Hanging Gardens Split Open BIG’s Marina Lofts Development Along Ft. Lauderdale’s River

Bjarke Ingels of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/big" target="_blank">BIG</a> has been enjoying the sun down in Florida while designing a new residential development in Ft. Lauderdale that appears as though a flourishing garden has split the tower in half. <a href="http://www.marinaloftsfortlauderdale.com/" target="_blank">Marina Lofts</a> is a new modular three-tower housing project slated to be built along the New River near the downtown core and is being developed by Asi Cymbal. While details about specific sustainability strategies haven't been unveiled, we can tell that the developers are trying to be good neighbors and are working to protect the river watershed, stitch together the urban fabric and preserve mature trees.

<a href="http://www.marinaloftsfortlauderdale.com/c" target="_blank">Marina Lofts</a> is slated to be a 1,072-unit rental condo complex built in three phases along the south side of the New River in Ft. Lauderdale.

The project has been designed by <a href="http://www.big.dk" target="_blank">BIG</a> for Asi Cymbal who expects to begin construction in 2013 after securing his financing.

The first phase of the project will be a 36-story building on the western parcel that will include 348 residential rental lofts, a 4,266 sf restaurant, and the Rain Tree Park. Next, another 36-story building will be built on the center parcel and will include 39 residential rental lofts, the relocated Pirate’s Republic into a 5,130 sf restaurant space, and 6,012 square feet of retail. Finally, the last phase is a 25-story building on the eastern parcel with 379 residential rental lofts, 6 live/work units, the relocated Water Taxi, 9,246 sf of retail, 6,020 sf of restaurant space.

Finally, the last phase is a 25-story building on the eastern parcel with 379 residential rental lofts, 6 live/work units, the relocated Water Taxi, 9,246 sf of retail, 6,020 sf of restaurant space.

The architecture is characterized by white modular rectangular units with deep patios that provide daylighting without too much direct light. The two larger towers appear to be split apart from each other with lush hanging gardens growing in between as though the vegetation actually caused the crack.

Mixed retail, restaurants and other entertainment thrive at the base and encourage residents and visitors to walk along the river, use the water taxis or their own boat, which they can park on site in a slip.

BIG carefully studied the site and the surrounding neighbors and is working to retain view sheds of the river and ocean.

Stormwater will be contained onsite and treated before returning to the water system rather than letting it flow into the adjacent river.

The developers are also working with arborists to <a href="http://www.marinaloftsfortlauderdale.com/preserving-and-donating-trees/" target="_blank">preserve 75 mature trees</a> through relocation. This includes a local favorite, the historic Rain Tree, which will be moved to its own brand new park created by the project.