By Coral Gables Gazette staff

A bold new documentary chronicling one of the most influential — and once controversial — architects of the 20th century — will make its Coral Gables debut next month, inviting audiences into a world where architecture embraced spectacle, emotion, and delight.

On Sunday, February 8, at 10:30 a.m., the Coral Gables Art Cinema will host a special preview screening of Lapidus: Architect of Joy, a feature-length film exploring the extraordinary life and creative philosophy of Morris Lapidus.

Produced by Omer Bar-Sadeh and Deborah Desilets, the documentary examines Lapidus’ revolutionary approach to architecture and his lasting influence on American design and urban culture.

The morning event will conclude with wine and cheese and a post-screening discussion that brings together filmmakers and local preservation leaders to reflect on Lapidus’ enduring impact in Coral Gables and beyond.

From poverty to pioneering a new architectural language

Born in Russia and raised in New York, Lapidus’ early life was marked by hardship and ambition. Before becoming an architect, he worked as a theatrical set designer — a background that would later shape his flamboyant, human-centered approach to space.

Rejecting the restrained minimalism favored by many modernists of his era, Lapidus believed buildings should stir emotion and invite pleasure. His philosophy centered on the idea that architecture existed not merely as functional shelter, but as an experience.

The documentary traces his remarkable journey from modest beginnings to reshaping the skyline of Miami Beach, where his daring designs introduced what would become known as the Miami Modern, or MiMo, style — an exuberant blend of curves, dramatic staircases, sweeping spaces, and playful theatricality.

Through a rich mix of archival footage, interviews with historians, architects, and family members, and striking contemporary visuals of his work, the film paints an intimate portrait of a man who dared to defy convention in pursuit of joy.

The hotels that redefined Miami Beach

At the heart of Lapidus’ legacy are the iconic resorts that transformed Miami Beach into an international destination.

Among them are the legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach and the glamorous Eden Roc Miami Beach — buildings that embodied postwar optimism and ushered in a new era of leisure architecture.

Where critics once dismissed his work as excessive, today many celebrate Lapidus as a visionary who understood human psychology long before experiential design became a buzzword. His sweeping staircases encouraged movement and interaction. His expansive lobbies created social theaters. His playful forms invited exploration.

The film reexamines the harsh criticism Lapidus endured during his career, placing it in contrast with modern appreciation for his daring creativity and cultural impact.

A deep connection to Coral Gables

While Lapidus’ Miami Beach hotels brought him international recognition, the documentary also highlights his profound affection for Coral Gables — a city he often viewed as a canvas for architectural experimentation.

Several of his projects helped shape the community’s mid-century modern identity, including:

• Temple Judea Coral Gables
• Gusman Concert Hall
• University of Miami School of Law
• The former Junior Chamber of Commerce headquarters

These structures reflected Lapidus’ love for post–World War II modernism and his belief that architecture should serve as a source of civic pride and shared experience.

The screening offers not only a cinematic journey through architectural history, but also a deeper appreciation of buildings many encounter every day.

Never-before-seen materials and an immersive artistic approach

One of the documentary’s most compelling elements is its access to rare and previously unseen materials.

The film unveils original sketches, architectural drawings, personal letters — including correspondence with world-renowned architects — and even poetry written by Lapidus himself. These artifacts reveal a deeply reflective and emotional side of the architect rarely explored in traditional histories.

Adding to the film’s richness is a creative direction designed to immerse viewers in Lapidus’ inner world. Key moments from his life are recreated with actors, while his original drawings and sketches are animated into dynamic visual sequences.

These artistic techniques transform static lines into living narratives, allowing audiences to experience Lapidus’ emotions — joy, anger, fear, triumph, and heartbreak — through an expressive cinematic lens.

Why this story matters now

The filmmakers position Lapidus’ legacy within a timely cultural moment.

Many of his buildings, now 70 to 80 years old, face increasing pressure from redevelopment as modern high-revenue structures replace historic icons. Across the globe, preservationists and communities are fighting to protect these architectural treasures.

The film argues that now is the moment to celebrate and safeguard Lapidus’ contributions — not only as historical artifacts, but as vibrant spaces that continue to shape public life.

Beyond preservation, the documentary speaks to a broader rediscovery of joyful, human-centered design. At a time when cities and architects are rethinking how spaces foster connection and emotion, Lapidus’ philosophy feels newly relevant.

His story also resonates as a tale of resilience — a creative visionary who endured ridicule yet remained faithful to his artistic soul.

A community conversation on architecture and legacy

The February 8 preview screening will be followed by a featured discussion focused on Lapidus’ architectural contributions to Coral Gables.

The conversation will bring together:

• Director Omer Bar-Sadeh
• Karelia Martinez Carbonell, president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables and co-author of Coral Gables: The Moderns
• Gina Guilford, president of The Villager’s preservation group and author of a recent feature on Lapidus’ Coral Gables legacy

The event also serves as a fundraiser and part of the documentary’s public preview series leading toward completion and release, offering audiences an early look at a film that reframes Lapidus not just as an architect, but as a creator of joy, movement, and experience.

Event details

Lapidus: Architect of Joy – special preview screening & discussion
When: Sunday, February 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Ave.

Tickets are limited, with early bird pricing available online.

From its intimate exploration of a visionary life to its sweeping celebration of architectural imagination, Lapidus: Architect of Joy promises an inspiring cinematic experience — one that invites audiences to rediscover a man who believed buildings should make people feel alive.