#237

This week David and Marina are joined by Mike Ross, the Architectural Design Studio Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, to discuss the design and construction of theme parks and theme park buildings, the Disney design process, technology's impact on how they build, creating theme parks in other countries, and much more.

Mike was the Overall Theme Park Project Architect, Director of the Shanghai Disney theme park and the Land Project Architect of Start Wars: Galaxy's Edge and numerous other projects.

(00:00) Mike discusses how he first became interested in architecture and working at Walt Disney Imagineering.

(06:42) Mike explains what the Walt Disney Imagineering department is and how it works and recalls one his first projects, The Tower of Terror.

(17:22) Mike discusses how immersive story-telling is the most important part of what he does and Walt Disney’s four principles for immersive story-telling.

(25:17) Mike talks about how theme park structures are designed to meet various building codes and working with building department officials.

(31:17) Mike talks about working on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and designing the two identical ‘lands’ to meet the more stringent building codes of the Florida and California.

(37:26) Mike discusses the heavy research they do to inform the designs of their structures.

(39:35) Mike discusses the construction materials and details of their more sculptural structures.

(44:37) Mike talks about technology how has changed their process and construction techniques and how their teams are formed.

(56:45) Mike discusses the challenge of designing theme parks and structures for different cultures and creating Shanghai Disneyland.

(01:19:51) Mike talks about working Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and using projection technologies in attractions.

(01:37:08) Mike summarizes the big difference between working as an Architect as Disney versus at conventional offices.

(01:39:45) Mike discusses the back of house architecture required for attractions.

This episode is supported by:
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• Miele: https://www.mieleusa.com/

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About:
The Second Studio (formerly The Midnight Charette) is an explicit podcast about design, architecture, and the everyday. Hosted by Architects David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, it features different creative professionals in unscripted and long-format interviews with thoughtful takes and personal discussions. Honesty and humor are used to cover a wide array of subjects.

Episode Types:
• GUEST INTERVIEWS: Interviews with leading professionals
• AFTER HOURS: Casual conversations
• FELLOW DESIGNER: Tips for designers
• DESIGN REVIEWS: Review of buildings and other projects