Las Vegas isn’t the place where one goes for a heart and soul experience, and yet Daniel Libeskind’s CRYSTALS Retail and Entertainment Center, part of the MGM Mirage City Center has a modern, sensual essence and green credentials.

Designed as an angular cocoon, the Libeskind architectural design conveys an appealing rational disorder comprised of female and male shapes inspiring us to dig into its shopping experience like modern-day luxury hunters and gatherers.

In November 2009 it was announced that Crystals achieved LEED Gold Core and Shell certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the world’s largest retail district to receive this level of recognition. CRYSTALS sustainable highlights include: radiant floor cooling, which consumes less energy for air-conditioning; the majority of the wood products are FSC certified where the wood is produced from forests with sustainable management practices; saves 1.8 million gallons of water annually; skylights allow for natural lighting thus saving on artificial lighting; and guests arriving with alternative fuel vehicles have access to preferred parking.

More photos and insights via Yatzer.com.