LAS VEGAS, Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Being cool never felt so good.
Color-changing art installations that elicit wonder and
curiosity to all passersby will provide aesthetic appeal to The
Strip's first park. Standing at heights that range from 55 feet to
75 feet tall, sixteen stunning shade structures will
line The Park casting artsy shadows and creating countless
iconic photo opportunities for guests walking through the
outdoor retreat.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/77609241-the-park-shade-structures-las-vegas/
Shade Structures
Built by IHC Studio Metalix, a Netherlands-based firm dedicated to the design
and construction of high performance ships, the structures are the
first-in-kind in Las Vegas. The
production of each structure, from cutting and forming to welding
and assembly, took more than 2,000 hours to complete. In total, IHC
employees dedicated 32,000 labor hours to construct these beautiful
sculptures.
IHC Studio Metalix employee assembling the
shade structure
IHC Studio Metalix Architectural Fabricator Hans de Klerk said,
"The structures are a big contribution to The Park experience; they
are incredibly eye-catching and will truly change the landscape of
The Strip. The 3D shaping, metal stretching and lighting design of
the structures showcase impressive technological advancements that
give The Park that unbelievable "wow" factor."
IHC Studio Metalix employee processing the
metal before forming
Creative designers at the New York
City-based landscape architecture firm !melk, used
innovative 3D software to understand how the monumental
perforated steel structures would work in sync with the forms
and materials of The Park. As a result, every guest will experience
a different visual array of designs and shapes based on the path
they choose.
!melk Founder Jerry van Eyck said, "We studied how the movement
of the sun would impact The Park and overlaid the pedestrian scale
of the space to determine the ideal location and size for each
group of shade structures. The varied perforations were inspired by
patterns and textures from the desert environment and they cast a
playful shadow on the colorful pavers below."
So what makes the structures so unique?
During the day, carefully designed perforations, nearly 1,200
per crown, will cast delicate patterns on the The Park grounds. At
night, the openings will emit an intense glow, creating a magical
light effect. On the quarter hour, the structures will look as if
they transform into large cactus blooms with beautiful petals
that exude awe-inspiring colors. This computer sequencing technique
will allow for a "visual chime" to take place. Visitors will be
able to tell what time it is based on the changes, just like the
aural chimes on a clock.
Arup Associate Principal Leni
Schwendinger, lighting designer and artist, said, "The
transformation will be elegant and gorgeous. For people who know
about the timing of the change, it will be a moment to
anticipate."
This computer sequencing technique will allow for a "visual
chime" to take place. Visitors will be able to tell what time
it is based on the changes, just like the aural chimes on a
clock.
Shade Structures at Night
The kicker? The lights cannot be installed until the shade
structures are mounted into the ground at The Park. At that point,
Schwendinger and her team will travel to Las Vegas for the installation, which will
include placing thousands of LED light fixtures by hand.
Schwendinger added, "Our approach melds material, color and
human factors to create a visual identity. Naturally, the
lighting will follow suit. The Park's nighttime identity offers an
antidote to the over-the-top displays surrounding the landscape,
bidding the visitor respite and an alternate experience of
beauty."
Set to open in April 2016, The
Park will serve as the official gateway to T-Mobile Arena,
providing a reprieve from the hype of the Las Vegas Strip. Visitors
may relax and unwind in the beauty of modern design while
socializing with friends; enjoy delicious cuisine from neighborhood
restaurants and bars; or stroll through the space to take in the
sights of The Strip's newest cultural destination.
Did You Know
- The shade structures were made in the
Netherlands
- Average time to put together one structure: More than 2,000
hours.
- The average weight of each shade structure is between 12 and 20
metric tons
- Approximately 400 tons of steel was used in the construction of
The Park's shade structures
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SOURCE MGM Resorts International