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  Suburban Sustainability Lessons From History and Environment, Innovations for Tomorrow

  Joan Barlongo

  This study explores the re-imagining of outdoor spaces in suburban homes within the context of Las Vegas, utilizing vernacular architecture principles and climate-responsive sustainable solutions to enhance residents’ quality of life. Las Vegas, situated in a desert climate, presents unique challenges in terms of sustainable living and outdoor comfort due to extreme temperatures and limited water resources.

  By incorporating vernacular architectural elements and adopting climate-responsive strategies, this study aims to propose innovative approaches to outdoor space design that promote environmental sustainability, cultural identity, and improved well-being for suburban residents. Through an analysis of vernacular architecture, climate data, and sustainable design principles, this thesis offers practical recommendations for optimizing outdoor spaces in suburban homes to better suit the needs of Las Vegas residents while mitigating environmental impact.

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  “Minimal-Impact” Las Vegas Spaceport

  Joshua Bombala

  The development of a Minimal-Impact spaceport stands as a pivotal stride in the pursuit of sustainable aerospace initiatives, bridging the gap between human progress and environmental care. This thesis seeks to explore the emotional impact of architecture on guests, drawing parallels from the world of aerospace to examine how the design of spaces, such as those in Las Vegas, significantly influences the emotions of visitors. By conceptualizing a Minimal-Impact spaceport that minimizes ecological footprint, optimizes resource efficiency using local resources, and seamlessly blends with its natural environment, this thesis contends that a spaceport should adhere to a new set standard in responsible aerospace infrastructure and strive to create a substantial emotional impact on its visitors.

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  Meadows Micro-City Transforming the Retail Typology of Meadows Mall Into a Mixed-Use Urban Micro-City

  Horacio Botello

  This research book has initiated a comprehensive analysis on optimal micro-city developments in Las Vegas based on two impending issues that when combined can provide lead to a potential solution. It begins with an overview of the doomed future of the great American mall that will eventually disappear. The research then transitions into the severe housing deficit in Las Vegas which paired with the drastic increase in housing costs has directly affected new potential home buyers. The thesis proposes to utilize soon to be vacant malls and their surrounding sites as prototypes for a micro-city development. Through the analysis of case studies and potential sites, the Meadows Malls is selected as a case study to generate a new micro-city development for Las Vegas based on its location and context. The design iterations first focus on amenity layouts synthesized from existing Las Vegas areas to provide optimal configurations for retail, residential, and public park areas. After further analysis, an optimal layout is selected consisting of a balance between all amenities that will satisfy residents, the public, and developers. Lastly, the selected iteration is refined into a conceptual master plan diagramming where certain amenities are located, how many there are, and why they have been established there. Ultimately, this research provides an initial design proposal to developers and city official as a potential solution for the looming issues previously stated that will affect all major cities around the country.

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  Redesigning Studentscapes The Future of Outdoor Educational Spaces

  Jaime Centeno

  Currently, there is very little research in the field of architecture that touches upon mental health. While there were many articles that were written during this period discussing the correlation between architecture and mental health, most of them were not peer-reviewed studies and did not specify any mental illness, but were instead very broad and vague. In a recent investigation from 2020, researchers found that between 2008 and 2020, there were a total of 59 academic papers published discussing the relationship between architecture and at least 1 mental illness (Aljunaidy & Adi, 2020). The majority (66%) of articles focused on either autism or dementia. Articles discussing anxiety and depression, the two leading mental illnesses in the country accounted for only 8% of total scholarship. When stress- related disorders were added to the aforementioned categories, the number of articles increased to 20%. Given the increased awareness around mental health and the prevalence of anxiety and depression, it was unfortunate that there were only 12 articles written in the span of 12 years that discussed the topic in relation to architecture.

  Of the 2 articles discussing anxiety disorders, only one of them focused on generalized anxiety disorder, and it was related to healthcare settings. Of the 3 articles discussing depression, 2 of them focused on psychiatric healthcare facilities, and the third one vaguely mentioned architecture, but was not substantial enough to constitute as architectural research. This means that in the past decade there were 0 research articles discussing the relationship between school architecture and generalized anxiety or depression, the two most prevalent mental illnesses amongst school-age children and teenagers.

  Given the prevalence of anxiety related disorders amonst K-12 students, it seems there is a gap in the current scholarship surrounding school architecture. This project aims to begin filling that gap by relating the built environment of a school with the psychology of the students within.

