The Internalized Streetscape marks a pivotal architectural and psychological shift in Las Vegas history, moving from the windowless "Black Box" casinos of the mid-20th century to the immersive, thematic environments of the 1990s.

The Forum Shops Model

Catalyzed by the success of The Forum Shops at Caesars (1992), developers began constructing simulated outdoor environments indoors, utilizing "Sky Ceilings" and spatial compression to mimic cities like Venice, Paris, and New York.

The Playground Theory

This design philosophy represents the triumph of the Kranes "Playground" theory over the Friedman "Maze," aiming to reduce anxiety and extend dwell time through beauty rather than disorientation.

The Simulacrum

By creating a Simulacrum—a sanitized, climate-controlled, and surveillance-monitored version of a city—operators were able to blur the passage of time (perpetual twilight) and capture high-margin retail and dining revenue.

The Monetized Street

This evolution signaled the industry's transition from pure gaming to integrated resort entertainment, where the "street" itself became a monetized product. You're walking through Venice, but every storefront is paying rent.