The Holborn Group, a famous real estate developer in the Vancouver area, has received one of the most significant awards available in their industry. The 26th Annual International Property Award Ceremony hosted the greatest minds in contemporary house design, which included the Holborn Group. They received an award for their second phase of the Holborn University Heights Complex for lower-income single families. This is considered to be the highest level of achievement for any retail developer. A panel of eighty industry experts than judges the innovation, quality, design and service of the developers most recent phase. This extends to the home developers’ level of originality and sustainability commitment. Receiving this award allows for the Holborn Group to promote that it won a world-renowned prize for excellence.

It’s not surprising that the Holborn Group won this year’s award. The Holborn University Heights: Phase II Project, is unlike any other lower-income housing complexes in North America. Holborn purposely built complexes that represent contemporary environments with natural landscapes and modern architecture, which would then back on to mountains in British Columbia. The homes have been credited for being filled with natural and fake light, while also being spacious and providing minimalist design qualities. The result is a home that’s awe-inspiring to witness, with aesthetics being refined and improved by the natural organic surroundings. For lower-income houses in Canada, these homes look more modern than most offered across the Nation. The downside is that it’s slightly over the top and paints a false picture of the British Columbia Housing Problem.

Complex Details

The Holborn University Heights Complex, which is considered as a master-planned community, is located in Squamish. This British Columbia town is one of the highest elevated in Canada, with residents have incredible views of the Garibaldi Mountains. This is the first time that new community housing has been built for the Squamish Region. Those moving to Holborn University Heights can anticipate modernly designed aesthetics, which are contemporary and seeking connection with natural environments around the Garibaldi Mountains.

Holborn Group History

For those who aren’t aware, the Holborn Group originally began as a developer in the Vancouver Region. Eventually, they became a sensation in the province of British Columbia. Today they’ve built multiple communities regarding residential and commercial buildings. Holborn has even built hotels for Hilton in Vancouver. Those purchasing one of their homes can expect innovation and integrity with every model designed. The goal is to have the utmost commitment to clients, leaving no issue unsolved.

Casinos are no stranger to modern-day living. Gambling and casinos are being legalized at a tremendous speed globally, but what few ever suspect when they walk into a casino is the massive amount of psychology behind every little bit of detail you face as soon as that you enter the premises. Let’s explore the magic behind the colour green and why it is so commonly seen within the industry.

By no means do we want to suggest that when casino interiors are designed, that the ultimate purpose it to manipulated clients, but ultimately the casino management needs clients to behave in a certain way, willingly, to make an existence? Hence every bit of décor, every combination with which you are faced, are planned into the smallest detail, with a purpose to obtain results.

The Color of the Tables

Overtime casino goers became accustomed to some aspects on the casino floor. One such simplistic element with a significant impact is the colour of casino tables. These tables are predominantly green; it is easy to accept that green is just the industry standard. Yet, the industry is capable of producing any colour tabletops, but green as a colour has proven itself to be psychologically calming. It is a colour linked to relaxation, and that is what the casino managers want. A stressed-out player next to the table is not going to benefit anyone. Casinos want players to feel calm and relaxed and almost at home when they enter their facilities. They want their clients to stay a bit longer and return often, and that is what they manage to achieve with something as simplistic as the colour of their tabletops.

Green represents stability. On the colour spectrum, it is precisely balanced between the much warmer colours like orange, red and the fresh colours on the other side of the range of blue and purple. This calming colour aids players to feel much more relaxed in the environment, which could be considered to be very intimidating in many ways. Not only are casino patrons often faced with confined and crowded spaces, but also the number of flashing lights and constant noise can contribute to them cutting their stay much shorter. This is not beneficial to the casino; hence, they balance these factors out with the calm presence of green tables.

Green is also the colour of the light indicating you to go ahead at a traffic light. It reflects a positive affirmation that you can proceed. Almost as if green is a call to action, urging the player to take that step and go ahead. In certain cultures, the colour green is also associated with prosperity. It can be linked to financial security in the same way that banknotes are often green — just one example of how every little detail is well thought through.

Designing a stadium is an architect’s dream. It is an opportunity to flaunt skill and talent and earn respect much needed in the industry. Yet sometimes even when it all appeared awe-inspiring on paper, some flaws might show up only when completed, and then the grandiosity of the arena gets overshadowed by some wonky design flaws defining what was supposed to be magnificent as magnificently odd.