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  Agri-Tecture Aesthetic Designs Addressing Food Resilience in Urban Environments

  V. Kate Ferguson

  Food resilience in urban centers is increasing at risk due to climate change, economic costs, diminishing resources and ultimately the evolution of human society. As our way of life changes we must also adapt in how we grow, harvest and transport food. Hydroponic farms and innovative urban agriculture have proven to yield more food production with fewer resources than traditional agriculture methods. Urban centers throughout the world have been more of food deserts and rely on importation of over 90% of food. Proven urban farming methods can be integrated into existing buildings, such as rooftops, walls, warehouses, or vertical structures, to address food security resilience and create more green spaces in the city. City planners need to incorporate creative solutions to the changing needs of society. Architects will need to lead the design principles and strategies that incorporate Building Integrated Agriculture (BIA) as an everyday part of all design practices.

  Note: the term “ Agri-tecture” has been used within the industry to fuse the concepts of agriculture and architecture. Its usage here is not intended to be original nor trademarked.

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  Chasing Wins to Chasing Memories Visitor Trends Playing Their Hand in the Casino Floor Through Informed Architectural and Interior Design Cues

  Taylee Kelly

  Integrated resorts throughout Las Vegas captivate audiences through its immersive architectural design and unique thematic branding. Beyond hotel accommodations, integrated resorts offer a variety of amenities for the enjoyment and convenience of visitors from dining, retail, entertainment and more. Among the heart of these resorts lies the alluring casino floor, filled with endless gaming options for visitors optimistic in the possibility of winning big.

  Las Vegas’ identity as a gambling mecca has heralded slot machines and table games as the cynosure of casino floors, strategically placed and oriented by designers in aims of optimizing gaming revenue and increasing engagement among visitors. Two casino design theories have dominated Las Vegas casinos in past decades; the old-school maze layout which focused on luring the gambler in with no concept of time or the outside world, due to having no windows or clocks in sight. The contrary and most commonly seen today is the playground layout focused on transforming the casino floor into a place of exploration and curiosity, in tune, creating a comfortable environment for gamblers that they want to stay in. In an ever-changing Las Vegas, integrated resorts and other businesses and experiences within the hospitality industry continue to evolve with visitor preferences and popular trends. In the same manner, casino design theories will continue to evolve with gambler preferences and visitor trends, posing the question: what are current trends in Las Vegas tourism that have yet to be addressed specifically within the architecture and design of the casino floor and gaming experience?

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  Hidden Portals An Architectural Intervention Of Casino Employee Entrances

  Cesar Salazar

  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.

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  Food Reclamation and Redistribution: Addressing Grocery Store Food Waste, Insecurity and Accessibility Through the Introduction of Food Pantry and Educational Space on Existing Grocery Store Sites

  Diane Arista

  Looking at Las Vegas, there is a lack of local agricultural systems. Due to its desert climate and current state of drought, there are insufficient resources to establish a traditional style of agriculture. With the lack of in-state or in-city agriculture, Las Vegas is seeing a rise in population of those who face food insecurity and lack of access to fresh food. In order to even consider food growth that would help to mitigate insecurities, there would need to be commitment to establishing an alternative agricultural process that would survive in Las Vegas' arid climate. These alternatives often look at the support of new technologies and alternative agricultural processes. However, before even thinking about what systems can be added to the city, it's important to look at how we can restructure systems that already exist.

  Clark county has seen an increase in food insecurity, and therefore food deserts, in the last 10 years. Communities are facing less access to fresh food suppliers. This inaccessibility is due to many reasons, but the most impactful are due to lack of income to afford fresh food or lack of geographical access to these resources. Due to this, many of those who live in food deserts often result in eating more fast food because of its affordability. So how can we make food more accessible and more affordable?

  With population growth, addressing food insecurity is becoming more of an issue. While billions are going without fresh food, there's at least of all the world's food going to waste in landfills. Grocery stores - the most common source of fresh food for communities - contribute to 11% of all food waste due to product appearance standards, damage or products and "expiration" dates. The majority of all food waste - 44% - comes from the residential sector and still billions of people face food insecurity.

  So the relationship between the supplier - the grocery store - and the consumer needs to change. Systems within the grocery store need to change to address potential food waste and find ways of reclaiming food waste so that it can become more accessible for the everyday consumer.

