The design team’s primary goal for the Fort Hall Casino was to infuse the Shoshone-Bannock tribal and cultural identity into the new space. It is important for buildings on the Fort Hall Reservation to both serve the people and educate visitors about the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. The Tribal Culture Council assisted the team with the selection of significant historical photographs and artifacts of their ancestors to use in the central casino entrance vestibule; additional photos of important tribal imagery were installed behind the cashier’s desk and in the dining venues. Working closely with the tribe, FFKR was able to bring elements of their cultural symbols and colors forward into the interior design through the custom flooring, wall patterns, and lighting features and incorporate their connection to nature through symbolic rivers, mountains, and animal motifs. We worked to design a space that belonged to the tribe in look, feel, and experience.
Important Cultural Icons
A main feature at the center of the gaming floor is a larger circular medallion light with important cultural icons including a ring of bald eagle feathers followed by blue mountain peaks with a rising sun, and a ring of fire. This custom art piece follows the ‘fire color’ palette of red, yellow, blue, and white and the pattern of intricate ancestral beadwork.
References to Tribal Culture
Our team and the Tribes’ Cultural Committee went through an extensive design process to conceptualize and approve the interior finishes of the Fort Hall Casino. Referencing tribal imagery and elements of nature are highlighted throughout every area.
Sharing of Historic Artifacts
The Tribal Culture Council assisted the team with the selection of significant historic photographs and artifacts of their ancestors for use in the central casino entrance vestibule; additional photos of important tribal life were installed behind the cashier’s desk and in the dining venues.
Snake River LED
The Snake River, which is an important feature in landscape and life, inspired the design of the ceiling light feature that spans the gaming floor. Our team collaborated with a lighting consultant to help with the physical creation and programming of the winding Snake River LED lighting feature.
FF&E Support
The design team’s scope of work included furniture elements like built-in booths. We worked closely with the Tribe’s procurement specialist for the selection of additional FF&E for all the spaces.
Stampede Lounge
Warm materials and textures create a comfortable setting at the main lounge and bar area. The blue tile wall carries the concept of water to the inside of the building and creates reflection and color within the space. Several screens and comfortable seating options are scattered throughout.
Casino Entrance
The exterior design for the main entrance of the building fits well with the existing hotel. Materials, parapets, and overhangs tie the two buildings together. The ‘light box’ guides patrons to the main entrance and provides a hint to the significance of water to the Shoshone-Bannock culture.