Lucas complex begins to take shape
USC's School of Cinematic Arts uses $100 million to construct new flagship building.
Taren Fujimoto
Issue date: 1/17/08 Section: News
With the beginning of the new semester underway, the USC School of Cinematic Arts is progressively revamping its architectural layout, demolishing the old George Lucas Instructional Building and erecting a massive, flagship structure beside it.
Douglas Wellman, director of facilities at the School, said construction is "currently on schedule," and he has not received any complaints about noise or traffic delays related to the construction.
"Everyone has been accommodating about the project, and we appreciate it," Wellman said.
The complex's alternative style of construction, in which workers shoot concrete into a steel mesh frame, will allow the building to be done more quickly than conventional construction, he said.
The 137,000 square-foot main building will have four stories that house eight classrooms, eight screening rooms, nine multimedia conference rooms, 14 conference rooms and several post-production suites and administration offices, according to the School of Cinematic Arts' website.
The building will also have a sub-level post-production area with facilities that will allow students to use picture and sound editing equipment, including teaching labs and two large dub stages.
The complex will contain a 200-seat theater for digital and film presentations, two small digital theaters and one combination screening room and sound dub stage. There will also be several conference rooms and gathering areas.
USC alumnus George Lucas' gift of $175 million last year, the largest donation in USC's history, is funding the project.
Lucas and architects with the Urban Design Group designed the new complex, which will cost an estimated $100 million, according to the School's website.
Wellman said while remainder of Lucas' donation now serves as an endowment for the School of Cinematic Arts.
Elizabeth Winston, director of development, said Lucas is still very involved with every detail of the building's construction; he has the last say on all aspects of the project.
Douglas Wellman, director of facilities at the School, said construction is "currently on schedule," and he has not received any complaints about noise or traffic delays related to the construction.
"Everyone has been accommodating about the project, and we appreciate it," Wellman said.
The complex's alternative style of construction, in which workers shoot concrete into a steel mesh frame, will allow the building to be done more quickly than conventional construction, he said.
The 137,000 square-foot main building will have four stories that house eight classrooms, eight screening rooms, nine multimedia conference rooms, 14 conference rooms and several post-production suites and administration offices, according to the School of Cinematic Arts' website.
The building will also have a sub-level post-production area with facilities that will allow students to use picture and sound editing equipment, including teaching labs and two large dub stages.
The complex will contain a 200-seat theater for digital and film presentations, two small digital theaters and one combination screening room and sound dub stage. There will also be several conference rooms and gathering areas.
USC alumnus George Lucas' gift of $175 million last year, the largest donation in USC's history, is funding the project.
Lucas and architects with the Urban Design Group designed the new complex, which will cost an estimated $100 million, according to the School's website.
Wellman said while remainder of Lucas' donation now serves as an endowment for the School of Cinematic Arts.
Elizabeth Winston, director of development, said Lucas is still very involved with every detail of the building's construction; he has the last say on all aspects of the project.
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