NEWH - August 2003 - (Page 43)

appealing to the senses… nightclubs across the nation by: Nancy Bohnett, International Woodwork Corp. “Although the entries to each of the…clubs vary, all generate a mystical aura encouraging the senses to want more….” –Nancy Bohnett, International Woodwork Corp. No matter the location, size, theme or target clientele, nightclubs cater to those wanting an escape through socialization, sensory stimulation and the unexpected. How does the development team support the desires of everyone, with total concentration on financial success and continued attendance? What is the focus of today’s nightclubs? Do these objectives really differ from city to city? Are the clubs of today client, owner, theme, location or competition driven? Who sets the standards for today’s nightclubs? In my review of recent projects, I have collected opinions and thoughts from individuals involved, to support ones never ending desire for entertainment with no age applied. I started my adventure in Las Vegas with the recent HD Show, and was introduced to two recently opened clubs with varying features. Kovacs and Associates, Designers along with Youngblood Wucherer Sparer Architects (YWS) were given the challenge of adding nightclubs within two existing Casinos. Even though both designer and architect were focused on providing a new and exciting club at both casinos, the objective was also to create something new and unique for the patron unique in their nightclub experience. The Paris Hotel and Casino opened Risque by maintaining the Parisian sophistication, while adding a full dessert kitchen. The designer and architect were able to marry an intimate smaller space with a rich blend of materials and color providing a great lounge and dance experience. The second floor space included diagonal steel braces that became architectural features along with the balconies on the exterior of the casino. These balconies became box seats that accommodated additional entertainment of the strip. If the club-goers were not entertained within the club or VIP room, the “people watching” possible from the vantage point overlooking the Las Vegas Strip was available for view. In the Rio’s Hotel and Casino, Bikini’s took a more “fun” and time related approach that offers a return to the sixties with a water theme. The entrance at Casino level, introduces the perspective patron to a large acrylic tub in which bikini clad dancers entertain both those waiting in line and gamblers. The power of suggestion encourages attendance and allows one to know what might be in store once inside the club. Inside, the sixties design features of sunken seating areas, shag carpet, large custom lava lamps, kidney shapes and ongoing surfaces reflect a theme that persistently captivates. Bikini’s and Risque are remodels of existing gaming space, which encourages interest and sparks the emotions with visuals and stimuli through the theme. Risque approached the senses with their more refined and limited space. Bikini’s caters to those enjoying larger clubs and ongoing changing visual encouragement. Both clubs offer enticing materials, interesting layouts, and lighting to accent the mood of the space. Modest budgets were shared in both, with concentration on selling the experience through the entertainment. During the HD Show, John Blair shared his most recent club openings of XL and Limelight in New York City. Although these clubs were geographically many miles apart from Las Vegas, the audience still desires intimate spaces, socialization, and entertainment. John emphasized that in his years of club ownership, maintaining return attendance and continued participation is a big factor in the development of a club. The sophistication of the New York scene is apparent with the attention to very high style furnishings and materials. A great amount of attention is given to lighting and technology that provides fuel to the senses. John Blair considers circulation to be an important factor, both from a safety and success rate. The use of interior elements, share a creative approach as seen with the bathrooms. These much needed facilities translate their sensual design with opaque glass partitions and a large fish tank in the center to mitigate the closed in feeling. The New York clubs concentrate on smaller more intimate spaces by using lighting, materials and color to provide a separation of space. The use of lighting produces a chameleon-like approach, always being able to appeal to the type of clientele and creating a timeless, borderless space. 43

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - August 2003

NEWH - August 2003
Contents
Letter From the Editor
Hospitality News
On the Road Again
Calling All Entries
Tips on Specs
The Creation of the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort
Signature Golf Resorts
Designing a Golf Clubhouse
International Purchasing
Creating a Vision for Clubhouse Renovations
Signage for Today’s Golf Resort
The History of Nightclubs
To See and Be Seen
Appealing to the Senses
Marysol–Real and Magical in the Windy City
The Juggling Act—The “Ooh and Aah” vs. Value Engineering
Cork—Not Just for Wine Bottles Anymore
Lessons Not Learned: Life Safety Issues From the Cocoanut
Small Business Advice...
Things to Consider When Building, Renovating or Expanding
Industry Partner Education
Sources and Credits
Bios

NEWH - August 2003