Arlington Stadium in Arlington Texas

The stadium was opened in 1965 to attract MLB to the district. A couple of years later the Texas Rangers did arrive in 1972. What the Rangers’ fans had to face was. Unfortunately, a stadium merely fit for minor-league games with no roof or canopies or any source of shade in an area where temperatures reach a scorching three-digits regularly. Day games were a no-no as fans couldn’t spend all the time in the sun. It was only in 1978 that an upper deck was added which brought on some relief for a limited number of fans.

Kingdome in Seattle, Washington

Kingdome opened for play in 1976 with one hidden flaw, and that was that the structure wasn’t built to handle the amount of downpour which Seattle is known for. The leaking roof remained a concern that received little attention. Not even the outcry in 1990 from Ken Griffley Jr., outfielder to the Mariners that the leaking roof caused the centre field to be an unsafe zone was enough to bring about real change. In 1994 the roof could take it no more, and the years of complaints came crashing down as the saturated panels gave in. Three of the 15-pound fibreglass panels each 32 by 48 inches large came tumbling down and crushed the chairs below mere hours before the stadium would be filled with fans. The entire ceiling had to be replaced to find the glory which Kingdome deserved finally.

The Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York

The stadium deemed the most significant tennis venue globally opened for play in 1997 with a seating capacity of 22 547. As in any other stadium, Row Z is hardly anyone’s choice to sit, but in this stadium, the ones ending up there are purely the laughable stock of the event. Sitting an extraordinary 120 feet above the court makes watching the game impossible. The stadium’s design included two rows of luxury boxes just above the lower bowl and then above that are the seats of the second level expanding so high up in the sky that this stadium is higher than many of the well-known MLB parks.

The experience of watching tennis from Row Z in the famous Arthur Ashe stadium can easily be replicated. Only by sitting in a super uncomfortable plastic chair and watching tennis on the tiniest smartphone screen that you can lay your hands on, you will experience something of it. Although, do be sure that it is indeed the most miniature smartphone around otherwise you will still be able to observe too much.

Preserving a green legacy or reducing a carbon footprint, these are the significant factors that stadiums consider to increase their sustainability factor. Some stadiums in the world have managed to construct or even renovate existing structures in such a way that they have become the forerunners in innovation and are setting the benchmark to strive for in regards to sustainability globally.

Amsterdam Arena

More than 4 200 solar panels provide the energy to power the home of Ajax football club. An energy-generating escalator can be found within the main building, and they also have installed energy storage. This energy storage system has been constructed from second-life batteries previously used in electric cars. These used Nissan LEAF batteries are used to distribute energy to the neighbouring residential areas when needed and also serves as a backup power source to the stadium. Their lawns are watered from rainwater which they collect from the roofs. Energy is also preserved through the use of residual heat to keep the field frost-free. Also, the supporters travelling to games are always urged to make use of public transport of other energy-saving means of commuting.

Levi’s Stadium

Various innovative sustainability improvements that could be found in Silicon Valley were incorporated by the home of the San Francisco 49ers. They showcase more than 1 000 the best solar elements available in the market which are distributed throughout the entire building. They also showcase a solar-panelled roof deck and pedestrian energy bridges. The top of the suite tower of the stadium is home to a 27 000 square feet green roof. All their cleaning products and materials are purchased from sources providing sustainable materials. Food is sourced locally, and they minimize the carbon footprint by having about 78% of their food suppliers situated within a 150-mile radius, while 85% of their food is sourced locally in California. All these efforts and commitment to combat climate change earned the San Francisco 49ers the recognition of the White House Office of Science and Technology.

Golden 1 Centre

2017’s most technologically advanced and greenest facility for sports and entertainment is home to the Sacramento Kings. The stadium is in the top three of high-performance buildings globally. They are continually conveying the message of promoting a greener lifestyle to their fans and business partners. The stadium harness all the energy needed through solar panels and their water conservation plans managed to reduce their water consumption by 45%. Construction to the stadium was completed during late 2016, where after the construction waste was 99% recycled and the demolition materials weren’t dumped in a landfill.

FIFA World Cup Stadium

Qatar is home to the 2022 football World Cup and is committed to building 12 venues. These venues will have no carbon emission and will thus deliver on a zero-carbon tournament. The stadiums also feature specialized climate controls that can control the temperatures which often exceed 40C during events.

