miami for its Morris Lapidus creations. Doesn't that say it all? Lapidus' famous stairway to nowhere at the Fountainbleu is perhaps the best representation of all this. You can make distinctions, ascend or descend on the stairway of taste, but this stairway does not get you any higher than you've been before.

Exactly what I expected!!.......2007-02-23

As an architecture student in Miami, I absolutely love this book. It's extremely useful to help understand some of the SoBe culture and architectural history. A great reference!

Tried to Like It, I Really Did.......2006-07-27

Less weighty than I had hoped, and because of its chatty style much more difficult to read than I had hoped (don't people employ editors any more?) But the ideas are interesting and engagingly presented.

This could have been a really good book.

Rediscovering an era.......2004-10-03

America's mid-century modern architecture spans three decades of the post World War II period, from the Atomic Age through the Space Age. An architecture that mainly revolved around the seriousness of the International Style, its theories peaked in 1958 with the New York City Seagram Building, a glass-covered, steel skeleton-framed skyscraper. Mies van der Rohe's "less is more" principle became the guiding light for a large majority of American architects in the mid-twentieth century.

In response to the perceived dogma and humorlessness of the International Style, a Popular Modernism began to take hold in Southern Florida. An "Architecture of Joy" was born, which of course was decried as frivolous and crass by the architectural establishment. In Miami Beach, resort architecture was already well underway, and its vacation state of mind easily stepped into this style. It was uniquely American, futuristic, and fun, full of audacious angles and lines, pastel colors, synthetic materials, cheese-hole and accordion folded walls, stainless steel, boomerangs and stairways to nowhere.

Popular Modernism is known by various names, including Populuxe (popular and deluxe) and Googie. In Miami and Miami Beach, it is called "MiMo," an abbreviation of Miami Modern.

This is a wonderful book that covers its subject well. Its not so large that it becomes uncomfortable to read while sitting in an easy chair but still large enough to deserve it's place on the living room table. The layout is exceptional and reflects the playfulness of the subject without becoming a confusing mishmash. The font is a bit uncommon but lends itself to the spirit of the endeavor. The text by Eric Nash and Randall Robinson is crisp and informative. Oh, and the photos are a great!

Once in a while an architecture book comes along to show us how it's done and this book is one.

MiMo Survey.......2004-09-23

Excellent survey of MiMo architecture, past and present. Valuable resource for those with an interest and user-friendly enough for the coffee table.

Frommer's South Florida: With the best of Miami & the Keys (Frommer's Complete)

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Frommer's South Florida: With the best of Miami & the Keys (Frommer's Complete)
Lesley Abravanel
Manufacturer: Frommer's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0470037199

Book Description

Miami and the Keys are perennially popular destinations, especially for winter travel. Florida tourism officials predict a 3.2 percent increase in visitors for 2006.

Download Description

You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go--they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!

Completely updated, Frommer's South Florida including Miami & the Keys is the only guide you'll need to discover the best of South Florida. Our author, a longtime resident, will show you the loveliest beaches, the hottest restaurants, the top shopping, and the most sizzling nightlife in Miami. You can take your pick from affordable art deco motels, retro resorts, or the trendiest boutique hotels in South Beach. Choose a Cuban cafe or a sleek sushi bar, a raucous stone crab feast or an elegant steakhouse.

We'll also take you down to the Keys, for fabulous snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing, winding up in Key West, with its outrageous beach bars and nightclubs. The guide also includes the best of nearby Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach, and an excursion to the Everglades, for amazing bird watching and a look at one of the world's most unique ecosystems. You'll even get a free color fold-out map and an online directory that makes trip-planning a snap!

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South Beach Deco: Step By Step

A Must-Buy for Anyone Into South Beach Deco

Seeing the Real South Beach

A good picture book...

Don't go to South Beach without this in your suitcase!

South Beach Deco: Step By Step
Iris Garnett Chase
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
United States (Southern) | International | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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Tropical Deco: The Architecture and Design of Old Miami Beach

South Beach Architectural Photographs: Art Deco to Contemporary

MiMo: Miami Modern Revealed

South Beach Style

Saving South Beach (Florida History and Culture)

ASIN: 0764321900

Customer Reviews:

South Beach Deco: Step By Step.......2005-07-10

A most fabulous and descriptive book about South Beach Art Deco. The photography is beautiful and each page is a treasure and a pleasure to enjoy!

