Pixar Animation Studios
West Village Studio
Seismic Retrofit and Adaptive Re-use
Emeryville, CA

Huntsman provided project management and architectural and interior design services for Pixar’s expanding production studio in Emeryville. Pixar directed the team to renovate an existing mixed-use warehouse facility as part of its overall site-planning scheme. The project included a seismic retrofit and tenant improvements. The new studio provides offices, production, and art space for the firm’s growing staff.

Office locations and reception entry areas are aligned with the main building to allow for a logical pedestrian connection. Special care was taken to keep the adjacent bakery fully operational at all hours.

The majority of the 56,000 square-foot program includes individual office space for employees, as well as related support spaces such as technical reference areas, storyboard rooms, computer support, conference and video-conference areas, restrooms, break and mail rooms, and lounge/interaction areas. The building also includes space for Pixar University, which houses art studios for drawing, a yoga room, and a screening room. The new warehouse interior features glass, aluminum, and brightly painted accent walls to contrast with the building’s original brick and timber construction.

Publications
Contract, June 2005

Completion Date: December 2004
Size: 56,000sf

photography by Sharon Risedorph