Index for Category - Architecture

This page last updated on 01/08/2018

Click A Title To View The Art & Architecture of Las Vegas - 2017 The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Night Vision The Portico - Golden Nugget Laughlin Pool Lights - Harrah's Laughlin Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Veer Towers at City Center Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

HELMUT JAHN

Murphy/Jahn Architects, Veer Towers, July 14, 2010

The Architect: The towers were designed by Helmut Jahn's office based in Chicago. Lobbies and public spaces were developed by Francisco Gonzalez Pulido and showcase works by natural light. Dianna Wong Architecture & Interior Design designed the residences.

Building Description: Veer Towers are twin 37-story, 480-foot, residential towers located within CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip. Each tower houses 335 luxury condominium units ranging from 537 to 2,256 square feet. The two towers were designed by Murphy/Jahn Architects of Chicago and lean in opposite directions (five degrees from center). Every residence has a view of the Las Vegas skyline. The rooftop Sky Decks include infinity edge swimming pools, hot tubs, sun decks and summer kitchens. Resident fitness and locker rooms, billiards rooms and lounges are on the 37th floor. A private residential driveway leads to separate vehicle entrances, secured elevators and valet service, all monitored by 24-hour security. The towers are the only all-residential buildings at CityCenter.

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FRANK GEHRY

Frank Gehry - Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, July 13, 2009 

The Architect: Canadian, Frank Owen Gehry was born Frank Owen Goldberg; February 28, 1929. He is a Canadian-American Pritzker Prize-winning architect based in Los Angeles. A number of his buildings, including his private residence, have become world-renowned tourist attractions. His works are cited as being among the most important works of contemporary architecture in the 2010 World Architecture Survey, which led Vanity Fair to label him as "the most important architect of our age". Gehry's best-known works include the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles; Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris.

Building Description: When it comes to “out of the box” architecture, there is probably nothing more creative than the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, officially the Cleveland Clinic. A curvy, undulating metal-and-glass trellis, rising 75 feet high screens the institute’s banquet hall, while a series of stacked blocks separated by glass-enclosed spaces form the main entrance. This contrast of forms suggest the dual functions of the brain; simultaneously ordered and chaotic, structured and yet imaginative. It is such a stunning architectural masterpiece that pictures can barely do it justice; it must be seen to be fully experienced. The Center is approximately 65,000 sq ft and includes 13 examination rooms, offices for health care practitioners and researchers, a “Museum of the Mind,” and a community auditorium. The Center also serves as the headquarters for Keep Memory Alive, the Las Vegas Alzheimer’s Association and the Las Vegas Parkinson’s Disease Association.

                                         

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The Smith Center for the Performing Arts - Summary Page

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This page last updated on 06/16/2019

(Fig. 01)

06/12/2019 Visit Notes: On June 12th Jim Herring and I attended a tour of the Smith Center. This was Jim's first visit and he loved it. This tour lasted nearly 1.5 hours and included a tour throughout the Smith Center including the Reynolds Concert Hall, the Box Seats, the elegant Founder’s Room and the Mezzanine Lounge where guests can gather for drinks and small bites before the show and at intermission, and the Myron's Cabaret Jazz Hall. Click here to read more about the Smith Center ... ReadMore - Smith Center for the Performing Arts -Facts & Figures. Participants must register online. Tours will be listed online thirty days prior to tour date. Go to ... Public Tours. 10/06/2012 Trip Notes: Unfortunately, my tour to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts ended in disappointment. The Smith Center screwed up and failed to have a guide available for our scheduled tour preventing us from being able to see anything inside this much acclaimed facility. Therefore, the first grouping of pictures that follow are limited to Symphony Park and the building’s exterior. The anchor for a 61-acre development called Symphony Park in downtown Las Vegas, this $470 million, 385,000 square foot Art Deco behemoth that looks historic from the outside but conceals the latest in theater technology inside. The building’s design elements were chosen to echo one of Nevada’s most renowned structures – the Hoover Dam. By incorporating many of the Art Deco features of this architectural masterpiece, located just 20 miles to the southeast, the architects have created a timeless building that will last for centuries. The exterior contains 2,458 tons of Indiana limestone and 4,000 tons of structural steel for the roof trusses and crown to the 170-foot, 47-bell carillon that anchors the structure. To contend with noise from nearby trains, helicopters from the University Medical Center and jets from Nellis Air Force Base, there is a sub-basement of concrete that is 36 inches thick and a roof that contains a 12-inch slab of concrete with an air gap and then another 10-inch layer of sound-deafening material. As you approach the building, you are quickly confronted with its clean, streamlined forms in everything from the polished stainless steel alloy windows; the 3-inch thick limestone and plastered facade (Fig. 01); the polished aluminum lighting fixtures; to the ornate aluminum trim and latticework. I assembled nearly a dozen exterior pictures showing some of the building’s most prominent Art Deco features to created the collage (Fig. 02) below.

