Entry number: B08028
Project Name: Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
Building Type: Hospitality
Completion Date: April 2007
Architect: Klai Juba Architects
Building Location: 3667 Las Vegas Blvd., South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Design Team:
Electrical Engineer: JBA Consulting Engineers
Landscape Architect: Attanasio Landscape Architecture, Inc.
General Contractor: M.J. Dean Construction, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Lochsa Engineering
Civil Engineer: Lochsa Engineering
Mechanical Engineer: JBA Consulting Engineers
Interior Designer: Dougall Design Associates, Inc.
Photographer: Opulence Studios/ Christopher Pettit
Lighting Designer: CD+M Lighting Design Group
CODE/Life Safety Consultant: Arup
Food Service Design: Jem West
Exterior Signage Consultant: Casino Lighting & Sign
Audio/Visual Consultant: Savi-Specialized Audio-Visual, Inc.
Design Consultant: COLAB Architecture + Urban Design
Sign Designer: Sotto Studios

Narrative:
Located at the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip, the new Planet Hollywood Resort is a product of renovation and reuse of the previous Aladdin Resort. Primary goals of this project were to transform the dated, under-performing resort into an exciting, visible, profitable property with a retro-chic atmosphere that attracted a younger more sophisticated clientele than its predecessor. Also of high importance was to improve pedestrian access to the resort along Las Vegas Boulevard, deemed one of the key components to the future success of the property - all goals needing to be achieved within the framework of an existing, very unique structure.

In response to the need to improve pedestrian access, the existing separation of public way with resort access was removed and in its place a new, elevated pedestrian plaza was constructed to engage passersby with the dynamic façade which, along with providing easier access to the gaming and retail amenities provided a vertical separation between pedestrians and vehicles substantially improving public safety. The façade itself was transformed from a Disney-esque Moroccan theme to an undulating dynamic façade featuring one-of-a-kind LED discs which provide changing, programmed color to entire length of the building facing the Strip. At each end of the building video displays, which are some of the largest in the world, integrate with programming of the LED discs to provide a media experience worthy of its address.

Inside, the new property sets a new tone integrating a far superior list of food, beverage and entertainment with traditional gaming functions. Included in this is a mix of bars, restaurants, and ultra lounges including one that doubles as a live television studio for entertainment/Hollywood focused broadcasts. This effort of media integration is buttressed by programmable LED and video displays throughout the public areas which are capable of broadcasting live events on property. The unusually large volume of the casino is controlled using suspended modern 'clouds' equipped with color changing LED lights but yet utilized by a dynamic placement of dining amenities at both high and low elevations offering great view angles for people watching.

Sustainable description:
In a neighborhood perhaps more known for disregarding environmental sensitivity in tearing down buildings as fast as they are put up, this property undertook one of the most fundamental practices in sustainable building in practice today, adaptive reuse. In doing so, much creativity was needed in placing and integrating the critical mass of restaurant and entertainment space not previously present and vitally needed to support the ambitious gaming and retain components of the new property.

Naturally concern was brought up regarding the extensive use of light and media in the new design. Through the use of energy efficient LED components and sophisticated programming, an energy efficient product was delivered with no sacrifice in quality or excitement. Less obvious but equally if not of more importance were many high efficiency mechanical and plumbing upgrades as well as a new light-colored roofing material to reduce the heat island effect of the property.

As noted, one of the primary goals of the project was a more safe and effective pedestrian experience along Las Vegas Boulevard. In executing this, the design team created a pleasing environment complementary of the new property using xeriscaping design techniques. Additionally, the design team was able to improve public transportation access to the property through new, larger and more comfortable bus stops to service the growing use of the new double-decker bus transit system.