A Must-Buy for Anyone Into South Beach Deco.......2005-04-30

I am a world-wide traveler and have a large collection of guidebooks that I usually purchase prior to taking trips. I purchased 'South Beach Deco,Step By Step' after I visited Miami Beach because it made me feel good about the times I had there and supplied information that I will use on future trips to South Beach. Ordinarily I skim a book until I find a particular area of interest, but I found myself reading this book straight through. It is fun to read and so informative at the same time. I loved the explanations of what tropical deco is, and I enjoyed gazing at the photos that are quite plentiful and vibrant. There is nothing boring about this book and it just makes me want to return to that part of the world as soon as possible. 'South Beach Deco, Step By Step' leaves the other books I have read on this area in the dust (or perhaps I should say sand). The reason being is that it has an excellent balance of information-- just enough history so that it never becomes boring, a sufficient but not overwhelming amount of recommendations so that it is not confusing, easy to understand definitions,and a smattering of humor which makes one smile. I will take it with me on my next visit.

Seeing the Real South Beach.......2005-04-29

I visited South Beach recently and was at a loss of what to bring back as gifts for special friends. "South Beach Deco, Step by Step" was perfect. I got one for myself so I didn't have to take a lot of photos because this book has a great variety of pictures, many of the Art Deco Hotels which were a highlight of my trip. Aside from the great visuals, the text gave me all I needed to know to have a great time; it was like a companion who filled me in on everything - - the best things to see, the coolest places to eat and where to just relax and enjoy the scene. The book made me comfortable that I wasn't missing out on something ("what you didn't see..."). There are also some fun maps that are easy to read. All in all, an A+ and something I pick up and look at because its interesting and beautiful, and reminds me I want to go back to South
Beach.

A good picture book..........2005-03-31

If you really want a book of color photos, get Iris Chase's new book South Beach Deco: Step By Step. Susan Russell took an amazing amount of great photos of South Beach.

Iris is the resident artist at the Art Deco Welcome Center smack in the middle of Ocean Drive and as she says it is "Miami Beach Art Deco 101."

She's written an easy-to-read good introductory text that lays out all of the areas, describes the fun aspects of hangin' out at The Beach, and has a modest bit of history. It's large size 8 1/2" x 11" makes it a big large to carry around but having it before hand will make it easier to find a hotel and figure out the sights and things you might want to do while there. And after you come home it will have all of the wonderful photos to help jog your memory.

South Beach Deco: Step By Step is for anyone who wants to remember SoBe as it is today (2005).

Don't go to South Beach without this in your suitcase!.......2005-03-30

I regularly vacation in Miami Beach and LOVE visiting South Beach with its pastel deco buildings, pristine beaches, beautiful people, trendy restaurants and open-till-dawn night clubs. I just finished reading South Beach Deco: Step by Step, and I have a new appreciation for my favorite vacation spot! The author, Iris Chase, really knows her town from the inside out. And the photos are absolutely beautiful! The next time I travel south, I will definitely have this book in my suitcase! This terrific book is a must! Have fun travelers!

Average customer rating:

In the Spirit of Miami Beach
David Leddick
Manufacturer: Assouline
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Architectural | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 284323879X

Tales from the Miami Hurricanes Sideline

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Tales from the Miami Hurricanes Sideline
Jim Martz
Manufacturer: Sports Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1582617511

