Ewing, AIA, principal/executive director, Cuningham’s Play Studio. “This state-of-the-art, resort-style gaming destination is the culmination of a long-term vision of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians,” said Brett K. of slots and table games, a 2,000-seat event center, five food and beverage venues, two parking garages and a 12-story, 155-room hotel.Ĭuningham led the architecture, interior design and landscape architecture efforts for the brand-new facility, which replaces a previous nearby location that consisted of a converted bingo hall and tents.

The aubergine walls and reflective champagne columns recall backlit forests and open spaces.Cuningham, a global architectural design firm, has completed the Emerald Queen Casino and Hotel in Tacoma, WA, on behalf of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Inspired by riverbeds, the casino’s meandering pathways create a churning geography that flows through the space. The local mountains and waterways are important cultural landmarks for the Tribe, and interior elements subtly weave-in and draw influence from these natural elements. The casino also distinguishes itself by incorporating large windows and daylighting into the gaming floor, maintaining guests’ connection with nature and providing sweeping views of the surrounding area. The solution: a bold, black and white basket weave inspired exterior skin with red planes and organic textures that gives life to the interior, drawing visitors upwards to explore the vibrant, powerful, modern, and resilient tribal cultural references. With gaming on the fourth floor, the design team needed a dynamic way to direct visitors up four stories. Traditional story poles, contemporary art, and the native language are woven into the design and welcome visitors into the space.

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