Apple Opens Miami Worldcenter: Its First Mass-Timber Store

Today, Apple announced the opening of its first customers at the Apple Miami Worldcenter, the company’s first store designed with mass timber. Located in the downtown area of Miami, the store is noteworthy for its biophilic design that combines nature with modern architecture.

Sustainable Environmental Design

The store is constructed using regionally-sourced timber and low-carbon materials, reflecting Apple’s commitment to sustainability. The exterior features soft, undulating surfaces, with light and shadow playing off the sloped roof. Inside, the spaces feel sculptural and dynamic, nodding to the Art Deco architecture that Miami is famous for.

Unique Interior Space

The store occupies a large central space, accessed through glass entrances that allow natural light to flood in. The interior includes Apple’s signature tables, set on a biomass-based terrazzo floor, flanked by an oak wall system that incorporates service areas such as a pick-up zone, a Genius Bar, and a demonstration space for VR headsets.

Use of Local Materials

BJ Siegel, Apple’s retail design lead, stated that given the store’s size and its standalone nature, it was decided to use locally-sourced materials in its construction. The store also operates entirely on renewable energy, reinforcing its support for the environment.

Connecting with Green Spaces

Various measures have been taken to connect the### Apple Opens Its First Mass-Timber Store in Miami

Today, Apple welcomed its first customers to Apple Miami Worldcenter, the company’s first mass-timber store.

Located in the downtown district of Miami, the store is notable for its biophilic design. It is constructed with regionally-sourced timber and low-carbon materials, featuring soft, undulating surfaces where light and shadow play off the curved perimeter roof. The interiors feel sculptural and dynamic, offering a nod to the Art Deco architecture of the city.

Unique Interior Space

Occupying a standalone pavilion, the structure covers a large central space accessed through glazed entrances. This area is filled with Apple’s signature tables on a floor made of biomass-based terrazzo, flanked by an oak wall system that incorporates service areas such as a pick-up area, a Genius Bar, and a demonstration space for VR headsets.

BJ Siegel, Apple’s retail design lead, explained that given its size and the fact that it is free-standing, the decision was made to use locally-sourced materials in the construction of the Apple Miami Worldcenter. The store operates on 100 percent renewable energy.

Connecting with Green Spaces

Various measures have been taken to connect the interior with surrounding green spaces. Upon entry, customers are welcomed by flora inspired by Miami’s Latin American influence. Instead of placing plants in planters, the Apple Miami Worldcenter is set within a densely-planted public space. The roof, referred to as a “raised garden,” is also covered in greenery, visible from the surrounding towers.

(Image credit: Apple)

Embracing Biophilic Design

Siegel noted that biophilic design has been part of Apple’s design principles for some time now. For example, the recently-launched store in Abu Dhabi is surrounded by a stepped waterfall and features rows of full-height trees. However, the climate in Miami offered a unique opportunity to embrace the lush landscape and gardens of South Florida, creating a densely vegetated urban public space.

With the opening of the Apple Miami Worldcenter, Apple continues to enhance its presence in global markets by providing unique shopping experiences that reflect modern design aesthetics and sustainability.

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🖋️ Author: – An expert in architectural innovation and design trends.

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