(Fig. 02)

Symphony Park: The front façade of the Smith Center faces the 2-acre Donald W. Reynolds Symphony Park lawn (above) which will be used for outdoor performances and special public gatherings. This beautifully landscaped area contains several significant sculptures and bronze castings of prominent persons associated with the building’s funding and construction. Most notably is Tim Bavington's outdoor sculpture (Fig. 03) derived from the 1942 Aaron Copland composition, "Fanfare for the Common Man". The width and height of the colorful steel tubes correspond with notes and dynamics from the musical score. Painted with automobile paint, Bavington selected the colors to recall vintage Las Vegas – with the pastel blues offering tribute to the Mint Hotel and the magenta being reminiscent of the Stardust. Located on the east side of the park, this array of multicolored columns pointing into the sky contains built-in recessed accent lighting and will serve as a backdrop for the park’s outdoor stage.  Directly in front is the larger than life bronze sculpture of Donald W. Reynolds (Fig. 04) , founder of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation that contributed $150 million dollars to the building of The Smith Center. In the center of Symphony Park, is the colorful heart-shaped sculpture (Fig. 05) by local artist Miguel Rodriguez -- painted by Jennifer Main -- enjoining us to take a "Step of Faith" and "Dream Big." Gazing across the lawn to the west is a steel sculpture (Fig. 06) featuring curled, pinched, steel ribbons by New York sculptor Albert Paley. Its fluid contortions are a stark contrast to the rigid lines of Bavington's marching colored columns. Lastly, it would seem grossly unfair not to mention and show the bust (Fig. 07) dedicated to past mayor and long time proponent of this “vision” for Downtown Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman. In 2009, Mayor Goodman received the Leadership Award for Public Service given by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for his efforts to revitalize downtown Las Vegas. Goodman’s biggest accomplishment is the 61-acre Symphony Park that includes the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health; the 5.1-million-square-foot World Market Center; the 539,000-square-foot Las Vegas Premium Outlets; the Molasky Corporate Center office complex and commercial mixed-use developer Forest City; and the 350,000-square-foot Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

(Fig. 03)

(Fig. 04)

(Fig. 05)

(Fig. 06)

(Fig. 07)

(Fig. 08)

10/13/2012 Trip Notes: To make up for the botched tour visit last week, I made a follow up visit a week later to get the tour we had missed. Though we received a very good tour, we were once again disappointed when we were told that we could not enter the main concert hall to due a rehearsal that was going on at the time of our tour. In spite of that, here are the pictures that I shot during our tour. We started our tour by entering the main entrance (Fig. 08) to the Reynolds Hall. In addition to the building’s stunning architecture, the gorgeous interior of the Smith Center is a work of art unto itself. The interior features gleaming terrazzo floors, elegant 19'-long Deco-style chandeliers, stairs and columns made from three kinds of Italian marble, and rich wood panels and aluminum latticework decorating everything in between, all tied together with timeless art deco designs. I assembled more than fourteen interior pictures showing some of the most prominent Art Deco features to create the collage (Fig. 09) below, titled, The Art of Deco.

(Fig. 09) Title - The Art of Deco

(Fig. 10) The Grand Lobby: When entering from the west lobby entrance you are greeted with this view (Fig. 11) of the Grand Lobby and its three 19-foot chandeliers. As you begin to ascend the stairs on the right, you are confronted with a huge bronze sculpture (Fig. 10) that is the centerpiece of the Grand Lobby. Cast by Benjamin Victor, it was inspired by Oskar Hansen’s “Winged Figures of the Republic,” a pair of stone carvings that can be seen in a sitting position on the Nevada side of Hoover Dam. Dubbed the “Winged Genius,” Victor’s 19-foot-tall, 2,000-pound figure appears solo, while standing up and moving forward – to symbolize progress.

(Fig. 11)

The Mezzanine Level: Located on the second floor, the Mezzanine Level, contains the Box Tier Foyer and entrances (Fig. 12), the elegant Founder’s Room (Fig. 13)  where founders and their guests can meet pre-show and at intermission, and the Mezzanine Lounge (Fig. 14), a gathering spot for drinks and small bites before the show and at intermission. When you pre-order appetizers and cocktails at the Mezzanine Lounge bars, your order and table will be waiting for you at intermission.

