Building Blocks
New Tanizaki Gottfeld Division Focuses on Interiors
An upswing in entertainment theming sparked the formation of a new ‘interior division’ at Glendale, California-based Tanizaki Gottfeld Architects, Inc. (TGA).
According to Don Gottfeld, principal, “The reason we started the division was because of the increasing demand to renovate older theater interiors – either converting them to stadium-style seating or renovating ‘grand old’ theaters. The industry is more into theming in all entertainment projects, which is what our interior division will focus on.”
TGA started the new division about four months ago. In the past, the company primarily provided architectural and engineering services while specializing in retail/entertainment development. Now it also offers all aspects of interior design, with services available for theaters, retailers and offices.
The division’s first project was a new theater megaplex at the Town Center of Mililani, Oahu, Hawaii. The new interiors team created a “Hollywood Backlot” theme for the lobby. TGA recently got the assignment to design and oversee construction of the megaplex/entertainment component at the Victoria Ward Centers entertainment and retail development in the Kakaako district of Honolulu. The company is designing a 120,000-sq.ft., 4,000-seat, 16-screen megaplex, the largest theater in Hawaii, for Pacific Theatres’ Consolidated Amusement Co. Construction is expected to begin in June 2000, with anticipated opening by Memorial Day 2001. The theme of the Kakaako project is “Hawaiian Classical.”
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Artist’s renderings and photos of the finished lobby at the Town Center of Mililani, Oahu, Hawaii show the “Hollywood
Backlot” theme created by Tanizaki Gottfeld. |
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Film theme elements |
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TGA has designed and built more than 400 screens and offers extensive design and construction administration experience and a keen awareness of the latest in cinema technology. The company has overseen more than $250 million in the construction cost of new theaters throughout California and Hawaii. Every one of these projects included the principals’ hands-on attention for successful completions. “Dave Tanizaki is my partner. As principals, we’re involved in all parts of all projects. We’re proud of that,” Gottfeld says.
He feels that theming can draw customers and that design elements like special lighting and graphics can actually help sales. “Our retail/entertainment projects have given our clients the necessary result of profitability and at the same time have created unique and creative environments for consumers,” he says.
TGA’s firm philosophy is: “Our firm was founded on the premise that professional and creative talent generates individualized solutions for each project undertaken. Tanizaki Gottfeld Architects not only solves a given problem, we become an ongoing resource to our clients. Our firm has the capability to capture the unique qualities of each project, respond to budget and schedule demands, and produce a satisfying and distinctive environment.”
For more information, contact Don Gottfeld, AIA, NCARB, partner, Tanizaki Gottfeld Architects, Inc., 601 East Glenoaks Boulevard, Suite 201, Glendale, California 91207; 818-637-8690, Fax 818-637-8695; e-mail: tga@tg-architects.com.