FILIPINO BREEZE
SOLAIRE RESORT AND CASINO
Manila Bay , The Philippines
IF EVER A CASINO DESIGN PROJECT reflected its surroundings , it ’ s the 1 millionsquare-foot Solaire Resort in Manila Bay . Opened last March , the casino resort carries the environment of its seaside location from the outside to the inside , according to Paul Steelman , principal of Steelman Partners , design architect for the project .
“ Solaire is a French word meaning ‘ the breeze from the air ,’ which clearly demonstrates the inspiration behind Solaire Resort and Casino ,” Steelman says . Starting with the exterior design , the idea behind Solaire was to reflect “ Manila Bay ’ s famed spectacular sunset and the breeze that it brings every day .”
Steelman says the firm sought to create a timeless design for the beachfront building . “ The podium exterior was designed with a crisp horizontality that provides shaded terraces and protected views ,” he explains . “ This is contrasted by the undulating articulation and verticality of the hotel tower . These visual and experiential contrasts are rendered most apparent along the porte-cochere as visitors are drawn across the entryway and under the mass of the tower .”
Inside , tropical and colonial inspirations create a look that is familiar to the Filipino , Steelman says . “ From its mother-of-pearl inlaid posts , hardwood beams , trademark lattice lintels , blown-glass and steel dividers , and the botanical-printed carpets that echo Spanish flamenco shawls , the main area offers a glimpse of the country ’ s finest .”
The lobby is graced with authentic , handcut crystal chandeliers and towering foliage décor . High-gloss abstract art by Matthew James adds to the effect in the reception area .
Solaire has approximately 500 luxuriously appointed rooms , suites and bayside villas that offer sophistication in a comfortable setting . The Resort Villas range from 600 square meters to 1,000 square meters each , with a majestic view of the Manila Bay sunset . Each villa also includes its own pool , Jacuzzi , and putting green .
The overall concept of the casino at Solaire Resort and Casino was delivered by the use of three finishes . The walls are a light cream color . Natural tan marble was used on the portals and floor . Highly dark wood lacquer veneer panels with accent metal trim bring reflection , depth and contrast to the space . The lavish casino took a stratified design approach where each market segment has its own entry / lobby , casino , restaurants and support space . The market segments are mass “ local ” gaming , “ GEN Y ” gaming , mass VIP
gaming and VIP gaming . Both lobbies are accentuated by numerous contemporary art pieces by Filipino artists .
The Dragon Bar is the centerpiece of the lobby . There , an impressive dragon sculpture looks over the bar . It is made up of 1,500 individual crystal components , giving the place a regal appearance . The ceiling is painted with a gold finish , softening the look of the space .
— FRANK LEGATO
OWNER : Bloomberry Resorts
DESIGN ARCHITECT : Steelman Partners ; local architect NS Incorporated Architecture ; lighting design , Shop 12
INTERIOR DESIGN : DSAA CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR : D . M . Consunji Inc . PROJECT MANAGER : SIP International TOTAL INVESTMENT : $ 1.2 billion ( estimated )
NEW AGE NIGHTCLUB
HAKKASAN , MGM GRAND
Las Vegas , Nevada
IF ANY ONE FACILITY can be said to redefine the nightclub scene in Las Vegas over the past few years , it ’ s Hakkasan at MGM Grand . Taking the place of one of the original Las Vegas nightclubs , Studio 54 , Hakkasan has had an immediate impact on the nightclub market because of its style , amenities and departure from the traditional Vegas nightclub .
With restaurants from Shanghai to Singapore to Dubai , Hakkasan has been making a name for itself in modern cuisine and design since it was founded in 2001 in London . The brand ’ s new Las Vegas restaurant and nightclub is one of its largest endeavors to date , both in scope — turning a 27,000-squarefoot , two-floor space into a five-level , 80,000- square-foot venue — and because the location is its first nightclub .
Hakkasan and Angel Management had a unique vision for the brand ’ s inaugural nightclub . The design philosophy focused on creating multiple experiences and involved steering away from the traditional Vegas glitz and sparkle and gave the space a more subdued , organic look that differed from other nightclubs in Vegas .
Designers worked with Hakkasan to select genuine building materials , such as real leather instead of vinyl seating , and natural stone , slate and granite for the walls , water features and floors . Other authentic craftsman materials were sourced from Asia , including the red lacquer , hand-carved Chinoiserie panels that mark the entry to Hakkasan ’ s Ling Ling Club and Lounge .
Located on Level 3 , the 2,300-square-foot Ling Ling Lounge includes a low , intimate ceiling , full-height stone-jetted wall panels that divide the space , a DJ booth and its own golden lit bar .
To get to the main nightclub , guests pass through a small , alley-like entrance reminiscent of Hakkasan ’ s London roots . Upon entering the massive club , guests are surrounded by tiered banquet seating , which provides great visibility to the dance floor and DJ from anywhere in the club . Finally , a fifthfloor mezzanine hovers above the main club and gives guests a birdseye view of the fourth-level main club and pavilion .
A curved , spider-web ceiling of LEDs installed in the nightclub houses computer-controlled panels , which can be lit to create a variety of stunning patterns and effects , including a whole room of color .
The result is an innovative entertainment space that can be transformed at the flick of a switch .
If you look at traditional Las Vegas clubs , they ’ ll be really hot for three to nine months , but after a year , they have to revamp so that they have a fresh , new and exciting look . Hakkasan was designed with enough depth to be a sustainable fixture on the Strip .
— PATRICK ROBERTS
OWNER : Hakkasan Limited NIGHTCLUB REPRESENTATIVE : Angel Management Group
ARCHITECT : YWS Design and Architecture
INTERIOR DESIGN : 212 Design , conceptual design , nightlub ; Gilles & Bossier , restaurant
BUILDER : McCarthy Building Companies , LLC TOTAL INVESTMENT : $ 115 million
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