Book Description

University of Miami football is more than national championships, 30-game winning streaks, and being a pipeline to the NFL. It's the Gator Flop, defeating Tulane on a fifth down, and playing three games in eight days. It's converting third and 44 against Notre Dame, Michael Irvin talking smack with Florida State's Deion Sanders, and Vinny Testaverde being sacked by hamburgers. It's the Jet Lag Kids playing seven road games in one season, including one in Tokyo, and it's the Ibis mascot being arrested on the field in Tallahassee and being nicked by a bullet on Bourbon Street. Tales from Miami Hurricanes Sideline is a collection of the greatest anecdotes and stories ever told about 'Canes football. Jim Martz, who has covered the team for more than three decades, chronicles the ups, downs, and sideways of this spirited program that has produced five national championship teams under four different coaches since 1983. They have won under charismatic and colorful coaches and under low-key coaches. More than anything, they have won with colorful players. In an age of parity and just a few years removed from the program nearly being dropped, the Hurricanes have defied the odds and become the dynasty of modern college football. Tales from Miami Hurricanes Sideline offers stories about Lou Saban trudging through a blizzard to recruit Jim Kelly, Howard Schnellenberger in suit and tie refusing to sweat on a sweltering Gainesville afternoon, and Dwayne (aka The Rock) Johnson sharing defensive line duties with Warren Sapp. There are also details about Schnellenberger's pipe and Jimmy Johnson's hair (and Larry Coker's lack thereof). There are tales about 30,000 fans storming the Miami airport togreet the team's return after an upset of Purdue and crowds of just 11,000 in the Orange Bowl when the program bottomed out and only two radio stations--one in English and one in Spanish--carried the games. It is a must-read for fans of the Hurricanes and all those who envy them.

Miami Beach Memories: A Nostalgic Chronicle of Days Gone By

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Miami Beach Memories: A Nostalgic Chronicle of Days Gone By
Joann Biondi
Manufacturer: Globe Pequot
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

Oral History | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

Social History | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0762740663

Book Description

Miami Beach Memories: A Nostalgic Chronicle of Days Gone By is an oral history of the people and events that shaped this tropical island from the 1920s through the 1960s. To create this engaging and accessible volume, Biondi interviewed 101 residents, from maids and taxi drivers to burlesque strippers, convicted criminals, and famous actors and comedians. Their memories form a vivid portrait of life in the island's "Golden Era," one marked by incredible cultural and social changes. In addition, hundreds of black-and-white archival photos, some by famous celebrity photographer Ray Fisher, bring these voices and Miami Beach's history to life.

South Beach Architectural Photographs: Art Deco to Contemporary

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The Power of Architecture
Photographic Gem
Memories of South Beach
Great memories

South Beach Architectural Photographs: Art Deco to Contemporary
Paul Clemence , and Michael Hughes
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0764320866

Book Description

Take a striking journey with photographer Paul Clemence through Miami's South Beach, home to some of the world's most extraordinary Art Deco architecture. Highlighting the elements that create and define the Art Deco style, these 64 black-and-white photographs capture the emotion and express the spirit of South Beach. A cross between a fine art photography and a travel book, this collection establishes South Beach's stunning visual identity, showcasing the city's landmark hotels, residential buildings, and dazzling cityscapes. Be amazed at how Clemence captures the drama of sunlight on geometric forms and relates to us the power of architecture. A foreword written by local historian and tour guide Michael Hughes gives insight into the development of South Beach from its early days as a mangrove swamp to its current trend-setting status and the role that Art Deco architecture has played in the city's renewal. Statements from active community members paint a vivid picture of daily life in the city and give readers an understanding of the city's emotional role in the lives of its residents. This book is the perfect souvenir, and a must-have for lovers of South Beach, Art Deco, and fine art. 11" x 8 1/2" 64 b/w photos

Customer Reviews:

The Power of Architecture.......2005-04-25

I've been collecting Mr. Clemence original prints for a few years now and was most delighted to finally see his book. It was during the last Art Basel fair in Miami, when I purchased a beautiful abstract piece by him. A friend then gave me the book which is just brilliant! The transformation South Beach has gone through is shown here in a very interesting way! The photographs zero in on the very creative buildings that fill the city, showing us how good architecture can create an inspiring environment. The book captures that aspect very well, w/ photos that are as original as the buildings! I wish Mr. Clemence would bring his camera to Los Angeles and help us celebrate the great new constructions that are re-shaping our downtown.

Photographic Gem.......2005-04-16

What a delightful surprise this book! As a photo enthusiast I was not expecting much from such a simple , inexpensive book. But, was I wrong! The photos are gorgeous, very skillfully composed! And the light used in a very seductive way. The photos " Delano " and " Light Carving " in particular are real gems. Others, like " Neon Ocean Drive" has a subtle use of contrast that creates a very interesting mood.It's clear that after living in South Beach for so long he definetely knows his subject!And the printing also was another pleasant surprise, comparable to the more costly fine art photo books.Later I found out that Paul Clemence has a thriving photographic career in Miami. I have a feeling we'll still hear a lot about him!

