Joshua Tree Commercial Property Proposal

For several years, there has been a trend and movement in the art and entertainment industry - large scale interactive and immersive experiences. All notable participants in this industry have been high profile public examples of successful business models. This is a proposal for the creation of a venue for such a business, whether operated by or on behalf of the owners of the property.

Joshua Tree is a major tourist location and the property is on the largest artery through the area. The locals are extremely particular of the kind of homes and business in their city; at least in the forseeable future, there could never be a Disneyland, a shopping mall, a racetrack or a nightclub. Businesses have to be culturally sensitive to be granted permission, and also be popular. There are many absent resources that the locals would like to remain absent. If it were lke any other city, it would no longer be a tourist attraction. However, some businesses would not only be appropriate, but welcome, as it would bring more money into the local area.

For inspiration purposes only, used without permission

Cultural, Educational, Family-Oriented

Millions of tourists come to Joshua Tree every year, many of them are families with young children. Beyond the National Park itself, there are limited attractions for families in the area. If the tourists could be marketed to en route (billboard on the side of the road) then it could be argued that any responsible parent would be compelled to visit a science center, museum, or any educationally oriented activity. There is also the potential for the classic marketing technique of 'pester power' (marketing to children so they ask their parents) much like Disneyland.

That which stimulated the senses, causes an emotional reaction, and enriches us having experienced it, is art. There are many participants in this 'immersive' movement, creating content which meets these ideals, and their forums for displaying their work are limited. These same participants have massive followings and audiences for their work, that are willing also to pay for these real life experiences; there is a greater demand than there is supply, and this can be good for business, as well as consumers,

Water is a vital consideration everywhere on the planet, but is even more scarce in the desert of courseand is therefore more of a spectacle when it occurs or appears in any form. Water recycling allows water to be utilized for its inherently attractive aesthetic qualities, as well as being used in a closed system to provide cooling, much like a giant air conditioner, working on the princple of evapration and condensation.

One could argue that virtual reality requires little to no space, but no: it requires considerable space for multiple people to enjoy the experience without bumping into each other, while they walk around their real and virtual worlds simultaneously. There is a whole world to be experienced in VR for the application of science and art. Okay and maybe a game or two :-) In the movie, 'Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets' the protaganist walks around a shopping market in another dimension, but in the dimension where his physical body resides, he is in a large enclosed empty field with walls to protect those contained within from bumping into obstacles; this is one of the best illustrations of the enhanced experience possible, that comes with extra space for VR and augmented reality applications.

Even with a large-scale building, the land outside is even larger, and the experience for visitors is expandable into the greater world. The local climate is ideal for outdoor activities most of the time (unlike much of the world), which is a major part of the attraction for visitors. There are countless options for outdoor installations, illuminated and non-illuminated, that could provide the magical experience that people in general, crave and seek out. The tourists in Joshua Tree especially, are adventurous; they seek stimulation and experience.

Museums and galleries must spend significant amounts on inventory, on small paintings or physical installations. Interactive installations using light, (the common thread for most immersive and interactive experiences), whether from LEDs or projectors, is relatively inexpensive in comparison. After the initial investment in the infrastructure and equipment, every 'exhibition' is limited in cost to peripheral expenses, such as labor, electricity etc.

The surrounding landscape does a lot of the hard work when creating an environment where people want to convene. This naturally beautiful landscape can be 'played-off' or complimented, not conquered and overcome. It can be integrated into the architecture, it can be sympathetic, it can be respectful and harmonious. A simple low key lighting of all the naturally occuring foliage would create a usable lansdcape into the night, as well as providing safety, security and sanctuary. Many low-level lights would illuminate a large area evenly and prevent light pollution, something which the locals are expecially sensitive to, as it interferes with star-gazing.

There is an old tradition of traveling shows, entertainers, tours of artists of all kinds, from the circus to a rock'n'roll band. Immersive art exhibitions typically also do tours, with their own marketing, in as many locations that will allow them to exhibit. Some of these exhibitions are sold-out, at a considerable ticket pricedue to their popularity. This means there is potential for an overlapping business model is very similar to a classic theater or music venue which hosts popular bands that sell out shows. As venues suitable for such exhibitions are limited, there is little competition and ample opportunity for partnerships with exhibitors and promotors.

Being a museum and a gallery means potentially being the subject of potential endowments and loans. There are parties that own installations that do not a have a forum or even a safe place to store them. There will certainly be some opportunities to host installations and artifacts at no-cost, due to the convenience and transfer of responsibility for the care-taking; a 'storage facility' for art and installations which benefits all parties. Exhibitions that would otherwise have a short run or shelf-life, can be displayed if they meet criteria.

There's no fireworks in Joshua Tree, because they're a fire hazard, and 4th of July is notably dark in the sky. Drone light-displays are here to stay, and are becoming better, brighter and more impressive all the time. Joshua tree could have a 4th of July with lights in the sky yet; and maybe even do some tricks that foreworks can't pull off easily, like the ol' red, white and blue, up in the sky. That would be a spectacle, and very popular.

Land that is empty is unusable; it cannot make an income, it can do nothing but retain its value, or appreciate over time slowly. Land with a building becomes more valuable (if it is utilizable without further investment) and it can generate income while it appreciates. It is sensible to create an asset that can be used for multiple and flexible future uses. Ultimately the creation of a building that can be utilized by any number of businesses or institutions, whether they themselves are museums, galleries, promotors, airplane-painters or churches, is a business plan unto itself.

One skeleton looks much like another, and it is the same with buildings. It can be the details which seperate a special building from one that looks like a Walmart or a warehouse. Almost certainly, a metal-frame building is the economically viable route. A few windows in the right place, the right color, the inclusion of certain elements and the omission of others, is what produces a beautiful result. There's only a benefit to beauty, especially when it come at no extra cost. It makes business sense no matter who is occupying the property or running the business. Beauty opens doors, decreases resistance, attracts customers and tenants; and in property, creates wealth and value for the property owners.