National Studios
Master Plan & Feasibility Study
1.6 MILLION SQ FT • LEED GOLD (TARGET)
Davis Brody Bond was engaged to develop a Master Plan and Feasibility Study for the National Studios Campus, a multi-phased, mixed-use development in the DC metropolitan area. As the first major Production Studio of its kind, the 1.6 million sf “Creative Economy Campus” will feature a series of ten sound stages infused with a vibrant, mixed-use program consisting of Retail, Special Events, Conference Center, as well as a series of satellite buildings housing a complementary program of office, educational, and tech-based programs, wrapped in a green blanket of landscaped public plazas.
The programming and planning of the National Studios Campus began with and overall site circulation loop which separates the secure back lot and sound stages from that of the publicly accessible front of house program. The parking and loading strategy utilizes on-grade parking and loading for backlot Sound Stage programs while the front of house Retail, Special Events, and Satellite Building programs utilize basement level garages in order to free up the surface for more immersive landscape spaces and public activity.
The Level 2 Roof Garden is the centerpiece of the campus plan. Defined by its crisp second level edge bordering the Sound Stages and the organic shaped rooms of the public loops, it serves as both a connector and collector. The five outer star-like arms reach out to the level one public spaces to connect visitors upward through a series of gentle 1:20 sloped landscaped ramps. The arms reach outward to framed view corridors between the satellite buildings and the landscape beyond.
Masterplan Zoning & Massing. As the first major Production Studio of its kind, the 1.6 million sf “Creative Economy Campus” will feature a series of ten sound stages infused with a vibrant, mixed-use program consisting of Retail, Special Events, Conference Center, as well as a series of satellite buildings housing a complementary program of office, educational, and tech-based programs, wrapped in a green blanket of landscaped public plazas.
Sustainability. The sustainability strategy for the project establishes a passive cost effective platform for the collection and use of what nature provides for free, namely wind, water, and sun. The introduction of active systems to has the potential to achieve a LEED Platinum Certification. The use of photovoltaic and solar thermal collectors on the upper roof of the Sound Stages can create a substantial source of electricity for the facility. Currently Maryland offers subsidies for solar arrays or this can be accomplished at no cost to the project by establishing a power purchase agreement through a third-party vendor who will install, own, and operate the solar array.
Sound Stage Module A provides 34,000 sf of Workshops, Storage, Sounds Stage, and two story Office space. Both Office levels are designed using a 5 foot planning grid and a systems furniture layout in order to easily reconfigure the office layout for future tenants. Fixed infrastructure on both levels consists of restrooms, an elevator, and a connecting stairwell.
