SE Financial Center Plaza
ArquitectonicaGEO was commissioned to transform an underutilized plaza at the SE Financial Center in downtown Miami into a vibrant, community-driven destination. Spanning 30,000 square feet (2,787 square meters), the reimagined plaza now serves as an inviting hub for residents, office workers, and visitors to connect, relax, and engage. Designed to foster a sense of belonging, it offers a dynamic setting for social interaction and hosts cultural events like Art Basel Miami, cementing its role as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape.
Drawing inspiration from the plaza’s former roof structure, we incorporated its distinctive triangular geometries into the ground plane, trellises, and planters, creating a visual dialogue between the site’s history and its revitalized present. The intricate floor pattern mirrors the roof’s form, as if it has shattered and scattered across the plaza—a poetic nod to Miami’s vibrant energy and the space’s renewal.
Previously, the plaza lacked definition, serving merely as a pass-through rather than a place to linger. Our design prioritizes comfort, functionality, and sustainability, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding architecture. Diagonal pathways flow through the space, guiding movement while preserving an open, airy feel. At the plaza’s heart, a striking central pavilion acts as both a visual anchor and a communal gathering point. By night, its integrated lighting casts a warm, inviting glow, transforming the plaza into a lively social hub.
Native, resilient plantings—including Green Buttonwood trees, Thrinax palms, and Sabal palms—were chosen for their low water and nutrient needs and ability to withstand high winds. These trees provide essential shade, enhancing comfort and creating an oasis-like atmosphere that beckons visitors to stay and connect.
