Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs |
INCHEON, South Korea --
Lifescapes International, the landscape architectural firm behind iconic
destinations such as the Mirage, Bellagio Resort & Casino, and Wynn Las
Vegas, has designed the landscape environment for Paradise City, a $1.1 billion,
fully integrated entertainment and gaming resort complex totaling 83 acres in
Incheon, South Korea.
“As Northeast Asia’s first
‘art-tainment’ integrated resort, Paradise City offers an unparalleled guest
experience,” asserts Julie
Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, President of Lifescapes International. “This
mega-resort combines a diverse range of hospitality, gaming, art, and retail
amenities, allowing guests to experience luxury, beauty, and entertainment like
no other in Northeast Asia.”
Paradise City encompasses
12 facilities, including a five-star luxury hotel totaling 711 rooms, a family
wing and pool villas, a premium casino equipped with state-of-the-art systems,
and a K-style-themed convention center decked with a full-service entertainment
bar, among others. Additional amenities include an art gallery that features
works from world-renowned and rising artists, retail shops, restaurants, and a
luxury spa.
Alvaro Amador |
Project Designer, Alvaro Amador shares, “The trend in
resort development is an increased focus on creating a one-of-a-kind guest
experience through programmable spaces, water entertainment shows, and
landscaped environments to attract guests and encourage repeat visits.
At
Paradise City, we took this concept to the next level by incorporating innovative
landscaping to achieve the artistic energy and excitement of a fully immersive
resort experience.”
Lifescapes International
infused vibrant landscaping throughout the main resort-style pool, complete
with an outdoor bar and private cabanas for an exciting night-life setting,
according to Amador. The firm also designed a large Las Vegas-style main entry,
wedding gardens, private villas, and gardens that flow throughout the interior
and exterior of the project.
“Based on our experience
in designing 12 iconic resort casinos along the Las Vegas strip, we were
selected to design the overall landscaped environment and deliver on the
developers’ concept for this project, which was to create the ultimate
destination that would attract tourists year-round,” explains
Brinkerhoff-Jacobs.
“Our vision was to bring the vibrant energy of
Las Vegas to Korea by integrating water features and immersive gardens, thereby
heightening the dramatic element of the setting and cultivating an exceptional
entertainment-driven experience.”
Paradise City Resort, Incheon, South Korea |
Italian villa elements and
Mediterranean motifs, in addition to “hallyu” or Korean-pop culture, inspired
the landscape design for this resort, which includes interior gardens and
outdoor accent plantings with a spectrum of color and texture.
“Paradise City’s unique
value proposition is its artful convergence of different cultures, including
those of the East and West,” adds Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, who notes that Lifescapes
harmonized these elements in the overall design of this project.
To achieve this balance,
Lifescapes incorporated a variety of indigenous trees and plants native to
South Korea, including Hornbeam Bonsai, Weeping Willow, Cherry Blossoms, Konara
Oak Trees, Sawleaf Zelkova, and Loropetalum, among others.
Paradise City Resort, Incheon, South Korea |
“We understood that the
project needed to highlight South Korea’s rich cultural identity, while also
attracting international business,” continues Brinkerhoff-Jacobs. “By
integrating a diverse range of native plants, we were able to preserve the
integrity of the cultural experience, while also bringing the excitement of Las
Vegas in a way that would drive tourism and put South Korea on the map for
future travel.”
Paradise City is situated
in the International Business Center of Incheon International Airport, the
gateway to Northeast Asia’s economic and cultural epicenter. Located 90 minutes
from Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo and 40 minutes from Seoul, this mega-resort
offers easy accessibility for both locals and international tourists.
The large resort complex
was developed as a joint venture between Korean casino operator Paradise Group
and Japanese entertainment group Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc., which boast a
combined 45 years of experience in operating casinos and hotels.
Lifescapes International
is an internationally recognized landscape architectural firm that has become
an influential force in the industry through its design of innovative,
creative, and trendsetting landscape environments. For nearly 60 years, the company has remained
true to its mantra: “We Create Gardens
People Love.” SM
For a
complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:
Miki (Conant) Akil or
Katie Kea
Brower, Miller & Cole
(949) 955-7940