BURBANK, CA — Nickelodeon officially opened the doors to its newly-expanded building in Burbank. The new space, which spans more than 200,000 square-feet, is a sustainable complex that’s now home to more than 700 Nickelodeon employees and over 20 show productions. Some of the biggest hits in kids’ TV, including The Loud House, SpongeBob SquarePants, Shimmer and Shine, and
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are produced there. Nickelodeon’s facility now includes a new five-story, building; an expansive, redesigned courtyard; and the newly-renovated, original 72,000 square-foot studio that first opened in Burbank in 1998.
“The opening of our new offices in Burbank is a significant moment for Nickelodeon,” says Cyma Zarghami, president, Nickelodeon Group. “We are ushering in a new era of creative excellence and increased collaboration for everyone who works here. Since we first planted our flag on the West Coast in the early ‘90s, Nickelodeon in Burbank has been a beacon to the creative community, and our new complex now signals our increased commitment to giving our creators and employees the very best environment and resources to be successful.”
Nickelodeon’s expanded campus reflects the brand’s style and sensibility, outfitted with art and installations to inspire and support creativity, community and a collaborative environment. Each floor features a central trellised “working gallery” that runs the length of the building, providing open space for collaboration and to display work in progress, as well as creating a visual connection between the courtyard and the views of the mountains to the east. Employees can brainstorm on full-height chalkboard, dry erase and magnetic walls, and personalize their workspaces with adjustable desks and cubbies. An on-site rotating art gallery will showcase both internal and external artists’ work. There is also an archive and library of the brand’s early days, paying tribute to the diversity of its long list of contributing artists and featuring pencil test renderings, creators’ notes and painted cells going back to the brand’s classic ‘90s series. An over 23,000 square-foot courtyard serves as a connection point between the new and original buildings, while itself serving as an outdoor work and meeting area with full A/V capabilities and an art installation site.
The project was the result of a partnership between Studios Architecture, ARC Engineering and Brightworks Sustainability. The West Coast facility targeted LEED gold certification by integrating sustainable strategies and resources into the design and operations of the building. To help optimize energy-efficient performance, lighting power is reduced by over 50 percent through efficient LED fixtures, lighting controls and use of daylighting. Priority was also placed on use of healthy and environmental building materials, such as low-emitting flooring and paint, and use of products with high recycled and regional content.
The new space has an 88-seat screening, three voiceover studios — one of which is brand new, a cafe, indoor and outdoor breakout areas, a music room, a game room and an arcade. The Nickelodeon Studio App – an iPhone- and Android-compatible app — allows for easy communication, collaboration and scheduling across all departments.
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