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  Mycological Renovations: How Saprophytic Fungi-Composite Materials Can Remodle FF&E

  Dillon Denig

  The hospitality sector in Las Vegas particularly could do a better job at leading by example through more sustainable renovations and experiences. Today's travelers, restaurant patrons, hotel bookers and shoppers care about sustainability and sustainable practices make hospitality organizations stand out. In the ongoing climate crisis, research is being conducted assessing the viability of biomimetric materials which are responsibly sources, do not release harmful man-made toxins, and decompose through natural means. One of these organic materials further being researched as a likely future replacement of plastics is mycelium. The design method will follow growing various mycelium fixtures and furnishings following different existing hotel room archetypes (in this case the using Excalibur as the site) to examine the likely acceptance of an organic material in the hospitality industry. The goal of the establishment of a local mycelium garden-lab as a direct appendage and renovation material supplier is a sustainable change to the business of remodling hotel rooms in Las Vegas.

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  Overcrowded Street: Entertainment-Design-Driven Approach to Urban Design

  Jairo Fajardo

  Cable cars have evolved over the years, both in technology and in their uses. In the beginning, they were used mainly to transport materials and supply troops in times of war; after the First World War, these cable cars began their transformation, orienting them as economic transport and tourist attractions with a low impact on the landscape, allowing us to travel through areas that are difficult to access or where the construction of roads is not justified.

  For this project, a proposal will be made to implement a cable car system to decongest the overcrowded sidewalks and as a tourist attraction at the Las Vegas Strip. This place has been chosen for its outstanding scenic appeal and to reduce the number of pedestrians simultaneously congregated in this location. To develop this project, evaluate the tentative routes for the cable, using informative programs that show a virtual globe that allows viewing different cartographies based on satellite photographs, topographic plans, sketches and 3d models. Study the different types of cable cars and their advantages and disadvantages for the project's development in the selected route. Design the stations, location, quantity, and capacity of the cable car's cabins. Choose the maximum flow of people per hour that is estimated to be transported, the selection of the amount and type of cable will be made, which must support the complete system at maximum load and apply the safety factor that this transport must-have.

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  Hospitable Healthcare Design: Bridging Hospitality and Palliative and End-of-Life Care

  Gabrielle Fernandez

  Aside from the reverence of cemeteries and funeral homes, healthcare facilities are spaces where the reality of death coexists with the vitality of life. Regardless of culture or background, every person has to interact with the certainty of mortality, but not all of society is provided with rituals and spaces that adequately allow one to grieve. In the case of patients and family members who experience palliative and hospice care, the grieving process tends to begin long before the person has passed; changes in physical and mental state are a foreshadowing to an end that is hard to accept overnight. As staff and family support the patient, and each other, it is necessary for palliative and hospice facilities to support the healing and comfort of all the users involved in end-of-life care, not only through their function, but most importantly by creating psychologically-supportive environments that strive to not contribute to the existing stressors of their circumstances.

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  Redefining Pedestrian Infrastructure

  Maurice Gregory

  Urban spaces are seeing a poor adaptability of roads and pedestrian traffic to coexist without conflict. This can be seen by looking into vehicle versus pedestrian accidents and their causes, what interventions are currently in place, and how urban sprawl has played a part in this crisis. In addition, case studies focusing on various urban design plans will be evaluated. Finally, it will be discussed how these issues can be addressed and what implementations can be made architecturally to alleviate the strain between vehicles and pedestrians in urban spaces.

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  Urban Air Mobility: Envisioning UAM as an Integrated Form of Future Transport - A Las Vegas Case Study

  Osarodion Victory Igbinobaro

  Rapid urbanization has resulted in more people moving to cities to live and work. By 2030, an estimated 5 billion people will live in urban areas representing about 60% of the world's population. This increase in population growth brings forth new mobility challenges and opportunities for city planners, importantly, the challenge of transporting people and goods to their destinations in the most efficient, safe, quick and sustainable manner.

  Traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, the cost of maintaining existing and building new transportation infrastructure are among several reasons why many cities seek sustainable alternatives to compliment their existing transport systems and meet their growing future mobility needs. Following the technological innovations and regulatory advancements in air travel in recent years, one of such potentially viable mobility system being considered for last mile deliveries and passenger air travel is Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

  UAM proposes using Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircrafts for a highly automated, saf and convenient air transportation solution that will transport passengers and cargo at lower altitudes within urban and suburban areas. Significant advances in battery and automation technology in recent years has allowed UAM evolve into a sustainable, less infrastructure-intrusive, less noisy and cost effective mobility option that can possibly address future mobility needs. A market study by The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) estimates about 130 million UAM passenger trips per year by 2030 (NASA, 2018).

