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Entertainment Projects

“Switch” Restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas

December 30, 2008 - 4:19pm — J. Castellano
Switch Restaurant, Las Vegas
Project Overview: 
Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, the newest hotel and casino property in Las Vegas, opened in December 2008. One of its signature features is Switch Restaurant, in which the architecture changes (or “switches”) dramatically several times during the guests’ dining experience. McLaren worked to develop complex moving elements, including moving walls, horizontally sliding wall panels and 1125-square foot ceiling that opens to reveal elegant draperies.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren was involved with the Switch project throughout the process, initially with concept level engineering assessments, computerized pre-visualization animations of the moving elements, preliminary engineering, development of technical specifications, bidding support, and final design of the major effects. Designs included structural design of the moving assemblies and their supporting catwalk systems, motorized electric actuation systems, winches, and incorporation of architectural elements. Engineering challenges included developing safe and reliable machinery that can operate safely and reliably near the public while also satisfying the aesthetic needs of the Interior Designers.
Service: 
Structural Engineering
Service: 
Mechanical Engineering
Service: 
Fabrication Inspection
Service: 
Complex 3D Analytical Modeling/Animations
Service: 
Bid Phase Support
Location: 
Las Vegas, Nevada
Client: 
Wynn Design & Development
Project Type: 
Mechanized Show-Action Equipment
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
2007-2008
Construction Cost: 
N/A
Image: 
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“Twister…Ride It Out” at Universal Studios

October 3, 2008 - 11:30am — J. Castellano
Twister...Ride It Out
Project Overview: 
McLaren was retained to provide structural and mechanical engineering services as part of the design of Universal Studios “Twister…Ride It Out” experience. Based on the movie Twister, this experience simulates a tornado event. Show effects include a rapid floor drop, awning drop, a splitting tree, a swaying tree, a falling neon sign, a tear-away screen, and shaking doors. Environmental effects include wind, noise, lightening simulator, and rain.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren provided structural development and analysis, performed dynamic analysis of structures in motion using LARSA® and STAAD® modeling programs, provided fatigue analysis, performed mechanical design, and provided mechanical component and hydraulic and pneumatic component selection. Fabrication and installation was by Production Resource Group (Scenic Technologies).
Service: 
Mechanical Engineering
Service: 
Structural Engineering
Service: 
Fatigue Analysis
Location: 
Orlando, Florida
Client: 
Scenic Technologies, Inc.
Project Type: 
Structural and Mechanical Design
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
1996-1998
Construction Cost: 
2,000,0000
Image: 
Twister_1.jpg
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Twister_2.jpg

Wynn Casino, Macau - Mechanized Show Equipment

August 27, 2008 - 11:58am — J. Castellano
The Kinetic Atrium and Wynn Casino - Macau
Project Overview: 
McLaren was retained to engineer a "Kinetic Atrium" at Wynn Casino in Macau, China. Winner of the 2009 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement, the elegant and unique atrium is driven by several large, custom mechanical assemblies, morphing from one architectural form to another. The star of the show – the golden “Tree” – is unveiled through a partial dome in the atrium’s floor, which breaks into six parts and creates an opening for a mechanical lift to elevate the Tree into full view. The Tree revolves as it rises and is a symbol of good luck in the local culture.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren was involved in this project beginning with concept level feasibility studies and continued all the way to fabrication and construction. In between, the firm performed computerized pre-visualization animations, preliminary engineering, development of technical specifications, bidding support, and final design of the major effects. The firm’s participation also included full-time technical representation on behalf of the Owner in the fabrication shop and then on site during installation.
Service: 
Structural Engineering
Service: 
Mechanical Engineering
Service: 
Engineering Analysis
Service: 
Bid Phase Support
Location: 
Macau, China
Client: 
Confidential
Project Type: 
Show Action Equipment
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
2005-2008
Construction Cost: 
N/A
Image: 
Kinetic_Atrium_2.JPG
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Kinetic_Atrium_3.JPG
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Kinetic_Atrium_4.JPG
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Wynn Casino, Las Vegas - Special Structures

August 27, 2008 - 11:45am — J. Castellano
Wynn Casino Las Vegas
Project Overview: 
The new Wynn Las Vegas Hotel and Casino contains striking architectural features, some of which McLaren helped design. A public space centerpiece features an atrium with eighteen unique, colorful “parasol” styled hanging elements. These elements rise and lower very slowly to create an ever-changing visual effect highlighted by sunlight through a large, adjacent glass wall. Another notable feature is a large porte cochere at the north side of the building.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren provided structural engineering services for the framing and overhead rigging schemes of the parasol elements, and for the curved polycarbonate lighting panels with its steel framing that surround the chandelier at the north porte cochere. McLaren engineers worked closely with the contractor to develop the fabrication and construction techniques and conducted a shop visit to view the fabrication progress.
Service: 
Structural Engineering (Special Structures)
Service: 
Fabrication Inspection
Service: 
Complex 3D Analytical Modeling
Location: 
Las Vegas, NV
Client: 
Wynn Las Vegas
Project Type: 
Special Structure Design
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
2004-2005
Construction Cost: 
N/A
Image: 
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Tina Turner 24-7 World Tour Stage

August 27, 2008 - 10:36am — J. Castellano
64 - Tina Turner 1.jpg
Project Overview: 
McLaren was tasked by The Mark Fisher Studio/Private Dancer Productions to provide structural and mechanical engineering services for Tina Turner’s “24/7 World Tour” Stage.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren provided structural and mechanical analysis and design, dynamic analysis, details and periodic inspection for the Tour Stage. The design included custom staging and a signature boom lift. The lift consisted of a 54 foot long long-arm that rose out of the stage, pivoted over the audience, and translated across the stage with Tina Turner performing at the cantilevered end.
Service: 
Mechanical Engineering
Service: 
Structural Engineering
Location: 
North American & Europe
Client: 
The Mark Fisher Studio, Private Dancer Productions
Project Type: 
Stage Design
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
1999-2000
Construction Cost: 
4,000,000
Image: 
64a - Tina Turner 2.jpg