MGM MIRAGEs new resort and lifestyle destination CityCenter, which combines contemporary architecture and a high-density, mixed-use program, refines and redefines Las Vegas. Approached by MGM MIRAGE to design one portion of the development, RV Architecture, LLC, led by Rafael Violy, designed the Vdara Hotel Spa, a luxury residential building with highly refined architecture that maximizes the investment of both the owners and residents.
The 1.6 million square foot, 57-story Vdara is distinguished by its slender profile and curvature, which responds to Harmon Circle and the interlocking arcs of the ARIA located across the shared circular drive. Three parallel, offset arcs rising to varying heights comprise the crescent-shaped skyscraper.
The building volumes are distinguished by the colors of their striped surfaces, and are further articulated by deep recesses between them. The horizontally-striped curtain wall frames the vistas of Las Vegas and the expansive desert landscape beyond. Alternating bands of reflective vision glass and light-diffusing, acid-etched spandrel glass in black and white are set off on different planes to achieve a unique shimmering texture on the faade. Modern, light, and devoid of graphics or ornaments, Vdara presents a distinctive and elegant contrast to the themed buildings of the Las Vegas Strip.
Vdaras 1,495 suites are wide and shallow when compared to most hotel rooms and residential apartments, maximizing views and daylight penetration. An additional benefit of the staggered three-arc floor plan is the creation of six corner rooms compared to the standard four corner rooms common to more conventional buildings.
A curved pool deck located over Harmon Circle shelters a generous porte-cochere and main lobby. The lobbys focal point is the Bar Vdara, a lounge and bar with covered outdoor seating that segues into Silk Road Restaurant. Sky Pool Lounge, the south-facing pool deck that enjoys long hours of sunlight exposure, offers private spa cabanas and semi-secluded plunge pools.
In keeping with the sustainable focus of the overall CityCenter development, Vdara Hotel Spa was designed to meet and has achieved LEED Gold certification.