NBC Universal has selected Callison to oversee the design of the Tonight Show's new home and studio at its Universal City Studios Stage 1 location. The studio will be designed to support an all digital, high-definition format for the new late night show hosted by Conan O'Brien. The newly constructed building will contain approximately 40,000 square-feet of production offices and technical and theatrical support space. The 10,000-square-foot Stage 1 will undergo extensive renovation and expansion to provide seating for up to 400 guests. The architecture will reflect a stately, mission style that pays homage to the venerable history of film and television production on the Universal Lot. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2009.
"Callison's breadth of building and workplace design expertise, along with a specialized understanding of the technical aspects of media and entertainment facilities, will bring a unique skill set to this project," says Brian Young, senior vice president at NBC Universal. "Our goals from the start were to bridge the rich history of the Universal lot with ever-advancing production technology to create the perfect new home for The Tonight Show. This new state-of-the-art studio will reflect the pride of NBC Universal and our facilities."
Callison plans and designs retail, hospitality, mixed-use, healthcare, and corporate projects worldwide. With offices in Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Shanghai, London, and Mexico City, Callison is one of the largest architectural design firms based in the United States with 750 professional staff. Callison's clients include Nordstrom, Microsoft, Gap, FedEx, Marriott International, Boeing, HP, Intrawest, Nike, Swedish Medical Center, Franciscan Health System, Seibu/SOGO, Aekyung, Ayala Land, Al Futtaim Properties, and General Growth Properties.
