I just got word that one of the main design projects I worked on through 2009 is nearing completion.  I was even more excited when a friend sent me a link to a 3D view of the site:

This is my “baby” – the  Radisson Hotel & Indoor Waterpark in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

I call it my baby because 90% of the visual elements you see were my ideas.  I worked on two other indoor waterpark projects through General Theming Contractors over the last couple of years, but this was the first location where I created the conceptuals for the space.  I also generated all of the production designs, coordinated with outside vendors and trades, and helped coordinate the internal production and installation of the 2- and 3-D elements.

This project was a success because the idea behind the project was strong from the very beginning.  The owner of the hotel knew what he wanted: a space that was utilized not only during the day but during the night time as well.  During normal hours of operation, it will act as a family-oriented destination with rides and attractions for people of all ages.  At night, the space would be transformed into a nightclub of sorts with lights, a professional sound system, and DJ stand to control all elements inside the park.

With this knowledge and a little research, we decided to move forward with an “Art Deco disco” theme that would provide a different experience for patrons each time they visit the park.

  • The four primary columns were wrapped in a digitally-printed translucent acrylic skinned around custom-rolled aluminum armatures.  Inside of each column, color-changing LED sticks were inserted that shift throughout the day.
  • The clear story windows that line the roof allow sun to pass into the park.  The light then passes though an array of organic shapes that shift size and color from one end of the park to the other.
  • The DJ station and chandelier contain 16 sound-activated LED sticks that have been daisy-chained together.  This allows them to act as an oversized equalizer while the professional sound system is pumping at night.  Really cool stuff.

As of today (as of January 13, 2010), the park is not open to the public.  Last I heard, there were talks of getting it operational by mid-February.  When I have a chance to make it out to the site, I’ll be sure to post some video of the interactive features.  As incredible as the photos look, experiencing the space in person adds an entire new element.

If you make it out there before me and have a chance to capture some video, shoot me a line and I’ll post your link.

A BIG thanks goes out to all of the talented engineers, artists, production managers, print operators, and installers at General Theming Contractors.  While their website doesn’t do them justice, they are one of the most diverse and skilled production houses in the Midwest with a diverse array of capabilities including screen printing, digital printing, custom 3D sculpture, faux and industrial painting, wood and metal fabrication, assembly, routing/CNC and more.

Lastly, big thanks to http://www.360cities.net for the amazing 3D views of the space.  Emerging technologies are truly making the world more accessible and bringing inspiration to those who would otherwise never have the opportunity.

So what do you think of the space?  Love it? Hate it?

Think you could do better? ;)