Integrating Art And Architecture

The Amster Building in South Miami is a case study for integrating art and architecture.

1 minute read

August 18, 2001, 9:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Developed by Harvey Amster, the Amster Building is a 7,000-square-foot mixed-use building located in downtown South Miami along U.S. 1. The building's balconies face the busy highway, offering commuters a radically different view compared to the parking lots and strip shopping centers along most of U.S. 1. In fact, Chael reports that commuters call their office to say they love the building. Initiated from the master-planning efforts of the 1992 Hometown South Miami Plan completed by Dover, Kohl & Partners, the Amster Building replaces an empty grassy area. It adds a much-needed sidewalk dining area at its other entrance. A restaurant will occupy the first and second floors of the building. People seeking to return to urban environments are supporting the renaissance of this main street in South Miami.

Thanks to The Town Paper

Saturday, August 18, 2001 in The Town Paper

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

White Waymo autonomous car driving fast down city street with blurred background at night.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars

Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

7 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

June 16 - Governing

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

June 16 - UNM News