Las Vegas Shows

Though there were ample opportunities for research and design work during the days in Las Vegas, the nights were typically reserved for recreational activities from casino gaming to shopping to taking in some of the local shows.  All of the students were able to catch at least one of the Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas (there are currently SEVEN in Las Vegas alone!) as well as the hybrid comedy/magic performance by Penn and Teller.  As described in the lectures in Toronto, entertainment, though a small fraction of the financial gains of a resort casino, is critical in establishing an identity as well as a tourist draw for casinos constantly battling each other for gambling revenue.

Las Vegas provides an escape for its visitors.  Beyond relief from the banal daily routine, the Strip offers visitors a chance to engage in activities and meet with people they never would have a chance to otherwise.  While Klingmann describes the experience economy and Pallasmaa advocates for a level of multisensory design, one cannot deny the fact that architecture supports these events and activities; weak architecture seeks to become the event and activities on their own.

More Vegas!

So it's been a longggg week in Vegas and by long I mean I think I'm actually looking forward to going home?
Sitting on the not so spectacular side of McCarran airport waiting for my delayed red-eye flight back to Toronto gives perfect opportunity to update with a few more photos..


Can't go anywhere in Vegas without your sunglasses.


We learned very quick that the streets are filled with eavesdroppers. Our suspicious friend Bryan here : "Did you say Tao?"


Happily taking the ride up to the Venetian Shops...


Only to take them down on the other side again. How very necessary.


Vegas isn't just for adults but for children too! Too bad all the characters are distorted.


Jeff again at the Springs Preserve showing us the trap door in the wall..revealing Straw Bale underneath!

Cactus Skeletons


One of the many many buffets we ate, and also one of the best at Bellagio. (where we also saw Mike Tyson...not even kidding)


REALLY??

Penn and Teller!

Christmas Ornaments on Fremont Street

La Familia

Penn & Teller

Went to see Penn & Teller at the Rio last night...
(Just some pictures for now. Maybe some text later...)