[Tour] Wildflower Center Garden Tour | 05.11.2013

 

Two of MRA's projects, the West Ridge Residence (video) and Bonnell House (video), are on view at this Saturday's Garden Tour sponsored by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Located on unique sites in central Austin, both projects feature native and adapted plant species and landscape elements that complement their contemporary architectural language. To find out more about the Garden Tour, click here.

 

 

[Web] World Architecture News | 05.08.2013

 

World Architecture News has a feature on partner Miguel Rivera's renovated and expanded 1917 Bungalow. The project combines sensitive restoration efforts with a contemporary addition that takes advantage of a deep, narrow site while emphasizing a connection to the outdoors.

 

 

[Award] TSA Design Awards | 05.06.2013

 

MRA's green design for LifeWorks is one of only 11 projects in Texas to receive a 2013 Design Award from the Texas Society of Architects. The awards seek to recognize projects that "demonstrate the impact of architecture and the transformative powers of quality design." View all of this year's winners here.

 

 

[Project] LifeWorks | 04.29.2013

 

Miró Rivera Architects is proud to announce that the new LifeWorks branch in East Austin has received a five-star sustainability rating from Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB), the nation's first and most successful green home rating system!

 

The facility boasts an impressive array of green features, and is only the fourth commercial project in Austin to receive a 5-star rating since the program's inception in 1995. During construction, 82.9% of waste was recycled or salvaged, and 52.5% of the building materials were sourced in-state. When compared to a baseline case study, LifeWorks uses 79.2% less energy, 80% less potable water for irrigation, and 28.3% less indoor potable water. Over 90% of the occupied spaces have exterior views and natural light. On-site solar panels will provide for 66-86% of the building's energy needs.

 

 

[Lecture] TxASLA Conference 2013 | 05.02.2013

 

Partners Juan Miró and Miguel Rivera will present the firm's work on the COTA Grand Plaza at this year's Texas ASLA Conference. The course will investigate the development of the complex from site selection to completion, and will cover how the program of the space evolved to include a 251-foot observation tower and 15,000-capacity entertainment venue. Additional info on the lecture may be found here.

 

 

[Video] Central Texas Gardener | 04.25.2013

 

KLRU-Austin and Central Texas Gardener have partnered  to spotlight the integration of design and landscape at MRA's West Ridge Residence in a new video. The new home is an urban wildlife refuge suited to the lifestyle of owners Andy and Laura Stewart, who worked closely with MRA and landscape designer David Mahler to restore the native character of their sprawling hillside property. The house itself received a 3-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building.

 

 

[Award] ABJ Commercial Real Estate Awards | 04.24.2013

 

The ambitious Circuit of the Americas development has received the top prize in the Austin Business Journal's Commercial Real Estate Awards. Named the "Overall Winner", the $400 million project has been a boon to Central Texas, attracting over 265,000 fans to the inaugural Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in November 2012 and continuing to expand with the opening of the Austin360 Amphitheater in March. Check out all of this year's winners here.

 

 

[Award] AIA Austin Design Awards | 04.12.2013

 

The Observation Tower at the Circuit of the Americas Grand Plaza took home a Merit Award at this year's Design Awards presented by the Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Completed in 2012, the iconic structure has become synonymous with the identity of the first purpose-built Formula 1 racetrack in the United States. For a  complete list of award winners, click here.

 

 

[Web] Austin360 Amphitheater | 04.08.2013

 

After celebrating its inaugural concert this past weekend, the Austin360 Amphitheater at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas has been featured on World Architecture News, EyesIn Architecture, and e-Architect. Part of the larger Grand Plaza, the amphitheater is the largest outdoor concert venue in Central Texas, with a total capacity of 15,000 spectators.

