The circular lobby for the Casino and Convention Center. The space presented numerous challenges, organizing the interior facades when a regular rhythm of 'pilasters' was elusive, create depth in these same facades, address the ceiling with it's oculus, and clerestorey windows situated right under the truss system, energize the space, and finally orient the visitor to the main casino connector. A system of angled 'chevron' pilasters was instituted, even though a-rhythmically, to create depth; the ceiling stepped down towards the center, creating and reinforcing the entry / picture window axis; and water features were located in the center, and behind the reception desks.
The angled pilasters can be clearly seen on the plan.
The central spine established by the ceiling delineation, that reinforced the Entry / View window axis, with the reception desk to the right, and the casino link to the left.
The stepped ceiling, and angled pilaster details.
The four structural columns supporting the oculus, were clad in angled stone to mimic the angled pilasters. All surrounding a small water feature.
The Pre-function space off the main ballroom- with its second and third floor meeting rooms, reused some of the facade treatment from the casino, and pulled in the circular lighting motif. The 3 large exterior windows guided the creation of the overscale casings, 'partitioning' the space, and creating a hierarchy.
The footings of the 'casings' can be clearly seen in the plan. The corridor to the left connects to the casino.
The original concept for the balcony at second level was for a series of circular coves. This was rationalized into a series of circular light fittings. The tall cylindrical light fixture concept came from the opera house in the town where I grew up. They also mark the street entrance and vehicle drop off to the convention center.
The hotel reception / concierge is a 'storefront' off the main casino. The challenge presented by the structural column and pilaster configuration, resulted in an 'frame' condition that bisected the concierge desk. The edge lit coves on the rear wall, returned onto the ceiling plane, creating a layered effect. The seating side of the room became a lounge alcove with it's marginally lower ceiling height, and wood panel render.
The Concierge desk and intersecting frame can be clearly seen in the Plan and RCP. Also, the side aisle lounge zone.
The 'frame' is center left, and the edge lit coves on rear wall returning at the ceiling, are clearly visible
The theater concept drew on the ribbon concept that wrapped the side walls of the main casino. The catwalk for theater functionality, lighting and special effects, was situated in a suspended circular ring. There was extensive research into this item, and the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles was it's genesis.
The theater with it's ribbon proscenium.
Part of the project was an exercise in branding for the casino, an en expansion of the original property, hence the use of the # 2. A scrabble tile, or perhaps the periodic chart are the inspiration.