-
MAGIC Spell Studios’ Site Plan indicating the existing Gannet Hall, its basement and areaways required for intake and exhaust air.
-
First Floor Plan
-
Second Floor Plan
-
MAGIC’s plan organizes and integrates with the existing campus structure and architecture, then playfully breaks away creating new public spaces.
-
An elegant exterior design solution simplified the building form through the use of an overarching proscenium, and a glass “curtain” and an inviting canopy entrance.
-
A “proscenium” and glazed “curtain”, combined with an inviting canopy and see-through MAGIC signage engage visitors. “Pixelated” terra cotta panels tease the digital media inside.
-
A dynamic main lobby features student work, visible over two-stories. The terrazzo path leads visitors through the portal beyond and up to MAGIC’s “Innovation Suite”.
-
Complementing the creative energy of the “Innovation Suite”, colorful furniture and finishes are featured throughout, with film and video game themes playfully integrated.
-
Tiered, 40-seat Sound Mixing Suite with professional theater-quality audio and acoustics with a voice-over/ isolation booth prepare students for specialized careers in film and entertainment.
-
180-seat movie theater with speaker’s platform, 4K Christie laser projection, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound and NC 25 sound rating supporting lectures, e-sports and student showcase.
-
A 7,000 SF column-free sound stage provides professional acoustics and lighting for both student and commercial film production, which also supports cooperative education opportunities.
-
David Lamb Photography
-
David Lamb Photography
-
David Lamb Photography
MAGIC Spell Studios provides RIT a new architecture and experience to support its innovative mission. “MAGIC” unites RIT’s computer gaming, film, animation and digital media education programs under one roof with an emphasis on student entrepreneurship and commercialization, providing technology that rivals major media production facilities.
MAGIC’s plan organizes and integrates with the campus architecture and structure, then playfully breaks away. Slight rotations in plan create interest and shape dynamic lobby and gathering spaces, where displays and interactive opportunities showcase MAGIC’s media products.
A client-requested “Wonderland” journey showcases Animation Studios and high-end Media Development Laboratories. In addition to a 7,000 SF sound stage and a movie theater with 4K laser projection and Dolby ATMOS sound system, two smaller tiered classroom / screening rooms support educational and professional use in sound mixing and color correction. All tiered seating venues utilize the site’s natural grade to provide access to the upper and lower levels.
MAGIC’s “Innovation Suite” is a “startup” environment designed for a 24-hour collaborative culture. Interdisciplinary, mentoring faculty are in adjacent offices supporting students as they launch new ventures. MAGIC complements the student energy with colorful furniture, finishes and lighting, with film and video game themes playfully integrated throughout.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Category
College/University
Description
Project Location:
Rochester, NY
Architecture Firm
SWBR
Rochester, NY
www.swbr.com
@SWBRdesign
swbr-architects
@swbrarchitects
Photography By:
David Lamb Photography
Share