!melk: The notorious Las Vegas Strip, today, is the most visited tourist destination in the world. The Strip recently received its first-ever park, a spectacular public space designed by !melk, that is destined to become the most trafficked park in the world. What makes this project remarkable is the fact that private corporations, the owners of the properties along Las Vegas Boulevard, recently came to realize the value of investing in outdoor public space versus traditional (buildings) real estate development. They also see the economic and marketing value of sustainable, authentic, and contextual design. A more complete and mature urban condition has begun to form as a contrast to the prevailing thematic and artificial attractions that gave Las Vegas its familiar reputation to date. The cutting-edge design of “The Park” celebrates the context of the Mojave region and reinstates what Las Vegas once was – an oasis in the desert. Las Vegas exists in an extremely challenging arid location, exposed to sun, heat, dust storms, and scarcity of water. All design elements mitigate these extremes to create the most enjoyable urban experience possible. Iconic shade structures, water features, and desert plantings with drought resistant trees help temper the Las Vegas heat. “The Park” utilizes “best management practice” sustainability guidelines for water use.

Landscape Architecture: !melk
Client: MGM Resorts International
Date of completion: April 2016
Construction time: 20 months (August 2014 – April 2016)
Project type: urban landscape / pedestrian realm / park
Size: 5 acres
Cost: $100 million (including the architecture of the restaurants)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada