The half circular shape contains five separate buildings, the division of buildings providing ventilation to prevent a heat concentration in the courtyard. The steel frame structures are clad with standard aluminum roofing material, the exterior of the shape with metal fabric. The flat roofs facing the South are ideal for solar energy panels, the slope facilitates water collection. Acrylic tube pedestrian walkways connect three buildings, and the colors red and buff over stucco bring warmth to a structure located in desert surroundings. The large central plate curving downward & over the hotel entrance provides shade to arriving and departing guests. A stone (a) in front of it centers the courtyard space, the stone a shallow fountain facing benches for guests to sit on. Plantings in areas (b) introduce visitors to the variety of local flora. A paved service road around the complex, with a lane for joggers, facilitates side-entrance deliveries.

1. Facing the entrance to the complex is the hotel, the driveway leading to the hotel entrance. In the 14 ft. high lobby are service areas & offices, elevators, seating/waiting areas, a coffee bar, and other amenities. The large windows facing North bring in the surroundings. On the left side of the four story hotel are guest rooms, breakfast rooms, snack bars and lounging areas. On the right side are more guest rooms and hotel services—the main restaurant, the kitchen, laundry & storage rooms, including an interior pick-up & delivery port for large trucks. In the center of the top floor is a high-ceilinged space open to views, the area suitable for tall plantings, large gatherings, conferences, buffet lunches & suppers and a disco under the stairs. The stairs lead to the Stargazer's Pit sunk into the top of the roof, the pit equipped with telescopes for the use of guests.

2. On the left, connected to the hotel by a glass tube, is the spa building— on the ground floor a swimming pool, a sauna and jacuzzi; on the second floor a gym and classrooms; and a spa on the third floor.

3. On the right of the hotel is the Complex Administration Building, including several apartments to house the families of the principal caretakers.

4. The building, flanking the entrance to the complex on the left, has two floors. On the ground floor is a fully equipped medical station to take care of the hotel guests and visitors alike. Next to it are the facilities—electric hub & batteries, water purifying station and pumps, air-conditioning and heating units, storage tanks, etc. On the second floor, entered by a ramp in the side wall at the entrance, is the hotel garage.

5. In the building to the right of the entrance is the visitor center—a gift shop, public restrooms, and a state-of-the-art theater for visiting schools. On the second floor, entered by a ramp in the side wall, is the visitor garage, as no other parking facilities would be provided outside the complex.

Text and images copyright @ by Aleksandra Kasuba 2007