  While research and development strides are being made in the technology, policy, economics, airspace safety and security of UAM operations, less attention is being given to the ground infrastructure widely referred to as "Vertiports" that is needed to support UAM operations, such as the infrastructure for the Take-off, Landing, Passenger Boarding, Cargo Loading, Battery Charging, repair and maintenance of eVTOL aircrafts.

  Although certain Heliports can be used for scaled UAM operations and for testing eVTOL aircrafts, The Federal Aviation Administration and UAM industry continues to stress the need for designated infrastructure known as "Vertiports" to be designed and built particularly for safe, cost-effective, convenient and efficient UAM operations to meet the needs of specific urban areas (FAA, 2020).

  With a growing population of more than 2 million and tens of millions of travellers visiting Las Vegas yearly, the city continues to improve its transportation infrastructure to meet the needs of its local residents and travelling visitors. This research proposal will present UAM as a complimentary method of passenger and logistics transport integrated into the City's existing built envionrment and transportation network.

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  Biophilic Escapism: Designing The Hotel Mojave

  Mark Kua

  Many places in urban destinations such as Las Vegas (and abroad) are lacking in natural elements, and therefore, are disconnected from nature. The lack of biophilic design principles in the built environment can create places and spaces that are conducive to stress and tension in users. By improving the human connection to nature, we can reduce ill health, improve productivity, and create spaces and environments that are more comfortable and appealing. Tying this to hospitality, we can utilize natural materials with a strong connection to nature; incorporate biophilic focal points; utilize plant life and water features deliberately and thoughtfully; create clear sightlines to natural worlds outside; and bring uncommon outdoor elements indoors. In doing so, we may create healthier environments and a more pleasant guest and user experience.

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  A New Look Into Old-Design As A Re-Purposed & Upscaled Integration

  Jorge Medina

  Instead of creating trash, upscale and repurpose materials to determine a new design aesthetic.

  According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Las Vegas had 32,230,600 visitors in 2021. That's approximately 88,303 visitors per day, all of which created trash. If we consider, each of those visitors disposing of one can of soda, one bottle of beer, or one bottle of water, we can easily reach 88,303 empty containers per day. Thought, it may be more realistic that visitors consume more than one bottle of liquid a day.

  According to PBS Terra, Americans create 4.9 pounds of trash a day. Considering the daily estimate of 88,303 Las Vegas tourists, they can easily create 432,685 pounds of trash per day. Now what if we consider the local population.

  According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the Las Vegas Valley (Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas) had a combined 1,222,040 residents. If they used 4.9 pounds of trash per day, that's 5,987,996 pounds per day. More so, residents and tourist, combined have the potential to produce about 6,420,681 pounds of trash daily. Keeping in mind these are only estimates.

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  Parking in Progress: The Evolution of Parking Garages

  Jazmin Isabel Navarro

  In the U.S. there are approximately 40,000 parking garages (Hartt, 2014) and that number continues to grow rapidly; for years the design of those structures has stayed stagnant, not being rethought since their conception around the 1950's. Meanwhile the automobile industries are evolving more rapidly than ever before to create smarter and more energy efficient technologies. The automobile has become a staple of society and there is little chance of it being eliminated from our society; it is a necessary evil at this point.

  As vehicles rose in popularity there came the need for parking, and before long there was a sort of competition to get the "perfect" spot as described by Bill Vauhgan. Why we hunt for the perfect spot, is really not sure, but I am guilty of it too. It may have something to do with security; to have views of one's vehicles or perhaps it has more to do with showing off one's vehicles front and center. Why we do it really isn't that important; however, it is important to note that the search for the spot right up front has led to a great deal of negative effects on the climate over the past decades and a number of government policies and codes being enacted.

  This project stems from the aims to make a change in the way the public perceives parking garages; in order to further make waves in the way policies are handled regarding those structures and furthermore, make a difference on the environmental effects associated with parking. Throughout the study one will encounter an analysis of the typologies of parking garages in order to create informed decisions about the way parking garages are designed in the future.

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  Performance Canopy For Hospitality Design: Performative Design for M/Hotel Operators

  Carlos Reynoso

  The project proposes a solar-array canopy with rainwater retention system to address an existing structure's operational weaknesses.

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  Alternative Current: A Las Vegas Solution to EV Charging Design

  Jason Saccoliti

  Altnerate Current examines trends in the gas station industry, lessons learned from Las Vegas, and current Electric Vehicle charging stations to create the Ultimate Charging Experience.

