https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/1211 en-us 1507-universals-cabana-bay-beach-resort-shulman-associates.asp Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7258-universals-cabana-bay-beach-resort-by-shulman-associates Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Seven-story guest room wings face each across an open space animated with pools, sunning decks, and other amenities.   Photo © Garrett Rowland Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort The elliptical porte cochere sweeps guests from the entry court into the lobby.   Photo © Robin Hill Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Guest room bars with motel-style exterior corridors form a room around a pool and the follies that surround it, such as concrete-shaded picnic benches.   Photo © Robin Hill Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort The curvilinear arrival building, screened with perforated metal panels, connects a double-height concourse inside with the entry court.   Photo © Robin Hill Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort A water slide deposits riders beneath a sculptural precast concrete “diving tower.”   Photo © Robin Hill Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Morris Lapidus's terrarium for Bal Harbour's Americana Hotel inspired the one in Cabana Bay's lobby, set against terrazzo floors and a whimsical tile mural behind check-in. For the interiors, Daroff Design researched midcentury pop culture, furniture, and craft.   Photo © Robin Hill Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort The color palette carries into guest rooms, including family suites, which include kitchenettes and sitting areas.   Photo © Garrett Rowland Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Rows and rows of cabanas and deck chairs accommodate the thousands of guests.   Photo © Garrett Rowland Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Metal mesh screens with large apertures help make decorative features out of exterior stairs.   Photo © Robin Hill Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort A canopy-topped spiral stair leads to a deck that overlooks the expanse of the south side of the complex and its pools and recreation areas.   Photo © Robin Hill Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort A fire pit surrounded by a sand-floored seating area is one of many intimate gathering areas.   Photo © Robin Hill Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort A double-height gallery connects retail and dining areas with the lobby and the auto court, visible through the perforated screen. A mezzanine level holds recreation spaces, such as an arcade and bowling lanes.   Photo © Robin Hill Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Guests carry meals from an adjacent food court to this 650-seat dining hall. The scale is broken down and private spaces are created by level changes and booth seating.   Photo © Garrett Rowland Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort In the evening the Swizzle Bar buzzes with activity, helping the lobby stay lively at all hours.   Photo © Garrett Rowland Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Image courtesy Shulman + Associates