Construction begins on production studio project for BIG’s Wildflower Production,
The Department of Buildings (DOB) has given construction permission for the proposed production studio project since 2019, when American actor,
producer and director Robert De Niro revealed it.
Wildflower Development Group and BIG have revealed the first images of their 650,000-square-foot (about 60,400 sq m) production studio design proposal.
Located in the Astoria neighborhood northwest of Queens,
New York, the project is set to become the world’s first vertical commercial film, television and creative studio, once completed.
In addition to creating a world-class futuristic campus for content creation in Queen,
responding to the continued demand of large production studios in New York City.
The seven-story film, television and creative studio complex explores broadcasting, augmented reality,
virtual reality and gaming alongside traditional production environments.
The project will be the first highly engaging, graphic entertainment environment of its kind in New York City.
Representatives from Wildflower Studios met with local officials and incorporated community feedback on the proposal, in order to create an inclusive project for the city’s residents.
The project will restore the neighborhood’s vitality by installing car parks, access to public water,
and land conservation areas.
The building will include various cultural programs such as stages, production support areas,
open and private offices, lounges, etc.
All through a design based on connecting different types of spaces and generating a creative work environment.
Design Features
The interior is designed with interconnected spaces strategically planned for private and public functions,
ensuring creative and dynamic work spaces that foster collaboration and communication.
The structure includes 11 acoustic stages, 310 off-street parking spaces,
and a waterfront parking open to the public.
In addition to the group of phases, the project also includes production support areas,
public and private offices, fitness room, cafes and lounges.
Construction begins on production studio project for BIG’s Wildflower Production
The building will be clad on the outside with angular,
precast concrete panels, creating a moving effect that follows the movement of the sun during the day.
Two outdoor terraces are hacked into the facade, providing an external connection to the waterfront and views of the Manhattan skyline.
The rooftop of the building will include an area of 150,000 square feet of solar panels.
Expected to be completed in 2023,
the project will provide the city with the first of its kind “extremely engaging environment for illustrated entertainment content” with more than 1,000 daily union jobs.
The project has also secured a capital investment from Meadow Partners,
and a $600 million construction loan from Silverstein Capital Partners.
Other partners of Wildflower Studio include Adam Gordon and Matthew Decker of Wildflower Ltd. Robert De Niro, Rafael De Niro and Bjarke Engels.