 

 

[Video] Ball State University "Conversations" | 03.13.2013

 

Partner Juan Miró recently sat down with fellow ACSA Distinguished Professor Mahesh Daas as part of Ball State University's series of dialogs with transformational leaders. During the hour-long sit-down, the two discussed influences on Juan's professional and academic career; his relationship with both clients and partners Rosa and Miguel Rivera; and the challenges faced by a growing practice. View the full webcast here.

 

 

[Web] Architizer.com | 03.08.2013

 

The Trail Restroom and Pedestrian Bridge are both featured in a recent post by Architizer honoring Austin's best architecture. MRA is the only firm with two projects on the list; check out the feature here.

 

 

[Video] Central Texas Gardener | 02.22.2013

 

One of MRA's newest residences is the focus of a new video by KLRU-Austin and Central Texas Gardener. The featurette highlights the integration of the natural landscape with the home's contemporary design, as well as its use of native and adapted plant species.

 

 

[Lecture] ETSA de Valladolid | 02.15.2013

 

Partner Juan Miró travels to Valladolid, Spain this week to discuss  the relationship between the nature and the city as interpreted through the works of MRA. The lecture will take place at 12:30pm on Friday, February 15 at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura. For more information, click here.

 

 

[Web] Formula 1 | 01.15.2013

 

MRA's work at the Circuit of the Americas has been burning rubber on the internet, with features on the Grand Plaza and Grandstand in Domus, OpenBuildings, and DesignBoom.

 

 

[Award] Building of the Year | 01.04.2013

 

MRA's design for the Circuit of the Americas Grand Plaza has been nominated for "Building of the Year" on American-Architects.com! The winner will be selected in an online poll that closes on January 28, and the project is the only one located in Austin, Texas. Vote for the COTA Grand Plaza (project #49) here.

 

 

[Award] UTSoA Student Architecture Award | 12.07.2012

 

On December 7, the student-led jury for the University of Texas School of Architecture's Student Architecture Award held an award ceremony to announce the 2012 winner: the new LifeWorks branch in East Austin, designed by Miró Rivera Architects. The competition recognizes the jury's choice of the best building completed between October 2011-October 2012 in the Austin area.

 

 

[Web] CultureMap Austin | 12.03.2012

 

CultureMap Austin spotlights three Texas projects that were featured among a selection of the world's best architecture in Atlas: Architecture of the 21st Century. The Pedestrian Bridge is among the honorees, which are considered examples of "global architecture." Check out the story here.

 

 

[Print] Formula 1 | 11.30.2012

 

Following a spectacular inaugural United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas,  Miró Rivera Architects is garnering attention for its work on the facility's landmark structures. A feature in the Austin-American Statesman explores how the speed and mechanics of Formula 1 cars inspired the firm's design approach, while major international publications Obras, El País, and World Architecture News cover the track's unique design elements.

 

 

[Print] The New York Times "Wheels" Blog | 11.15.2012

 

A post on the "Wheels" auto blog of The New York Times spotlights MRA's design for the Observation Tower and its role in creating an identity for the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

 

Built in just seven months, the 250-foot structure—the first of its kind at a Formula 1 course—is comprised of a  high-speed elevator encased in a double-helix stair leading to a platform with a 360-degree view of the racetrack. A "veil" of 18 steel pipes cascades from the observation deck to an amphitheater below, creating a dynamic sculptural centerpiece for the new venue.

 

 

[Print] Austin Business Journal | 11.09.2012

 

A new article in the Austin Business Journal profiles Miró Rivera Architects' work at the Circuit of the Americas, from the firm's initial role in developing production drawings to its current position as the designer of the venue's premiere structures.

 

 

[Award] Best of Austin Awards | 11.08.2012

 

MRA's design for the Main Grandstand at the Circuit of the Americas has received the "Best Grandstandin'" Critics Pick (Architecture & Lodging) as part of The Austin Chronicle's "Best of Austin 2012" awards:

 

"Why do they call it a stand if it's got seats? UT architecture professor Juan Miró and his partner Miguel Rivera designed the canvas-shaded grandstands for the Circuit of the Americas. If Texas winters keep getting hotter, they'll be the best place to keep yourself cool while the cars are burning up the track." Read more here.

