I have featured the Las Vegas CityCenter in previous issues of my Weekly LEED roundup but this week I want to focus on one of the complex's six LEED gold certified buildings, the ARIA Resort & Casino. ARIA opened earlier this month and despite the down economy, an acquaintance of mine said that the 150,000 square-foot casino floor was packed when he was there just last weekends. Anytime a new casino and resort opens on the Las Vegas strip, the crowds are sure to come. However, this time, the resort comes with a LEED Gold certification.

 

Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects designed the 4,000 room resort, which is the largest LEED Gold certified resort in the world. In addition to the 4,000 guest rooms, the hotel has 125,000 square feet of dining and lounge space, a 215,000 square-foot pool deck, an 80,000 square-foot spa, and 300,000 square-feet of conference space.

 

Other LEED Gold certified projects in CityCenter include the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, the Veer Towers, ARIA Convention Center, Vdara Hotel & Spa, and the Crystals shopping complex.

 

Located on the University of Cincinnati campus, the CARE/Crawley Building has received LEED Gold certification. The building is part of the Academic Health Center and was opened in September 2008. Although this is the first LEED Gold certified building on the university campus, it is the fifth LEED certification for the University of Cincinnati.

 

A few of the eco-friendly design features implemented include a rainwater capture system, a focus on reducing the heat island effect of the building, natural lighting and ventilation in the building’s atrium, and the use of local or regional materials when available.