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  The World's A Stage: The Strip's Privatized Areas Reimagined As A Performance Space

  Klaire Viduya

  Las Vegas has been home to live performances since 1931, tying entertainment with the existence of hotels and casinos. A lot of focus has been put into the live music performances on a larger scale such as concerts and residencies throughout the tourist-filled Strip. Nowadays, major cities are promoting themselves through culture, art and the creative industries, developing new innovative urban spaces and business. According to a study by the UNLV Gaming Research Lab, throughout the past few years in hospitality, there has been a trend of the entertainment having less revenue compared to other sectors such as gambling and food and beverage. Going into a smaller scale, there have only been a few notable local acts here in Las Vegas. While Downtown Las Vegas has festivals such as Neon Reverb and First Friday, the local performance arts scene still hasn't been able to reach the general consensus of the tourists. If not found Downtown, musicians and dancers are often found on the sidwalks of either Fremont Street or the Strip. Acknowledging street and local performance as a creative activity can be a step towards a new conceptualization, use and valorization of this performing art creativity changes the image and ynamics of a city, welcoming people to discover new and innovative environments with better and personalized facilities and services. When the qualitative impact a city has on its citizens and visitors increases, the recognition and awareness of that city also rises in simultaneous with its attractiveness and economic power.

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  SHIFT Las Vegas: Redefining the Wellness Experience

  Nick Callo

  SHIFT is integrated to be operating on its passive systems when the weather is permissible. It will be a variable system where a primary and secondary system exists. Overall it creates an environment that is pleasant and enriches a guests experience.

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  Investing in Entertainment: Creating a new Las Vegas gaming space through a Stock Exchange informed design

  Roger Dey

  Las Vegas is constantly reinventing itself, and this year the whole world has had to reinvent itself. Had this thesis not been developed during a global pandemic, some of its ideas might be considered radical for the hospitality industry. However, given the evidence of the gaming world's ability to rapidly adapt to the ever-changing landscape of gambling and risk-taking in the tourist and hospitality industries, Roger Dey's work reads more as a play book for possible next steps in merging integrated resorts with electronic trading. It promises to reach millennials among other populations not already connected to the entertainment capital of the world. The notion of transforming investing and stock trading into a refined form of entertainment grew from Roger's personal experiences in both day trading and gambling. The excitement from both were recognized as stemming from some of the same risk-reward stimulus effect. Combining the two in a conceptual way was initially described as a "stock-book" taking ideas from the stock exchange and the sportsbook. The project developed beyond the conceptual to include assessments of architectural spaces that support both gambling/sports-betting and financial investing. Everything from lighting, signage, and spatial cues were identified as impacting perceptions of safety, security, strategy, and more... The objective through the innumerable architectural variations studied was to adjust existing spaces such that overall experiences would combine psychological effects of two seemingly opposite archetypes. For instances, the design of the New York, London, or Tokyo Stock Exchanges lacked the fun and excitement of a bar, club, or restaurant. Conversely, the casino floors throughout the Las Vegas Strip lack the sense of security or sophistication found in financial institutions. Roger has tirelessly worked to envision how these worlds can be brought together in the future of integrated resorts. With insights from renowned designer, Roger Thomas, Roger Dey concludes with specific ideas of how to implement this thesis. Everything from new bar-top investment machines to entertainment kiosks to facilitate trading is shown with recommended changes to programmatic layout, circulation, and lighting. From idea to design vision, this thesis feels well-positioned to inform the next evolution of Las Vegas.

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  Las Vegas Living: Incorporating Affordable Housing in the Strip