 

 

[Tour] Circuit of the Americas | 10.21.2012

 

Registrants for the Texas Society of Architects' 73rd Convention and Design Expo will have the opportunity to tour the soon-t0-be-completed Circuit of the Americas facility near Austin, Texas led by Juan Miró and Miguel Rivera. The tour will cover the scope of work designed by MRA, including the Grand Plaza, Tower Amphitheater (scheduled for completion in Spring 2013), Observation Tower, and Main Grandstand. Click here for more information.

 

 

[Exhibition] PERSPECTIVAS dosmil12 | 10.18.2012

 

The annual exhibition "PERSPECTIVAS dosmil12" will take place October 18-20 at the Austin Convention Center as part of the Texas Society of Architects' 73rd Convention and Design Expo. Miró Rivera Architects' design for the new LifeWorks branch in East Austin will be showcased along with the work of  Latino architects and designers from around Texas.

 

The exhibit is sponsored by the "Latinos in Architecture" committee of the Austin American Institute of Architects.

 

 

[Lecture] West Lake Hills Rotary Club | 10.12.2012

 

As part of the Community Leaders Breakfast series hosted by the West Lake Hills Rotary Club, Miguel Rivera will present the firm's work at the Circuit of the Americas Formula 1 race track opening next month. MRA's scope includes the 9,000-seat Main Grandstand, a Grand Plaza containing a 6,500-seat amphitheater, and a 250-foot tall landmark observation tower.

 

 

[Jury] AIA Nebraska Excellence in Design | 10.05.2012

 

On October 5, Miguel Rivera attended the 2012 AIA Nebraska's Central States Regional Conference as jury chair of this year's Excellence in Design awards for built and unbuilt works by Nebraska architects. Projects are judged based on a variety of features including unique design, originality, extended use attributes, sustainability, budget and use of environmental surroundings.

 

In addition, Miguel discussed the work of MRA as part of a conference feature entitled "Design Innovation and Outreach", a presentation of award-winning and innovative architectural practices and ideologies that promote the value of good design and its connection to culture, community, and place.

 

 

[Lecture] Nuevas Materias | 09.28.2012

 

As part of the workshop "New Materials in Contemporary Architecture" at the Escuela de Arquitectura at the Universidad de Malaga, Juan Miró and Miguel Rivera spoke about the work of Miró Rivera Architects, and how the relationship between the manmade and Nature affects the firm's design philosophy in Austin and beyond.

 

 

[Lecture] Latin American Architecture Symposium | 09.15.2012

 

On September 15, Juan Miró presented a lecture "Austin and the Maya: A Tale of Two Cities" at the University of New Mexico School of Architecture + Planning as part of a 3-day symposium entitled "The NEW Mexico." Sponsored by the journal Architecture and Urbanism in Las Américas (AULA), the conference explores the contemporary cultural and commercial changes that define "Mexamerica." Additional info on the symposium may be found here.

 

 

[Print] ATX Man | 09.10.2012

 

The fall edition of ATX Man magazine features a profile on Juan Miró and Miguel Rivera's history in Austin and their approach to design (“We are artists to a certain degree, but our top priority is problem solving”). The article also includes additional details on MRA's work at the Circuit of the Americas. Read the full story here.

 

 

[Web] Architizer.com | 08.31.2012

 

The Lady Bird Lake Trail Restroom is a featured project on Architizer, one of the largest and fastest-growing databases of architecture online. Check it out here.

 

 

[Project] Formula 1 Amphitheater | 07.23.2012

 

Circuit of the Americas has announced a partnership with LiveNation for a 15,000-seat amphitheater designed by Miró Rivera Architects at the Formula 1 complex outside of Austin, Texas. Located at the base of a 22-story observation tower, the open-air stage will host concerts by national touring acts starting in 2013. To read the full report in the Austin-American Statesman, click here.

