Las Vegas Sphere: Impact on Urban Design
The Sphere, formerly known as the MSG Sphere, opened to the public in September 2023, becoming the world's largest spherical structure. Located off the Las Vegas Strip next to the Venetian resort, it was announced in 2018, designed by Populous, and is owned by Sphere Entertainment Co. Standing at 34 meters in height and 157 meters in width, the $2.3 billion venue boasts a 580,000-square-foot LED display on its exterior. Designed internally by MSG Entertainment and Icrave, the 875,000-square-foot space features an 18,000-seat theater with a massive 16K LED screen, providing a highly immersive experience with technological enhancements, including a 167,000-speaker array and haptic features in seats.
The venue, inaugurated by U2 in September 2023 with the residency "U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere," is not only designed for performances and concerts but can also host certain sporting events. Connected to The Venetian and the Sands Expo and Convention Center via a pedestrian bridge, the Sphere aims to offer a continuous immersive experience beyond the theater. Future events, performances, and additional dates for U2's residency are anticipated, signaling the venue's intent to redefine the live-music and entertainment experience.
The architectural integrity of the Sphere results from collaboration between a design team and various consultants, ensuring safety and maintenance for both the exterior and interior. The building's impact on people's emotions and its prominence in the city may influence future urban design considerations to accommodate traffic and pedestrians. With its ability to be in constant change, combining art and commerce, the Sphere is poised to be a game-changer for Las Vegas' architectural landscape.