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Project Name

Hidden Portals

Firm:

Awards Category

Academic Project

Project Summary

The current design of employee entrances across the Las Vegas Strip starkly contrasts the vibrant and inviting atmosphere experienced by visitors (Sheehan, 2004). This oversight undermines the potential for creating a hospitable and efficient work environment where every design decision contributes positively to the employees' experience. There is a critical need for a shift towards authentic utilitarian architecture in these spaces, where the primary goal should be to simultaneously enhance functionality, productivity, and employee well-being. This book posits that a transformative architectural intervention of resort employee entrances, rooted in principles of architectural determinism, is a necessity to enhance employee morale and profoundly foster an elevated work environment. Biophilia, or the innate human inclination towards nature, will be the guiding philosophy for integrating natural elements into the back-of-house areas, aiming to create aesthetically pleasing spaces conducive to a healthier, more efficient work environment. Through the use of architectural behaviorism (Pop, 2014), our design approach will challenge the conventional boundaries of back-of-house design, setting a new standard for how resorts on the Las Vegas Strip and beyond consider their most valuable asset— their employees.

Project Narrative

Hospitality workers face a challenging start to their day, battling through city traffic to reach their hotels, then walking from distant parking lots to employee entrances through neglected alleys and past unpleasant smells. This stressful commute, coupled with rushing through security and hallways, leaves them already frazzled before their shifts even begin. Their workday is filled with demanding tasks, from cooking and greeting guests to cleaning rooms and handling tourist complaints, without a moment's peace. Contrast this with the hotel guest experience from the moment they arrive. Gliding smoothly through the city in a complimentary shuttle or their own vehicles, they are ushered into well-appointed front entrances, greeted by the warm smiles of the staff. A brief, pleasant walk through beautifully decorated lobbies filled with fresh scents and soothing music sets a serene tone. Their day at the hotel unfolds leisurely, with ample time to savor gourmet meals, relax in luxurious rooms, or explore amenities, all tended to by attentive staff who handle every request with care and professionalism. This contrast underscores the disparity between the experiences of guests and those who serve them.

Sustainable Design & Materials

Integrating desert greenery into employee entrance redesigns can significantly enhance employee well-being and productivity. Desert plants not only provide aesthetic appeal but also offer various psychological and physiological benefits. Exposure to natural elements like desert greenery can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase job satisfaction. Research shows that even small-scale greenery in the workplace can effectively reduce stress, positively affecting overall well-being and work attitudes​ (Gu et al., 2022) (Hall & Knuth, 2019)​. Incorporating desert flora into landscaping designs can also be a natural defense against environmental noise, creating quieter and more serene workspaces. Plants are known to help reduce noise levels, which can decrease stress and enhance concentration and productivity. Additionally, the natural scents of desert greenery can improve the olfactory environment, further enhancing the workplace atmosphere and reducing the psychological stress associated with urban settings (Insinger, 2024) Moreover, such landscaping can attract local wildlife, allowing employees to engage with nature directly at their workplace. Integrating desert greenery in employee entrance areas can create a more pleasant, healthful, and engaging environment, ultimately leading to improved employee health and increased productivity (Kellert, 2018). Integrating natural facade materials such as wood and stone, along with strategic use of windows, into the design of employee entrances can significantly enhance employee well-being and performance. Natural materials and colors have been shown to reduce stress and increase psychological comfort, promoting a healthier and more productive workplace environment (Savavibool et al., 2018). Using such materials helps blur the lines between indoor and outdoor environments, fostering a connection with nature that benefits mental health and cognitive function.

Project Stats

Square Feet

0

Green Building Designation(s)

Date of Completion

Spring 2024

Project Location

Las Vegas, NV, USA

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