 

 

[Print] Spectacular Outdoor Living of Texas | 07.02.2012

 

MRA's Pool House is on the cover of Spectacular Outdoor Living of Texas, a new book showcasing the state's leading architects, landscape architects, interior designers, and gardeners. The 1917 Bungalow and Residence 1414 renovations are also featured alongside projects in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston. Preview the book here.

 

 

[Jury] International VELUX Award | 06.30.2012

 

This month, Juan Miró sat on the jury for the 2012 International VELUX Award for Students of Architecture in Denmark. The award "seeks to encourage and challenge students to explore the theme of daylight in its widest sense, and to create a deeper understanding of this source of energy and light through an open-minded and experimental approach." To read more about the award and this year's jury, which includes leading architects and professionals such as Alvaro Siza and Brigitte Shim, click here.

 

 

[Print] Área Magazine | 06.21.2012

 

The Pedestrian Bridge and Guest House have been featured in the Spring 2012 edition of Área magazine, Puerto Rico's premiere journal of architecture and design. Check out the full article here.

 

 

[Lecture] Mythbusters: Universal Design | 06.13.2012

 

On June 13, Miguel Rivera participated in a webinar on creating built structures that are both accessible and innovative. Entitled "Mythbusters: Excellence in Universal Design," the webinar focused on dispelling common misconceptions about universal design by exploring the benefits of accessible architecture in the work of three winners of the AIA Small Project Award. To watch the video of the webinar, click here.

 

 

[Project] Violet Crown Trail Bridges | 06.04.2012

 

Austin 360 published an update on the Violet Crown Trail, Austin's next great outdoor space. The 30-mile trail will feature two bridges designed by Miró Rivera Architects. The completed trail will stretch from Zilker Park to Hays County, connecting neighborhoods, parks, pools, libraries, and schools to new outlets for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation. Read the full article here.

 

 

[Award] AIA Austin Design Awards | 04.15.2012

 

MRA took home two Citation of Honor awards for Residence 1446 and LifeWorks at this year's Design Awards presented by the Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Completed in 2009, Residence 1446 is a private residence that forms the centerpiece of a master plan by MRA that includes the Pedestrian Bridge, Guest House, and a small boathouse.

 

After celebrating its Grand Opening this March, the new LifeWorks branch in East Austin expands the mission of the non-profit organization to support youth and families as they achieve self-sufficiency and generational change. The 33,600 square foot building is distinguished by a monumental colonnade that borders Pleasant Valley Road, offering a "front porch" for the community.

 

To view a gallery of this year's winners, click here.

 

 

[Project] Via Bus Stop Ribbon-Cutting | 03.27.2012

 

The ribbon-cutting for the new Via Metropolitan Transit Bus Stop at Brooks City-Base took place in San Antonio, Texas. The bus stop is an innovative canopy composed of nested steel pipes that provides sun and rain protection for metro riders. The wing-like canopy is supported by a simple plate steel structure that straddles a sculptural concrete bench. For photos of the ribbon-cutting, click here.

 

 

[Lecture] Félix Candela: A Symposium | 02.11.2012

 

In conjunction with the exhibition "Félix Candela," Columbia University's Wallach Art Gallery and Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library present a symposium on the architect's life and work. As part of the event, Juan Miró participated in a panel intended to explore Candela's legacy and continue the debate on whether the designer's works are best described as engineering or architectural creations. To find out more, click here.

 

 

[Lecture] Mayors' Institute on City Design | 02.03.2012

 

On February 3,  Juan Miró participated in the Mayors' Institute on City Design Southwest Regional Session in Houston. His lecture, titled "Landscape City: Nature and the Regeneration of American Cities," discussed strategies to integrate higher density in American cities, while embracing their unique relationship to nature.