(Fig. 12)

(Fig. 13)

(Fig. 14)

The Upper Lobby: Located on the third floor, this open lobby area, access to an outside terrace that provides views Symphony Park, is the perfect spot to gather before the show and at intermission to marvel at the view and enjoy refreshments from its several bars. It also contains the West Lounge and Carillon Salon, two private rooms that can be reserved for an intimate intermission gathering of you and your friends. The Carillon Salon features a balcony and is situated directly under our iconic Carillon Bell Tower. This level can be accessed by the center stairs (Fig. 16) or by elevators. The railed circular opening (Fig. 15) in the floor at the east end of the stairs is open all the way to the Grand Lobby (Fig. 17), three floors below, and provides light from overhead skylights. The final picture, (Fig. 18) is the only glimpse we were able to see of the 2,050 seat Reynolds Hall.

(Fig. 15)

(Fig. 16)

(Fig. 17)

(Fig. 18)

More Smith Center Info: The Smith Center for the Performing Arts (aka the Smith Performing Arts Center, or The Smith Center), located in Downtown Las Vegas Nevada's Symphony Park, is a 4.75 acre theater facility consisting of three theaters in two buildings. The 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall for major concerts and touring productions, with a full orchestra pit capable of seating up to 100 musicians; the 258-seat Cabaret Jazz Theater (great for jazz, cabaret and other performances); and the 200-seat Troesh Studio Theater for rehearsals, children's theater, community events and private gatherings. It also features the 1.7-acre Symphony Park, an outdoor area that will offer concerts and act as a hub for social interaction. Having opened on March 10, 2012, the construction of this $470 million project was started May 26, 2009 after more than 15 years in the works, and is the first performing arts center in the nation to be LEED certified. It features a 170-foot, 17 story carillon tower containing 46 handcrafted bronze bells which span over four octaves. The Smith Center features international music, and dance companies, and will be the home of the Las Vegas Philharmonic and Nevada Ballet Theatre.

It was funded by a public-private partnership.Publicly, the city of Las Vegas provided the land, infrastructure, environmental clean-up, and parking. The city of Las Vegas, Clark County and State Legislature collaborated on a car rental fee that resulted in a bond of $105 million, bringing the total city commitment to $170 million. Privately, the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, in honor of their chairman, Fred W. Smith, and his wife, Mary, have given $150 million, the largest philanthropic donation in state history, and the second largest donation to the performing arts in the United States.

Play a Slide Show Clicking the picture-link below will open OneDrive in a new window and a folder containing 87 pictures taken of the Smith Center. To view the show, click on the first picture in the folder and you will get the following menu bar: Clicking the "Play slide show" will play a fullscreen window of the slide show.

Note: Every attempt is made to provide accurate information, but occasionally depictions are inaccurate by error of mapping, navigation or cataloging. The information on this site is provided without any warranty, express or implied, and is for informational and historical purposes only.

Night Vision

Picture of the Stratosphere Tower on the Las Vegas Strip. Jutting 1,149 feet into the Vegas skyline, this iconic tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. Besides providing a magnificent panoramic view of the shimmering Las Vegas Strip and valley, it is home to, Sykjump, the world’s tallest controlled free fall, as well as the award-winning Top of the World restaurant on the 106th floor which rotates 360 degrees as you dine.

The Portico

When I’m out and about with my camera, I’m always looking for the unusual. Something different; some type of natural or manmade abstract that I can turn into a visually interesting photo. On a recent trip to Laughlin Nevada While waiting for the valet to retrieve our car, I captured this twilight photo standing under the portico covering the driveway entrance in front of the Golden Nugget Casino. I felt that the juxtaposition of the setting sun and the color of the sky against the bright lights of the portico over the driveway was perfect.

Pool Lights

While lounging by the pool at Harrah’s in Laughlin, I had a light pole located directly in front of where we were sitting. The more I stared at it the more I thought it might make an interesting black and white silhouette picture. After playing with and cropping several different shots, I finally changed it from black & white to sepia, which seemed to give it a “brighter” feel. I then selected two pictures to create the above Triptych.

Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

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This page last updated on 06/17/2019

When it comes to “out of the box” architecture, there is probably nothing more creative than the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, officially the Cleveland Clinic. A curvy, undulating metal-and-glass trellis, rising 75 feet high screens the institute’s banquet hall, while a series of stacked blocks separated by glass-enclosed spaces form the main entrance. This contrast of forms suggest the dual functions of the brain; simultaneously ordered and chaotic, structured and yet imaginative. It is such a stunning architectural masterpiece that pictures can barely do it justice; it must be seen to be fully experienced. I took these pictures back in May of 2010. Click the thumbnail at the bottom right of this page to view a slide show.

