top of page

The Heartbeat of the Desert: Black Desert, a Design for All

  • Jul 25, 2025
  • 2 min read

Set in the striking landscapes of Ivins, Utah, Black Desert Resort is more than just another getaway; it's a truly transformative experience. At the heart of it all, The Boardwalk and The Cove emerge as the resort's vibrant commercial and entertainment core, designed to welcome visitors of all ages and interests.

 


Designing the Desert


The design emerges from the land itself, an ancient lava field surrounded by sandstone mountains, all magnificently shaped by geological forces. GVI embraced this context to create a contemporary desert aesthetic.  This approach enhances every breathtaking view and offers reprieve from the high sun. Each space offers a gesture of comfort and welcoming natural light, all shaped by the beauty of the natural world. The outdoor areas encourage moments of pause and connection, fully embracing and adjusting to the climate throughout the year. The selection of natural textures and soft earth tones anchors the architecture, fostering a sense of harmony which feels both expansive and intimate.


Architectural sketch of a Black Desert set against a clear blue sky. Mountains are visible in the distance.

The Pulse of the Desert


GVI envisioned a space which is interconnected to all: the Boardwalk and The Cove with the resort hotel, the golf course, the future water park, and 316 condominiums. With 160,000 square feet of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, it becomes a living center where people meet, engage, and explore. Families, travelers, and locals alike will discover an abundance of meaningful experiences.


A Destination Designed for You


Black Desert welcomes those who seek beauty, connection, and experience. It invites guests to live fully, explore freely, and feel at home in a distinctive setting sculpted by the land and instructed by design. GVI continues to create architecture which honors each place and elevates the space and time in which people thrive within it.


Sunset casts warm light on rocky cliffs reflected in calm lake waters. Clear sky enhances tranquil, picturesque desert scene.

GVI and the Black Desert Championship: Shared Values, Premier Legacy

 

Designed as the social and cultural heart of Black Desert, the Boardwalk and The Cove Village embody connection, vitality, and experience. In this same spirit, GVI proudly partnered with the Black Desert Championship, an LPGA Tour event held in Ivins, Utah from May 1 to 4, 2025.

 

Set against the backdrop of stunning desert landscapes, the tournament showcased world-class athletes whilst also attracting a global audience. Hae-ran Ryu secured her first LPGA Tour victory in more than eight years with a final score of 262 (-26), finishing five strokes ahead of Esther Henseleit and Ruoning Yin.



 

Precision, focus, and resilience are values which define the game and are at the forefront of everything we design. At GVI, we celebrate moments where excellence exudes from purpose. Together with Black Desert, we design more than physical space; we create momentum.

 

bottom of page