The Architect Reinaldo Borges: An Architect's Trip to the Sky

Contemplating Miami's skyline, architect Reinaldo Borges acknowledges the blessings and follies of these postmodern deluxe high-rises. Some silhouettes confess to the cinematic ravings of Brian De Palma and Billy Corben's vaqueros; others are simply edifices to this city's flaming hedonism. Whether or not once really underwritten by "los magicos" or other outrageous enterprise, Miami's skyline speaks its own curious language of design, and this architect understands and practices it fluently.

Borges' childhood fascination with aeronautical design and aviation first pointed his eyes toward the clouds, and from up there, he realized skyscrapers offer even greater challenge and human significance. "Architecture defines every moment of our lives from cradle to grave," he says. "We are affected by our built environment in all aspects of life. Our homes, our place of work, our place of entertainment, our hospitals, our commercial spaces...indeed, everywhere we go we are affected by architecture and it either enriches our human experience or degrades it." Cuban-born and Miami-raised, Borges' vernacular communicates the natural and social logos of these communities, which for him means rich, intricate, and vibrant design implemented with a sense of shared involvement and responsibility. He explains, "My cultural heritage, being born in Cuba with Spanish ancestors, with the tropical environment there and its lively music, has affected my adventurous approach to form-making and the use of color in my architecture. I think that overall

Cuban experience has brought a certain sense of dare or exploration to my creative process. Architecture has a great relationship to music - and its rhythms, colors, and textures connect us with our cultural sense and vision."

Borges is steadfast in his professionalism, indulging and inspiring clients, while proselytizing them to find acceptance for an emerging architectural creed: "Today architects are leading the way in sustainable design and for the first time in the history of architecture, our clients are embracing sustainability and we are being allowed to design more sustainable buildings and contribute to a healthier planet, reducing the negative impact that has been associated with the construction process."

Borges' work has received international acclaim for its economically sound and visually fresh appeal. With dazzling structures such as the Royal Palm Hotel in Miami Beach, Loftika in Coral Gables, the Lofts at Mayfair in the Grove, and the (under construction) Infinity 69-story luxury condos in Brickell, it's no wonder he's been asked to take on projects on an international level. Borges and his team are hitting the global circuit for progressive mod design.