Five of the Most Famous Buildings from Casino Architects
By
Jane Shaw
Senior Editor Updated: 10/23/2023
We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.
Five of the Most Famous Buildings
- Las Vegas Casino Architects
- Casino Architecture 101
- Peter Smith’s Bellagio
- Jay Sarno’s Caesars
- Ng Chun Man’s Grand Lisboa
- Buchan’s Adelaide Casino
- HKS & Aedas’ Venetian Macao
- Frequently Asked Questions
Las Vegas casino architects influenced designers and developers all around the world – but they themselves often took inspiration from old European buildings, adapting layouts and plans to fit the needs of the US’ Sin City.
Today, we’re going to look at not just Las Vegas casino architects but also those who designed some of the world’s most well-known and prestigious land-based casinos. Casino architecture design is fascinating, especially when you know the stories behind what went into planning and building!
Introduction to Worldwide and Las Vegas Casino Architects
When you think of casinos, you probably picture bright lights, high stakes, and the fast-paced nature of gambling. But have you ever stopped to consider the buildings themselves? Casino architecture design is a masterpiece in its own right, and every part of a casino is designed to appeal to players and keep them inside for as long as possible.
It’s one of the main reasons why some players don’t like playing at online casino websites – they prefer the glamor and opulence that comes with heading to a land-based casino. Today, we’re going to show you some of the best casino architects in the world and look at the properties they helped design.
Casino Architecture 101
Casino architecture is more than just making a building look good; it’s a calculated blend of psychology, art, and business. The moment you step into a casino, every element, from the lighting to the layout, is designed to make you feel a certain way. The grand entrance ways, the intricate details, and even the carpet patterns are all part of a larger plan to keep you engaged and spending.
Take the lighting, for example. It’s usually dimmed but focused on the gaming tables and slot machines, creating a cozy yet exciting atmosphere. Then there’s the layout. Ever noticed how casinos are like mazes? That’s intentional. The confusing layout keeps you wandering, making it more likely you’ll stop and play one of the machines you pass.
Sound also plays a role. The jingling of slot machines, the chatter, the occasional ‘big win’ bell—these sounds create an environment of excitement and possibility. Even the air you breathe is often infused with a subtle scent to make you feel relaxed and happy.
But we should point out that it’s not all about manipulation. Good casino architecture also prioritizes comfort and aesthetics. Comfortable seating, high-quality materials, and genuinely impressive visual displays all contribute to an enjoyable experience – so next time you head to a land-based casino, make sure to take some time to appreciate what’s actually gone into the design! Now, we’ll look at five of the most famous casino architects in the world.
Peter Smith’s Bellagio
Peter Smith, along with DeRuyter Butler, is the architectural mastermind behind the Bellagio, one of Las Vegas’ most iconic casinos. The Bellagio is one of the most recognizable buildings in the US, and it’s a lot more than just a gambling establishment. From the moment you see the dancing fountains outside, you know you’re in for something special – and Smith and Butler went above and beyond to design an exterior that captures the essence of Lake Como in Italy.
The fountains are actually somewhat of an engineering marvel, as they’re perfectly synchronized to music and light. And that’s just the beginning. Inside, the Bellagio continues to impress. Roger Thomas, who planned the interior, worked closely with Smith to ensure a seamless blend of exterior and interior designs. The lobby ceiling alone is a work of art, adorned with 20,000 hand-blown flowers.
But what really sets the Bellagio apart is its attention to detail. Every corner of the casino, from the art gallery to the conservatory, has been meticulously designed to offer a unique experience. It’s one of the best Las Vegas casinos for good reason – and Smith’s work on the Bellagio set a new standard for what a casino could be.
Here are a few interesting facts and features about the Bellagio’s design:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Exterior Inspiration | Modeled after Lake Como in Italy, complete with dancing fountains. |
| Interior Designer | Roger Thomas planned the interiors, including the lobby’s floral ceiling. |
| Unique Features | Art galleries and conservatories offer a break from gaming. |
| Attention to Detail | 20,000 hand-blown flowers adorn the lobby ceiling. |
| Impact on Casino Design | Set a new standard for integrating architecture and entertainment. |
Jay Sarno’s Caesars
Jay Sarno, the visionary architect behind Caesars Palace, took casino design to a whole new level. Inspired by the magnificent features of Greco-Roman architecture, Sarno aimed to create a casino that was more than just a building – and he did exactly that, designing what’s now one of the most famous US casinos in history.
From the massive effigy of Julius Caesar that greets you at the entrance to the marble and sculptures that you’ll find throughout, every inch of Caesars Palace is designed to wow – and it’s clear that no expense was spared in its creation!
The casino features Roman baths, tons of restaurants, and even shops that sell everything from ancient Roman coins… to luxury Gucci bags! Over the years, Caesars Palace has undergone numerous renovations, but the core vision of Sarno’s original design remains intact.
Ng Chun Man’s Grand Lisboa
In the bustling city of Macao, the Grand Lisboa is one of the most recognizable buildings – and it’s regarded as an incredible feat of architecture. Designed by Hong Kong architects Ng Chun Man and Dennis Lau, this casino is not just any old building; it’s the tallest structure in the city, reaching up to forty-seven stories!
But its height isn’t the only thing that makes it unique. You see, when they were planning its design, the two architects wanted to create a structure that was expressive and daring – and one that would reflect Macao’s maritime history.
The Grand Lisboa’s design is made to look, loosely, as though it encompasses the waves of the nearby ocean. It’s an incredibly grand-looking building and inside, you’ll find dazzling lobby chandeliers to windows that offer unique views of the city’s skyline.
Ng Chun Man and Dennis Lau didn’t just focus on the casino building design, however; they also wanted to create a space where patrons could have an experience. And it’s true; when you walk through the doors, you really do feel like you’ve been whisked away to a different place!
Buchan’s Adelaide Casino
Buchan Architects took on a unique challenge with Adelaide Casino: merging a historic train station with new, modern architecture. The result is a boutique casino that retains an intact sense of tradition while adding hints of modernization. The exterior design of the casino is a blend of old and new, with gold-tinted glass that beautifully contrasts with the light-colored stone of the old station.
Inside, the casino follows a slightly more modern mid-century look but with great detail that doesn’t take away from the building’s history. With more than 100 casino table games and 970 slot machines, the casino has something for every player – and it’s a beautiful mix of new and old.
In fact, the Adelaide Casino has won numerous awards for its architectural design, with many coining it the crown jewel of Adelaide’s city center.
HKS & Aedas’ Venetian Macao
When it comes to sheer scale and grandiosity, few can match the Venetian Macao, designed by two companies: HKS and Aedas. Modeled after its twin casino in Las Vegas, the Venetian Macao is the world’s largest casino, boasting a staggering 550,000 square feet of gambling space.
The architects went beyond creating a large casino; some joke that they built an “entire world” – and it’s easy to see why people say that! There are full-sized Venetian canals that flow past the restaurants and shops, gondoliers that ferry customers back and forth, and just about every amenity you could ever wish for.
In fact, the project proved to be such a success, HKS and Aedas didn’t stop at the Venetian. They’ve since partnered several times to work on designing a number of other iconic structures like the Four Seasons Macao, the Sands Cotai Central, and the Parisian Macao.
