Epstein's Top 100 Projects: #92: Sony Imageworks

In May of 1995, Epstein’s interior design group, known at the time as Interior Space International, was hired to provide programming and interior architecture services for Sony’s two-building, 125,000-square-foot complex in Culver City, California for their growing Imageworks Group.

Imageworks, which would be housed in the larger of the two buildings, consisted of Sony’s computer animation, visual effects, music video production and commercial production teams. The small building was planned to be occupied by Sony’s television producers and their project development teams. Epstein completed the interior design development for the groups in both buildings.

In designing the Imageworks space, Epstein's challenge was to provide a highly flexible and functional environment for the computer intensive, experimental work while distinguishing executive, client entertainment areas from creative, product development areas. The overall design needed to remain unified while simultaneously representing the corporate button down culture and the informal culture of Sony Entertainment.

The design includes a multifunctional steel and wood vault structure along the main circulation spine, which provides lighting and flexible display space for media posters and prototype models. And in the open furniture cubicle project development areas, Epstein designed an indirectly lit tensile ceiling structure to accommodate the complex lighting and acoustical requirements.