Landscape Architect

April 2000

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Fusions of color highlight and define features of the landscape, welcoming the visitor to Harrah's Casino New Orleans.  Warm hues and chandeliers reminiscent of gas lamps draw the visitor into the foyer.  Covering two city blocks, Harrah’s Casino New Orleans offers something for everyone.  By creating five separate interior courts, the designers invite the visitor to take a stroll through the city of New Orleans, past and present.  The interior court system and its connecting pathways reflect exterior settings.  Each is based on an open air setting located somewhere in the surrounding city of New Orleans.

A star-lit sky and lighted, treed pathways serve to connect the five distinct environments of the interior of this building.  Smuggler’s Court provides a glimpse into yesteryear’s perilous adventures of Jean Lafitte and the days of piracy.  The Court of Good Fortune, emphasizing proximity to water and the resultant thriving trade, reflects the economic strength of New Orleans.  One result of the economic boom was the development of the city’s garden area, where the affluent resided in stately mansions.  Thus Mansion Court, complete with a garden buffet area, even features a grand ballroom.

The last two courts reflect what is perhaps most acclaimed about this city of New Orleans…the Mardi gras celebration and the sound of cool jazz.  The 7’ tall jester beckons the visitor to enter and meander along a mock-up of Bourbon Street, experiencing the fun of Mardi gras.  Finally, central to the outlying courts, is Jazz Court, a simulated outdoor courtyard with a grand oak tree at its center.  Here lighted sculptures celebrate legendary music, and the sweet sounds of jazz resonate.

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