Creating a building intended to not only allow the flow of thousands of people with ease within a short period but also bringing the most needed facilities, unobstructed views and have tons of visual appeal, is no easy task. The world of sports is showcasing some of these great works of architectural brilliance, sporting not only excellent functionality but are also fantastic looking wonders, carrying themselves with panache and grandeur. These are the designs of geniuses, wonders of the world, captivating audiences and invaluable to the world of professional sports.

The Slovenian company, OFIS Arhitekti, designed this architectural wonder. It was unveiled in 2012 and could seat 13 000 spectators, meeting the exact standards of UEFA, and it is the home to the Bate Borisov Football Club. The stadium has a rare appearance resembling living cells as the dome is constructed from aluminium with splodgy openings. Contributing to the aesthetics resembling a living organism, the entire stadium dome is draped in a fabric with a skin-like appearance. The functionality of the stadium is brilliant with a rounded shape which enhances the sound, and the 3 000 square foot plaza serves as a walkway to the various parking areas which are carved into the nearby surreal landscape of forests.

Home to Bayern Munich

This world-famous design by the company Herzog & de Meuron was their second feather in their hat as they are also the geniuses behind the design of the Beijing National Stadium. Allianz Arena turned over time into more than the home of the football legends of Bayern Munich but is also a well-known tourist attraction of the city. The colour-changing façade for which the stadium is known as one of the requirements which were set for the architects of the time. An illuminated body was required but even more intriguing was the fact that it had to be colour-changing and that is precisely what they delivered. The stadium also had to be set in an open landscape, designed to facilitate a procession like an appearance when fans arrived to attend the game within the crater-like interior which the stadium brought. These elements were all incorporated within the structure, adding to distinctive appeal as an architectural work of magnificence.

London Aquatics Centre

Zaha Hadid Architects are a British architectural company known for their designs which deliver on organic-looking exteriors. When the company was awarded the design of the Aquatics Centre which would be the home to the 2012 Olympic Games, it is was already assumed that the flow of water would be core in her design. The lines of the building quickly immersed with the outside terrain of a river landscape in Olympic Park. The centre’s sweeping roof creates the impression of a growing wave. This too is a stadium of structural brilliance. No wonder that it made a list as the best-built building in the United Kingdom.

Three casinos which are symbolic of a glamorous gambling affair. Spending a night at any of these grand casinos is limited to a selected group in the world, a playground for the super-wealthy and their friends. Home to the stars and celebrities, the royalty and the super-rich of the world. Therefore these venues deliver an aesthetic appeal to live up to the standard of decadence to please their patrons. Decorated in the most exquisite and lavish, to entertain and entice.

The Venetian

The Venetian Macao is breath-taking in both grandiosity and magnificence and earns a bronze medal on this list. The casino is significant in size and brings her patrons 3 400 slot machines and 800 gambling tables. In a separate arena, all entertainment and sporting events are hosted. This arena is as grandiose as the rest of the Venetian Macao, covering an entire area of 550 000 square feet. It isn’t the sheer size which gained it third place in our rankings, but much rather the impressive interior design. An intricate balance between Eastern influence and Western aesthetics with a dash of exotic wood. The Chinoiserie murals remind of an 18th-century lifestyle while the lavish crown mouldings are delivering an over-the-top appeal of luxury, fuelled by the abundance provided by a Feng shui design.

Casino Baden-Baden

A legendary contribution to Germany’s crown of exceptional beauty. Casino Baden-Baden was indeed described as the most beautiful casino of the world, by none other than Marlene Dietrich. In its 268th year of glamourous existence, Baden-Baden is a good number two. The interior has a strong French influence contrasted against the backdrop of the mystical Black Forest. The interior and design of Baden-Baden were based on the palaces of French royalty, and it inevitably turned out to be a playground for kings. Gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers, draped in scarlet curtains are echoing wealth and opulence. The only element absent here is time, for no clock will be seen, enticing patrons to lose themselves in a time of glamourous brilliance.

Casino De Monte Carlo, Monaco

The globally acknowledge icon of luxury and splendour. The Belle Epoque building has been home to the wealthiest and most famous in the world since it was opening in 1863. The casino has been the inspiration of many silver screen presentations of a lifestyle of glamour and allure. It has made an appearance in some Hollywood classics from the Golden era too. The outside is richly decorated with marble statues and onyx columns. Every single night is an affair with Lamborghini’s, Ferrari’s and Rolls Royce’s dropping their patrons at the Old-World entrance before they float up the sweeping steps into a night of splendour. Dressed in the best as designed by the leading fashion houses of the world. Nothing is spared in their attire or their entertainment. The inside is as richly decorated with stained glass windows and enticingly dramatic frescoes covering the walls between the Rococo ceiling and the floor. Players at these tables settle only for high-stakes of French Roulette, Trente et Quarante or Poker.

