DISGUISE LA

Disguise LA is a creative workspace for the Los Angeles offices of a London-based video and performance arts technology studio. Located in an industrial warehouse, the workspace incorporates their unique technology: a real-time 3D stage simulator with a time-line based sequencer, a video playback engine and a content mapper, all integrated into one software platform.

The design encouraged active performance conceptualization, collaboration and visualization by artists, technologists and producers within a casual space, as opposed to a large industrial soundstage.

“The final space is a manifestation of the creative brief: To encourage active real-time performance conceptualization, collaboration and visualization by artists, technologists and producers within a casual space, as opposed to a large industrial soundstage.”

— Archello

Our architectural design approach encouraged the spatial design of the studio to function as a 3D visual artist's paradise while feeling like an extension of a family room. The concept sought to incorporate a custom-built real-time mapping stage with operable garage doors, flexible open spaces, a conference room and a twenty foot long steel pantry countertop bar to allow large social events like training, collaboration and entertainment. Custom assemblages enabled flexible usage.

Custom elements like the long-span countertop and stage screen were pre-built, then assembled on site, to maximize construction efficiency.

The unique technology of Disguise involves a real-time 3D stage simulator. This hybrid set would use an innovative timeline-based sequencer, a video playback engine, and a content mapper, all integrated into one platform to enable use in live events such as concerts, plays, and performances. Directors and performers could plan, mockup, and execute events in a physical environment using real-time 3d mapping. In addition, the clients wanted the space to be more than a showcase. Since the company strives to be a platform for both creatives and technologists to create and deliver spectacular live visual experiences, they desired a flexible workspace that could help both parties collaborate with or even educate each other in a casual social setting.

Disguise approached CHA:COL to encourage the spatial design of their Los Angeles space to function as a 3D visual artist's paradise while feeling like an extension of a family room. The concept sought to incorporate a custom-built real-time mapping

The existing warehouse had a fairly low span timber column grid. The concept sought to incorporate a custom-built real-time mapping stage with operable garage doors, flexible open spaces, a conference room and a twenty foot long steel pantry counter

As with most creative video workspace projects, the timeline was extremely constrained, so custom elements like the long span countertop or stage screen were pre-built and assembled on site.

The final space is a manifestation of creative brief by Disguise to encourage active real-time performance conceptualization, collaboration and visualization by artists, technologists and producers within a casual space, as opposed to a large indu

Location Arts District, Los Angeles, California Year Completed 2018

A key challenge designing for this space was the creation of a diverse settings within a relatively modest floor space. Another major challenge was working within interior shell height limitations in order to insert new foundations, framing and floorplates. We looked upon the overall project as an opportunity to demonstrate the diverse set of skills architects and interior designers must bring to such projects and help benefit the larger built environment we operate within.

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