Memories of South Beach.......2004-10-03

Despite what the book description says above this is not much of a travel book, but it is a fine photographic essay. Even though they are black-and-white photographs you will be reminded of the colors of Miami Beach. Frequently the exposures are softly focused with delicate textures. Many of the photos are details and they take in small areas rather than a great expanse of building(s). Most of the building views take in sections of well know structures so you will sometimes need to think about what building you are looking at (they tell you where and what in the back of the book). There are just enough wider views to keep you engrossed; all part of the enjoyment of thumbing through this volume. The introduction is informative and the locals' short pieces add some extra color. If you've spent anytime wandering around South Beach gawking at the buildings this book is for you.

Great memories.......2004-09-14

After moving away from Miami Beach it was great to find this book! It shows some of my favourite places there and in very cool photos.It totally sends me back, I can just see myself walking again on Ocean Dr., enjoying the breeze, the palm trees and the Art Deco. And the little texts with people's view on South Beach definetely reminded me of many conversations I had with the people I met down there. Kudos for the layout too; it is just as stylish as the photos themselves. Great job!

Wallpaper City Guide: Miami (Wallpaper City Guide)

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Wallpaper City Guide: Miami (Wallpaper City Guide)
Editors of Wallpaper Magazine
Manufacturer: Phaidon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Wallpaper City Guide: Barcelona (Wallpaper City Guide Barcelona)

ASIN: 0714847267

Book Description

Wallpaper* City Guides not only suggest where to stay, eat,and drink, but what the tourist passionate about design might want to see,whether he or she has a week or just 24 hours in the city.The guidesfeature up-and-coming areas, landmark buildings in an Architour', designcenters, and a selection of the best shops to buy items unique to theparticular city.Wallpaper* City Guides present travelers with a fast-track ticket to thechosen location.The edited guides offer the best, the most exciting, andthe most beautiful of the featured city.In addition to looking beautiful, the guides are expertly designed withfunction as a priority.They have tabbed sections so the tourist caneasily find what he or she is looking for.Also included are color-codedcity maps, rate and currency cards, and an easy navigational tool.Theyare the ultimate combination of form and function.Compiled by the well-traveled editorial team of Wallpaper* and by anextraordinary network of international correspondents, the guides are trulythe insider's guide to each featured city.The contributors tothese guides have put their heads together to come up with fascinating,efficient guides that keeps the hip, urban traveler with his or her fingeron the pulse.The City Guides are being published as Wallpaper* magazine celebrates itstenth anniversary.For the past decade, Wallpaper* has been the first touncover and enticingly present the best in new design and urban travelspots across the globe.The City Guides are the perfect way to present adecade of experience in one precisely edited guide to each of the 40 citiesto be published in 2007.

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Short on Keys Informatino

Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys
Beth Greenfield
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Lonely Planet | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Frommer's South Florida: With the best of Miami & the Keys (Frommer's Complete)

ASIN: 1740597532

Customer Reviews:

Short on Keys Informatino.......2007-05-16

Compared to other LP's I've read, this one is really small for such a large area as Miami and the Keys. The options offered for sleeping in the Keys are really limited in scope so they were of no use to me. I did better on price than the few places they mentioned by going to the web (got better places for less money). The history section was the only part of the book I enjoyed.

Zagat 2007 Miami, South Florida Restaurants (Zagatsurvey)

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Excelente Guia!

Zagat 2007 Miami, South Florida Restaurants (Zagatsurvey)

Manufacturer: Zagat Survey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Professional | Professional Cooking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1570068224

Book Description

ISBN: 1570068224 TITLE: 2007 Miami/So. Florida Restaurants AUTHOR: Zagat Survey DESCRIPTION: Consumer based survey covering the restaurant scene in Miami and South Florida including Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Key West.

Customer Reviews:

Excelente Guia!.......2007-03-08

Si eres amante del buen comer, o simplemente necesitas un poco de información para tomar una decisión sobre a dónde ir, esta es la guía perfecta. Siempre que viajo a algún lugar trato de conseguirla y sus comentarios y evaluaciones son 99.9% certeras.

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