Mizuki Rooftop

This project invites students to design a rooftop space in Miami that draws inspiration from Japanese cultural and architectural principles. The aim is to craft an elevated urban retreat that balances serenity with spatial richness, fusing Miami’s tropical climate with the calm, nature-oriented philosophy of traditional Japanese design.

A key focus of the project is the thoughtful division of space. Rooted in the Japanese concept of Ma—the intentional use of emptiness and pause—students will explore how to define distinct zones on the rooftop through subtle transitions, screens, changes in material, and elevation. These separate spaces may include quiet meditation areas, shaded tea platforms, social seating zones, or garden paths—each with its own atmosphere, yet all harmonized as part of a unified experience.

Design inspirations may include Zen gardens, timber structures, stone pathways, and minimal detailing. Water features, native and Japanese plantings, and natural materials will enhance the sensory quality of the space while supporting sustainability and comfort in Miami’s climate.

This rooftop design should function not just as a surface, but as a layered, atmospheric journey—where movement between curated spaces creates a meditative rhythm above the urban landscape.