Learning From Las Vegas

In the reading Learning from Las Vegas, it is addressed that some architects believe that a building should be clear and concise to eliminate the need of signs. I feel that this is obviously the correct path to take in design, with the exception of a few examples. A court house is one of the most confusing buildings I have ever been in and without signs, I would have never found my desired destination. Another example may be and airport. In Las Vegas, signs are necessary to discern what building you are looking for amongst the clutter. With this in mind, this makes the sign’s importance supersede the importance of the architecture.

I found the design of the casino level very interesting. First having no windows to make it impossible to distinguish what time it is. The walls are made to be very dark to make the room seem limitless and keep concentration on the gambling. The effect needed to be achieved by the casino level is to convey privacy, protection, and concentration. This is very different from the older thought on the design of the casino, which was well lit, windowed, open, and uncluttered with furniture. This method gathers large groups together to gamble.