Background Info: The $70 million dollar Center operates as an outpatient treatment and research facility. Designed by renowned architect, Frank Gehry, the center opened on July 13, 2009 in the ‘downtown’ area of Las Vegas. It is approximately 65,000 sq. ft. and includes 13 examination rooms, office for healthcare practitioners and researchers, a “Museum of the Mind”, and a community auditorium. The Center will also serve as the headquarters for Keep Memory Alive, the Las Vegas Alzheimer’s Association and the Las Vegas Parkinson’s Disease Association. Tours of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health are offered by appointment. Please contact 702.263.9797 to arrange a date and time.

Play a Slide Show Clicking the picture-link below will open OneDrive in a new window and a folder containing 10 pictures taken of trip to the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. To view the show, click on the first picture in the folder and you will get the following menu bar: Clicking the "Play slide show" will play a fullscreen window of the slide show. Note: Every attempt is made to provide accurate information, but occasionally depictions are inaccurate by error of mapping, navigation or cataloging. The information on this site is provided without any warranty, express or implied, and is for informational and historical purposes only.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

After four years of construction, the $3.9 billion, 2,995-room Cosmopolitan opened in December to much applause from everyone. The property also includes two 52-story towers. Connie and I explored it back in February of 2011 and, after touring the inside of the property for nearly two hours, were quite impressed. It certainly has a unique ‘feel’ when compared to most Las Vegas Casinos. In fact, because of its unique design, being built on a relatively small foot-print everything is built upward instead of spread out like most Vegas casino properties, leaving you with the feeling that you are not even in a casino. We were quite impressed with the design and layout and really liked it.

Probably one of its most noted features is the three story crystal chandelier. With seating for more than 500 guests nestled within its shimmering strands of 2 million beaded crystals. The first floor of blends effortlessly into the casino itself and features a DJ and is devoted to intricate specialty cocktails. The second floor provides the most exclusive experience, serving drinks with molecular garnishes delivered tableside from a modern bar cart. The third floor, overlooking the entirety of the casino, exudes femininity and offers yet another take on creatively infused cocktails. Floral elements like rose, violet and lavender essences are used to make a mix of classic and modern drinks such as the Violet Femme, a gin and elderflower cocktail rimmed in violet sugar with edible violets.

Background Info: Before construction even began, engineers had to deal with an underground river that flowed beneath the property to the tune of some 80,000 gallons a day. In order to accommodate its 5-story underground garage, Initial excavation went down 10 stories below the Strip, with slurry walls thick enough to stand on their own. Original plans called for the casino to be on the second floor, but this was later changed and the casino was built on ground level, like most other Las Vegas hotel-casinos. Due to the decline in the economy, the planned condo units were cancelled and replaced with studios and other hotel rooms.The multistory design now includes a casino on the ground floor with access to the Strip and restaurants, entertainment and shops on upper floors, and three pool areas overlooking the Strip on the fourth floor.

Veer Towers at City Center




 I took this picture on a visit to City Center with some visiting relative in March of 2010. There is so much to see here, that I plan on making a several more picture taking visits. The wild slant of Las Vegas’s Veer Towers, designed by Helmut Jahn create one of the most eye-grabbing sights in Las Vegas. The twin 37-story trapezoidal-shaped towers tilt five degrees in opposite directions for a striking visual contrast of angles that seem suspended in time and space.  By contrast, the Leaning Tower of Pisa tilts just 3.9 degrees. A core of slanted columns hands off the load at the sixth, 19th and 32nd floors as the floorplates shift more than 35 feet across the 37-story height of the building. The result is an impossible-looking structure and, because the towers lean past each other, views from every room.Buildings are wrapped in a distinctive yellow checkerboard fritting that reduces heat gain while providing shading and privacy. It could be one of 2010's boldest examples of a true partnership between architect and engineer, in what Jahn calls “archineering.”

Area Description: CityCenter is a 16,797,000-square-foot mixed-use, massive urban complex on 76 acres located on the Las Vegas Strip. With a total cost of more than 11 billion dollars, the project, owned MGM Resorts International was the largest privately funded construction project in the history of the United States. Vdara, Aria and Mandarin Oriental (a mix of hotels, residences, casino and restaurants) and The Crystals (a high-end shopping mall) opened in December 2009. The Veer Towers and the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino opened in 2010. Plagued by construction problems and lawsuits, The Harmon Hotel and  Residences has yet to open.