Project: Blue Sky Annimation Studios - offices, produciton departments and screening room.

Location: Greenwich, CT.

Product: Oak Paneling.    

Architect: HOK, New York.

Sharon Paculor, of HOK, discusses the Blue Sky project.

For the employees of Blue Sky Animation Studios, whose long hours and intense work schedule are intrinsic to their work, HOK devised a design concept that calls for a colorful, sometimes playful, backdrop for their primary work areas. Amenity and collaborative spaces provide a relaxing environment for meetings, meals, and recreation. Throughout, there are references to the company’s animation business and the characters portrayed in their films. Use of natural materials and shared natural light bring a sense of the beautiful outdoor landscape into the interior work spaces.

The project design goal/vision was to develop a space plan that responds to the adjacency requirements of the various departments: story development, model making, animation, lighting and editing. At the same time, the objective was to create overall a unique space that speaks to the client’s business. HOK thoroughly researched the workflow and special requirements of the animation process. Departments are efficiently located with their special support areas: model shop, edit rooms and screening room. Appropriately, HOK designed employee amenity spaces, such as break rooms and a gym, that provide welcome alternatives to the intense work environment of the general office areas.

Reclaimed wood seemed a perfect option as an interior finish material, both in terms of aesthetics and sustainability. The wood, which was from an old stockyard, showed its character with existing nail holes and worm holes. It celebrates the concept of utilizing renewed materials in an unexpected way in an office environment.

We find that the introduction of wood for cladding interior walls results in a warm, natural finish. In this instance, it literally brings a natural element from the outdoors to the interior of the space.

To maximize the sustainable aspects of the project, we specified recycled ceiling tiles, carpet with recycled backing and bamboo for flooring and ceiling. We also utilized the existing building structural lighting components to reduce energy usage and reduce the purchase of new products. A substantial percentage of existing furniture was re-used.