These days, it is difficult to pick up a design or business magazine without seeing at least one article on designing “green” buildings. Designing buildings that leave less of a “footprint” on the environment is quickly going from trend to requirement. The needs of customers are also changing, especially in the casino business. The days of the gaudy, smoke-filled casino are becoming a thing of the past as customers demand more natural, resort-like casinos with more relaxing environments.
It is imperative, therefore, that design professionals understand the key concepts of environmentally responsible design. Combining earth-friendly practices with designs that represent the surrounding environment will create casinos that are in harmony with nature as well as having that resort feel.
Native American cultures, in particular, strive to live in harmony with nature, requiring that their casinos be built in conjunction with the natural environment. Working with Native American clients requires an understanding of this important aspect. There are many ways to bring the natural environment and local culture into casino design, such as adding windows to bring the outdoors in, preserving a site’s native vegetation, and purchasing materials locally.
Pre-Planning
Designing in harmony with nature begins with knowing the site. Surveying the land for the best location and orientation is the first and most important part of the design process. Begin by studying the panora with the help of a compass and, if possible, from a higher elevation, maybe in a “cherry picker” crane. The goal here is to pinpoint exactly where the best natural views exist so they can be maximized through the design. Study the access to the site from main arterial roads so that the most interesting aesthetics of the casino will face customer arrival areas and highway traffic, which is filled with potential clients.
Native vegetation can be a useful design element. Study the native plants and plan to build around mature plants and trees to maintain a natural feel. Water flow may also be a great design element. It is important to protect natural, existing water flow to cause the least amount of disturbance to the natural environment.
Daylighting is another important element to consider when designing a building harmonious with nature. To use daylighting, take notice of the quality, amount and direction of the sunlight across the site. The most energy-efficient buildings have windows that are deliberately placed to capture different types of light from the sun during specific times of its orientation in the sky. The most beautiful light comes from the north, as it is softer and naturally filtered. The sunlight from the south is easy to shield with overhangs, as the sun is highest in the sky. The most difficult orientations to plan for are the east and west, where low angles and intense light occur during the sun’s rising and setting.
After thoroughly studying the site, the desired orientation and location of the casino should be determined, as well as the possibility of using alternative power-generating facilities. Depending on the quality of light and the amount of wind, passive or active photovoltaic structures or turbines could be considered. These power systems will save money after the casino is built and are more Earth-friendly.
Design and Construction
When searching for design inspiration, put down the books and take a look at the project site again. Get inspiration from the land; surrounding mountains and water features, for example, can be powerful, inspirational elements. Also study the local culture to see if there are any particular architectural shapes or styles that can be used in the design of the casino. By harmonizing the building’s shapes with the natural environment and local culture, the architectural elements of the structure will be indicative of the land from which they spring.
When considering which materials to purchase, think locally first. Purchasing local materials is not only less expensive and more earth-friendly but it can also help create the desired native feel. It is important to note that thinking locally is not exclusive to materials; indigenous artists and craftsmen can be of great use and can provide cultural (and sometimes more cost-effective) services.
If the client requests that the casino be environmentally sustainable or LEED® certified, more considerations may need to be taken. There are many parameters to follow in order to produce a sustainable or certified building. The use of sustainable materials, such as low volatile organic compound paints, wall coverings and carpeting, needs to be factored in during the design process. While creating a sustainable building requires additional time and money, it saves the client money in the long run.
The construction process should be just as carefully mapped out as the design process. Building on the site should be performed with as little disturbance to the land as possible. To keep the landscape looking natural, try to maintain natural slopes when cutting and filling. Also, try not to import fill instead using the native soil as much as possible. Practices such as proper waste removal should be used, especially if the casino is to be LEED certified.
Blending with nature does not have to mean skimping on modern luxuries. Some tribal casinos have helipads, private VIP gaming rooms, spas, and premium celebrity suites. By adding modern amenities in a natural, relaxing environment, the casino will have massive appeal while being environmentally conscious.
The Sky Ute Example
The Sky Ute Casino is a great example of a building designed for harmony with nature. It is currently under construction in Ignacio Colo., for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. The project is a joint venture between AmerINDIAN Architecture and Leo A Daly, which is serving as the designer, executive architect and project manager.
The use of daylighting is prominent in the casino resort. The main centerpiece, and what everyone sees as they approach the property, is a stunning five-story atrium with an expansive view of the distant, picturesque Rocky Mountains. As the Rocky Mountains are sacred to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, showcasing them was a design priority. Insulated and partially shaded glass was used to keep excessive daylight from entering the space. The atrium and the windows throughout create a relaxing, resort-like feel that is a welcome change from the old tradition of the dark, smoky casino.
The look of the casino reflects the tribe in a contemporary way. The roofs symbolize the tribe’s traditional structures made of tree branches and hides. The ornamentation inside the casino was inspired by tribal beadwork, which is based on geometric shapes and vibrant, contrasting colors. On the tops of the columns throughout the casino, there are abstract representations of the tribe’s ancient stick game of chance. The landscaping of the sculpture gardens, outdoor picnic areas, miniature golf area and playgrounds was inspired by the surrounding land; these areas were designed to emulate the larger, natural shapes found in the region, such as the forests, valleys and water features.
To create a traditional, local feel, native material such as river rock, crafted wood, glass and metal were used throughout the casino. In order to represent the tribe accurately, tribal elders and the tribe’s museum collection were studied; not only were photos taken but sketches were drawn of the artifacts in order to capture the feelings and nuances of the tribal artisans.
The result is a beautiful, earth-friendly building that represents the tribe as well as the land on which it resides. The casino is set to open before the end of the year.
Final Thoughts
Designing for harmony with nature creates a space that is cost effective, earth-friendly and attractive. The end result is a casino that could not have been built anywhere else—it is unique to the site.
If you learn to design for harmony with nature now, you will be prepared when for the sure increase in sustainable projects. Remember to take advantage of the beauty of the site and design for the land. Capitalize on the vistas; if your casino site has fantastic views of a lake or is in a scenic rural valley, use windows to showcase the panoramas of the area. If there are great colors and shapes that occur naturally (or in the area’s local culture), use these to blend the building into its natural environment. Talk to the area’s native residents to learn more about their culture, and consider hiring some local artisans and craftsmen to incorporate traditional aspects into the design. Design with the natural space in mind and you will create a building that blends with nature, reflects the local culture and leaves a small footprint. Your clients will approve, the land will benefit, and more importantly, the patrons’ enjoyment will be maximized.
Photos courtesy of LEO A DALY and Dietrich Floeter.
Francis Xavier Dumont, AIA, is the Vice President and Director of Design at the Las Vegas office of LEO A DALY. He can be reached at (702) 369-3247 or fxdumont@leoadaly.com.
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