Chapman University, Digital Media Arts Center

Chapman University

DIGITAL MEDIA ARTS CENTER [ ORANGE, CA ]

PROJECT

Digital Fish Interfaith Media Arts Center Center & Wallace Chapel Chapman University LOCATION

Orange, CA

The Digital Media Arts Center project was developed for Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film & Media Arts. The design’s primary purpose: to provide an ‘ideation’ lab or creative collaboration studio for faculty and students to exchange ideas and further their craft. Formerly the California Wire & Cable Company building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources, it now functions with 2D animation classrooms, editing bays, an art classroom, faculty offices and a small, but well-appointed, stepped screening room.

The layout of the program takes full advantage of the restored historic shell, made primarily out of brick, by utilizing the expansive glass and steel frame windows and the unique collection of sculptural light monitors and skylights which bathe the interior space in light. The seemingly irregular plan speaks to this alignment of new program and existing site conditions. The primary social spaces and collaboration lounge are located directly beneath the grand light monitor - wrapped in floor to ceiling tack board, Idea Paint and writable translucent glass walls.

Organized as a interconnected series of collaboration spaces, the design trades hallways and corridors for a more academic approach to circulation providing places for exchange and serendipity. Built-in niche benches, an oversized live-edge wood communal table and individual student lockers all aim to keep students in the facility and engaged before and after classes. Food service is located adjacent to the multi-functional outdoor patio, tying together the interior and exterior, and allowing students to work and collaborate outdoors. The trellis and canopy are integrated into the existing historic architecture and feature a grid of pendant lights that extend the usefulness of the terrace well into the evening hours.

Collaboration Lounge beneath Grand Light Monitor

The Anaconda Wire & Cable Company Building circa 1922 (top) and 2011 (bottom).

Restored Façade

CINE STUDIO SCREENING ROOM ART STUDIO

LOUNGE

DIGITAL ARTS LAB

OFFICE 2D CLASSROOM

OUTDOOR PATIO

GRAB & GO DIGITAL ARTS SUITE

CONFERENCE ROOM FLEX CLASSROOM

Organized as a interconnected series of collaboration spaces, the design trades hallways and corridors for a more academic approach to circulation providing places for exchange and serendipity.

Utilizing the entire white shell as a giant indirect light fixture provides glarefree light throughout.

Signature pendant fixtures are featured over key social areas. Furnishings aim to be collaborative, light, moveable and durable to encourage students to find their own niche, collaborate with a group or have an impromptu meeting.

RENDERING

Brightly colored stylized doors bring a unique character to each office and provide a sense of individuality to the faculty.

RENDERING

BEFORE

Opaque bands within laminated glass wrap the entire space, including the main conference room, faculty offices and studios, allowing students to draw and sketch during impromptu meetings or late night collaborative sessions.

Communal live-edge table and catering bar at entrance.

RENDERING

Traditional Painting Studio

Animation Classrooms / Studios

Screening Room

The trellis and canopy are integrated into the existing historic architecture and feature a grid of pendant lights that extend the usefulness of the terrace well into the evening hours. hours.

RENDERING

Chapman University

Digital Media Arts Center

Client Size Completion Location Key Points

Chapman University 17,936 GSF Fall 2014 Orange, CA • The new Center includes: 2D animation classrooms, editing bays, an art classroom, faculty offices, a stepped screening room, social spaces and collaboration lounge, a catering bar, and covered patio.

• The design goal was to provide students with: an education that closely resembles a modern work/studio environment; a first-class digital animation facility second to none; and a heart and soul for the film school, students and instructors.

• Emphasis was placed on understanding how the animation industry operates. Visits to Disney’s animation studios provided insight into to how to integrate the unique creative processes of digital media.

• Historic Restoration: Working within the framework of a historically registered building required research and complex restoration. Program functions were arranged around existing conditions such as existing skylights/light monitors and structural columns.

• Interstitial spaces were the focus of the design exploration.

The lounges, community tables, built-in benches, large covered patio and pin-up/sketching opportunities are what make this a truly collaborative ideation studio.

• Approved under the 2010 CALGREEN Code, sustainable features include: re-use of the existing structure; use of natural light to minimize energy consumption; and complete on-site stormwater retention.

Awards

• AIA/Orange County Citation Award, Commercial Interiors, 2015 • AIA/Long Beach Citation Award, Commercial Interiors, 2015

Maryal Peter Director of Marketing info@acmartin.com