Tao Las Vegas is a Pan-Asian restaurant and night-club encompassing 2 ½ levels at the Venetian hotel and casino. The owners envisioned a contemporary Zen Sactum that would compete with over the top local attractions in the surrounding area. The result is a 37,000 square foot space that was transformed from an existing Warner Brothers themed restaurant into an Asian themed retreat.

One of the main challenges of the project was to incorporate an Asian minimalist design into the existing baroque décor at the Venetian Hotel. Beginning with façade, acrylic frames distinguish the twin entrances of Tao Las Vegas. One entry takes you to the club above, via a series of elevators, while the other tunnels you into the main lounge. The tunnel, which Chinese inspired moon gates, is an example of a design strategy that resonates throughout Tao Las Vegas. That is, establishing strategic spots for observing all the action occurring inside. From the tunnel, one can only get a hint of what’s inside before opening up to the main restaurant lounge. This can be experienced again when one enters the main dining area with its 37-foot high ceiling because it is hidden behind the lounge bar. The main dining space also features a 16-foot tall signature Buddha and Mezzanine. The second floor night club is reached via a central stair that over-looks the dining area. Once upstairs, private booths line the corridor that opens up into the grand club area and dance floor with the famous Las Vegas strip as its backdrop.

AIA Nevada Design Awards (2006) Entry No. IE06041, Merit Award.
UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: Form Core Boards, Project Identification Form, Photo Release Form, Intern Compensation Disclaimer Form, Project Entry Form, Exteriors Photos, Site Plan, Floor Plans, Interior Photos and CD

“Project Types: Restaurants, ‘TAO’ at The Venetian.” Klai Juba Architects. 2005. [Online]. Available: http://www.klaijuba.com/ Accessed June 29, 2005.

Studio GAIA 2006 Tao, Las Vegas, Nevada. 129-139.