Art: Crazy Hat, Bright Tie

The credo of Architect Morris Lapidus of Miami Beach is simple and to the point: put your money where it shows. Such cathedrals of pleasure as the Eden Roc, Americana and Fontainebleau (pronounced Fountain Blue) hotels give abundant evidence that Lapidus is a disciple of excess. With freewheeling showmanship, he is trying to develop an "alphabet of ornament" that will provoke an emotional revolt against the austerity of modern architecture. In the midway atmosphere of Miami Beach and other resort areas, Lapidus, 57, finds the perfect outlet for the "new sensuality" expressed in his terrazzoed palazzos. "They call my hotels...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!