Hello Robert!
I am in full agreement with you. I started my architectural career in 2002, and renderings back then were achieved by taking 2D views of a 3D model from softwares like SketchUp, FormZ, 3D Studio etc. 3D Studio Max and Rhino followed and then ultimately Revit. Rendering engines both built into the software and plugins were used to enhance the final look. While some renderings did intentionally look “illustrated”, the industry was already moving forward towards “realism” or “hyper realism”. According to the folks I spoke to at Marnell the remodel was for 2006 which would date these to roughly 2003-2004. By then 90% or more of the industry were using 3D softwares and the deliverable 2D presentations were printed on hard stock matte or gloss paper, not hand drawn on museum matte board with a subtle but noticeable grain like these 3 examples. It’s of course possible that the owner Harrahs Entertainment at that time, (Tony Marnell had already sold his share and ownership over to Gary Loveman in 1998 which predates the alleged date of these pieces) had requested the well known Paul Karoll be tasked with the commission of the illustrations, or Marnell had built a reputation on a specific hand drawn output and this approach was chosen over the more newly conventional “computer generated lifeless look”. In the early 2000s architectural practices begrudgingly adopted computer aided drafting and even more-so practically rejected the dry 3D Computer generated Perspective/Axonometric look. That conversation while almost non existent still is a side bar topic of discussion, more informal on coffee breaks rather than an official business plan. But I’m hypothesizing here playing devil’s advocate. I my hypotheses while possible is unlikely. To touch up on some of your other points, yes you can certainly see brush strokes(pictures don’t do any justice to not only this topic but their inherent beauty), some places far more pronounced than others like the glass ceiling atrium in the casino lobby, and the fountain the ceiling is suspended over. Other areas are meticulously detailed with a sharp meticulous hand. My guess is the piece is multimedia, watercolor, gauche and prisma colors. And lastly the clothing of the entourage. To me it screams mid to late 80s which is more likely when these pieces were created. My theory is 2 fold. The more unlikely executive decision to use the traditional hand drawn approach, or the very likely theory that these were part of the original tower. Originally one wing in 1990, and subsequent two additional wings that were added to achieve the popular Vegas hotel triform model most notably made popular first by The International in 69 by Kerkorian and again in 89 by Wynn with the Mirage. So why would Marnell Companies in 2023 tell me it was for a later addition, and a design alternate that was not chosen. It’s possible this is an original 1990 version design alternate that was not chosen. I remember seeing the Rio in 1993/1994 and while I had a keen eye at that young teenage age for various architectural details, I simply can’t recall. The woman I spoke with over the phone after seeing the same images posted here was flustered that I had them in my possession and how they were never intended to leave the office. Having worked in architecture for 24 years with over half of those in the themed entertainment and hospitality sector I understood her frustration. They are company property and in their early design stafes highly confidential (NDA) in nature. I have not spoken of any projects I’ve worked on to friends or family since 2011, unless there has been a press release or officially opened to the public. So my suspicion is that in order to conceal the true value of the pieces, I was told they were of a later addition and not the original even if a design alternate, or the more valuable version of the chosen design. This is all speculative. Both of our rational thinking minds are telling us these are of the original design and were produced in the 80s. I’m officially sticking to that regardless of what I was told by the office or until proven otherwise. Lastly, regarding the name change, as far as I know, when the company was founded in 1974 it was Marnell Corrao Associates. Sometime in the mid to late 2000s, (2008-2012) they became Marnell Companies along with its many subsidiaries. I will have to research when the name change occurred in greater detail. Thank you for your thorough insight and taking interest in this piece and providing your feedback. It is truly and utterly appreciated! I welcome more thoughts from you as a follow up and from anyone else in the community. My sincere gratitude!
-Pierre