Throwing a Las Vegas themed party is not the easiest to tackle, but if you plan it well and execute it correctly, it is the most exciting of themes. The planning includes not only décor but also food and drinks. Even the way you set up your furniture contributes to the atmosphere and of this memorable evening. Most of your friends and family are familiar with online and mobile sports betting and gaming, which might turn the pressure on, as you want to re-create this new form of entertainment during the party.

Event Furniture & How it Makes Your Party Stand Out

The furniture to use for a Vegas-themed part should include different elements such as chairs and tables as well as props. When you start planning the party, you need to take into consideration the room in which you host the event. The furniture is essential to offer the event vibe and sometimes renting a hall is a great option, depending on the size of the game and the number of people you invite.

Design and Décor

The furniture is the centrepiece of the whole event and needs to make your guests feel comfortable to stay longer. Some parties offer real money play amongst friend’s while others just monopoly money. Some of the more significant functions use professional dealers to host Vegas-style events. The décor, design, furniture and even the food need to compliment the theme, and you could ask guests to dress accordingly. Most Vegas-theme parties are inspired by a specific era, which further adds to the exciting topic.

Invitation Designs

First impressions count, and if it is a birthday or surprise party, the invitation is the first announcement and needs to make an impression. The most popular is large playing cards or something printed to look the same. You could send a casino chip with the invitation, which can be used in the first round. This gets the guests in a real gambling mood, and they’ll gladly dress to impress.

When it comes to the event of the evening, and you want to offer something close to Vegas, you’ll need a DJ, roulette wheels and stacks of different colour chips. Adding a few slot machines ensures the success of the evening. Depending on the theme, a gambling or Vegas party could also include a type of James Bond type of theme. This would require a great selection of different cocktail glasses, a barman and even a few waitresses to add to the Bond-feel. It’s quite an extravagant theme although it adds style, class, cigars and cognac to the event.

You could offer bonuses to the best dressed, have an Elvis look-a-like to welcome the guests to Vegas and karaoke on the side. The entertainment options are as unlimited as the entertainment in Las Vegas!

The overall facilities and designs of casinos have changed dramatically over the past decade to stay on the mark with the demands of the new generation. The older style casinos were a bit dark, some a little over colourful and in many cases disorienting. Even the older casinos were designed that way for several reasons. Every detail, component and design are used to create the perfect ambience for casino visitors. The casino is first built and then the designer’s step in to complete an environment that will attract visitors. In some areas, the more traditional design is most appreciated, although the people that loves gambling have changed. Casinos have no option but to change with their gamblers. 
 
The new generation of gamblers has access to online casinos offering sportsbetting, live casinos as well as traditional table games and slots. It’s almost impossible for land-based casinos to compete with that. Even more so since mobile casinos now accommodates players no matter where they find themselves. It pushes land-based casinos to offer services that will still draw the crowd in terms of design and entertainment value. Most casino owners called in the help of professionals, and the first approach was to redesign the casino floor layout. Most casinos previously used a maze-styled design with narrow paths leading past the machines. 

Unorganized Maze-Layout

To get to the exit, you would need to use the maze-style path, pass all the slots, and it required you to walk quite a distance. It was almost a random maze in which nothing felt organized. As with everything else, there was a good reason for this layout, if gamblers planned to leave the rows of slots, they passed could tempt them to stay longer. They’d spend a little more money as they try a few spins on their way out. The maze-style casino layout is no longer used in modern casinos, now players have space to move, and the casino floor is neatly organized. Casino game players like space, it allows them to feel that they explore the options. Many studies followed and only recently it was found that the best layout is a playground type of theme, it is also much more effective than the previous maze layout. 
 
The reason why players visit a casino is to have fun, and regardless of the gambler age now, he or she remembers the fun they had at carnivals or playgrounds. The playground theme brings back the same feeling of joy and enjoyment, which naturally makes them want to stay longer. The new layout includes lower ceilings that offer a homey feel and the colour combination need to inspire the players. Some designers use a lighter colour combination others more colourful. One thing that remains important is a pleasant smell; new casinos know how to entice all senses.