  Maria Dos Santos

  At the time of this writing (Spring 2021), the housing market in Las Vegas is hitting all-time highs. Average home prices are higher than they were pre-housing crash of 2008, and the available housing stock is so limited that many buyers are paying tens of thousands over asking price and they are doing it with cash. All of this is happening against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospitality industry (travel, meetings, events, restaurant, etc.) was among the hardest hit sectors of the economy, and many workers in this largest area of the Las Vegas economy are low-income employees struggling to keep their job...let alone pay for the ever-increasing costs of housing. This architectural design thesis by Maria Dos Santos examines housing for hospitality workers and their families by pulling precedents from the hotel industry into the development of community dwellings. A mixed-income housing inventory along with mixed use amenities like on-site food, entertainment, daycare, school, and work space borrows from the integrated resorts' model of "everything under one roof". After identifying several ideal locations for this kind of design, Maria sought the guidance of local leaders in the affordable housing arena to ensure that the project was not only financially feasible but that the experience would be one prospective residents would desire. Two interesting propositions emerged from the project's development. FIrst, housing created in collaboration with the hospitality industry (ex. corporate sponsorship) for the benefit of hospitality employees may produce higher degrees of employee satisfaction and company loyalty, which typically translate into greater guest experience and overall profitability. Second, the potential to integrate housing on or near The Strip and connecting amenities of the hospitality industry to the broader community might translate into more properties being deemed essential in any future scenarios that require partial closure of non-essential services. The hospitality industry is quite essential to Las Vegas, and the hospitable housing of so many service workers will only improve the perception of Las Vegas as the nation navigates what appears to be another housing bubble.

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  Flexible Architecture: Immersive, Interactive, and Responsive Resort Spaces

  Skylar Michael Fontana

  Millennials, born between 1980 and 2000, now number over 75 million, eclipsing the current size of the baby boomer generation. Their generational values and cultural endeavors are going to define the built environment throughout the century as the preferences of older generations steadily move out of focus. Las Vegas' resort properties have been built up since their inception on the allure of gambling, but the city as a whole is now seeing a diversifying shift of entertainment and cultural options to respond to new generational preferences. The purpose of this research is to illustrate how Las Vegas resorts can thoughtfully shift focus away from gambling as they meet the entertainment demands of younger generations. Historically, Las Vegas resorts are demolished, resulting in a clean slate for developers. This book will begin by researching the evolution of the hotel industry over the last century and connecting that evolution with the generational preferences of the majority demographic population. The book will then explore case studies on resort refurbishment and updating, flexible architectural spaces, and architectural typologies within the field of hospitality. Through this exploration there will be a understanding of how these three topics create a unifying design philosophy within the context of social generations. This design philosophy will then be applied to select Las Vegas resorts to produce a design solution for existing resort properties to predict the future generalizations of resorts as demographic preferences force them to keep up to date. Using the data from the selected Las Vegas resorts, the book will shift focus to exploring most deeply the one option that showed the most promise in design experimentation; in this case that is the modular partition system. This system will then be analyzed, tested, and implemented in a resort environment to the greatest extent possible focusing attention on cost analysis, time frames, and experiential quality before finally culminating in a design showcase of the flexibility of the system.

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  Esports Entertainment of the Future: Esports Integration with Different Archetypes

  Jerry Jiang

  The video gaming industry has become an innovative aspect in the advancement of technology and the entertainment industry, providing the audiences with an immersive and interactive entertainment experience. Video games are becoming one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States, among a diverse population spanning every age, gender, and ethnicity. Games have evolved over the past five decades, from single standalone games into collaborative and competitive multiplayer games (Banyai et al., 2018). However, games have become much more than a hobby, it has flourished into a professional competitive gaming industry called Esports. Millennial and Gen Z have overtaken Baby Boomers as the largest generation in America, becoming the primary consumer in the 21st century with an extensive influence of how corporations sell their products. Growing up in a rapidly advancing technological society, millennial and Gen Z have grown an affinity toward technology, social media, and digital entertainment. Currently there has been a decline of physical attendance among young audiences in spaces such as malls, casinos, and hotels. What sort of amenities these spaces can incorporate to attract younger audiences? This question is especially important to Las Vegas since it is considered to be the Entertainment Capital of the World with its large variety of entertainment facilities. Video games are becoming one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States, among a diverse population spanning every age, gender, and ethnicity. The goal of this project is to develop conceptual designs of Esports implementations into existing archetypes that can capitalize on Esports' lucrative business investment in the entertainment industry.

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  Biophilic Gaming: Biophilic Design in the Future of Resort Gaming

  Andrew William Kennedy

  Biophilic Design solutions have been integrated into numerous aspects of hospitality to help drive customer turnout and this model has been applied to many resorts, hotel lobbies and guests rooms across the globe but currently Las Vegas has little to no aspect of integration Biophilic Design to keep customers and more notably younger generations interested. With the introduction of COVID-19 the demand for nature and connection to the outdoors has peaked. With this in mind, how has the local resort industry in Las Vegas responded to this increased demand of biophilic design? Biophilic design has shown that it creates countless health and psychological benefits, it helps to decrease stress and provides an environment that is not just demandingly habitable but marketable and experiential, all the keys needed to unlock the future of resort design.