 

 

[News] Design Waller Creek Competition | 01.30.2012

 

The Waller Creek Conservancy has released a list of nine international design teams chosen to progress to the next phase of the Design Waller Creek competition, and Miró Rivera Architects is one of two Austin firms to make the cut! We'll progress to Phase II of the process together with our partner, Madrid-based Burgos & Garridos Arquitectos. Check out the full list of design teams here.

 

 

[Print] Formula 1 Austin | 01.13.2012

 

Miró Rivera Architects has been featured in the Austin-American Statesman for its work on the Formula 1 racing site in Austin. MRA has been working on the Main Grandstand, Observation Structure, Grand Plaza, concessions, and other elements throughout the site for over a year, and construction is underway. Check out the full article here.

 

 

[Award] Distinguished Professor Award | 12.19.2011

 

Juan Miró is one of five nationwide recipients of the 2011-12 Distinguished Professor Award from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. From the jury:

 

"Juan’s work both academic and professional is grounded with an increasingly dynamic sense of place that has both national and international appeal. His design excellence, evident in his many award-winning projects, successfully bridges between practice and the classroom providing a synergistic framework for both his students and his colleagues."

 

 

[Print] Unassisted Living | 12.16.2011

 

Unassisted Living documents the shift away from traditional senior housing, which often promotes "disengagement" from family, friends, and community. Curated by authors Jeffrey Rosenfeld and Wid Chapman, the collection of 33 houses celebrates the Boomer preference for architecture and design that promote "active aging."

 

MRA's Deck House, Spicewood Residence, and Stonehedge Residence were featured among the compilation of homes and communities that reflect the quest for ageless homes that foster independence for a generation that expects to live longer, healthier lives. For more information on Unassisted Living, click here.

 

 

[Project] Westridge Residence | 11.30.2011

 

Miró Rivera Architects is proud to announce the completion of its first five-star Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) single-family residence: the Westridge Residence in South Austin has received the highest sustainability rating by the nation's first and most successful green home rating system!

 

The Westridge Residence's eco-friendly features include integrated solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, automated exterior shades, and a 10,000-gallon rainwater collection system. The interior makes use of low-VOC paints and low-voltage LED lighting throughout. During construction, recyclable waste was diverted from landfills, and wooden construction waste was chipped and reused as landscape mulch.

 

 

[Award] IDEAS² Merit Award | 10.27.2011

 

On October 26, Larry Flynn of the American Institute of Steel Construction presented Miró Rivera Architects with the 2011 IDEAS² Merit Award on site at the Lady Birdy Lake Trail Restroom. Juan Miró and Miguel Rivera received the award, along with representatives from the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department, The Trail Foundation, Architectural Engineers Collaborative, and Construction Metal Products.

 

 

[Exhibition] PERSPECTIVAS dosmil11 | 10.07.2011

 

A new exhibit entitled "PERSPECTIVAS dosmil11" debuts at the Mexican American Cultural Center in downtown Austin. Town Lake @ Mopac, a proposal by Miró Rivera Architects for reinvigorating one of the city's "hidden" public spaces, will be on display alongside the work of several local Latino architects and designers.

 

The exhibit is sponsored by the "Latinos in Architecture" committee of the Austin American Institute of Architects, and is part of a series of programs celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

 

[Project] UT Alumni Center | 09.26.2011

 

Juan Miró and Miguel Rivera attended the dedication ceremony for the recent renovation and addition to the University of Texas Alumni Center, home of the Texas Exes alumni association. Executive Director Leslie Cedar was on hand to introduce the project and the many improvements it has brought to the Alumni Center and its staff.

 

The project includes over 3,000 sq ft of new space on top of 12,000 sq ft of renovations, encompassing a new entry vestibule, new Legends Room for events and small conferences, a new board room and outdoor deck, and contemporary restroom facilities as well as updated kitchen and catering offices.