Coordinates: 28°21′55″N 81°31′17″W / 28.365389°N 81.521331°W / 28.365389; -81.521331

Team Disney Orlando

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Team Disney Orlando
Map
General information
TypeOffice
Architectural stylePostmodernism
Address1375 East Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
CountryUnited States of America
Coordinates28°21′55″N 81°31′17″W / 28.365389°N 81.521331°W / 28.365389; -81.521331
Opened3 June 1991
OwnerWalt Disney World Co.
Technical details
Floor count4
Floor area401,000 square feet (37,300 m2)
Design and construction
Architect(s)Arata Isozaki
DeveloperDisney Development Company
Other designersHunton Brady Pryor Maso
Main contractorHolder Construction
Awards and prizesAmerican Institute of Architects 1992 Honor Awards

Team Disney Orlando is an office building located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on the grounds of Walt Disney World Resort across from Disney Springs. It is the administrative headquarters of Walt Disney World, and home of the Finance, Accounting, Business Insight & Improvement, and Legal departments. It also houses several resources for cast members, including a gym, canteen, and credit union.

History

Background

Disney CEO Michael Eisner had a long history with postmodern architecture, having previously worked with architect Michael Graves. Eisner selected Japanese architect Arata Isozaki to lead the project. In an interview, Isozaki said that the creative freedom offered by Eisner along with his childhood interest in Disney were what convinced him to accept the role.[1][2] It was the second "Team Disney" building to be built, after Team Disney Burbank and, and was followed by "Team Disney" buildings in Anaheim and Hong Kong.

Design and Construction

Isozaki came up with multiple possible designs, but decided on a low-rise after it was decided that a high-rise would not fit in with the surroundings. Isozaki was upset when the planned location was moved from its original planned location at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort to the final location near I-4. As a compromise, Disney built a lake to the west of the new location. The Florida Solar Energy Center was consulted in the design of the sundial. Orlando-based architecture firm Hunton Brady Pryor Maso was hired to oversee the construction, and is listed as the Architect of record.[3]

Opening and use

The building was opened officially on 3 June 1991 to consolidate several other offices located around Orlando. The reflecting pools were removed in 2010.[4] The interior was remodelled in 2016, 25 years after the original opening.[5] The building is primarily occupied by cast members working in administrative roles, such as finance or human resources. Over 1,000 cast members work in the building. It also contains a gym, and a branch of Partners Federal Credit Union.[6]

Design

The building was designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki in the postmodern style. It is built around a central 120 feet (37 m) "stack". Two four-story wings extend out from the stack, which is hollow, and a stylus atop it creates a "solar clock" visible from inside. At the time it was the largest sundial in the world.[1] The interior of the stack is decorated with quotes from both real people and fictional characters, chosen personally by Michael Eisner.[3][7]

Reception

Eisner reportedly loved the building, being especially impressed by the courtyard.[2] It received an honor award from the American Institute of Architects in 1992.[8] Time Magazine listed it amongst the best design of 1991, describing it as "both utilitarian and whimsical" and likening it to a "cathedral on Venus".[6][9]

References

  1. ^ a b Serratore, Angela (2019-06-17). "The magical (postmodern) world of Disney". Curbed. Vox Media. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  2. ^ a b Webb, Michael (July 1992). "The Pleasing Places of Arata Isozaki". Smithsonian. Vol. 23, no. 4. pp. 58–67. ISSN 0037-7333.
  3. ^ a b Korkis, Jim (2016-08-02). "WDW Chronicles: The Story of the Team Disney Building". All Ears. Vol. 880. AllEarsNet, LLC. ISSN 1533-0753. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  4. ^ Leibacher, Herb (2017-05-22). "Ten Interesting Facts About The Team Disney Building". World of Walt. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  5. ^ Snow, Michelle (2016-06-14). "Team Disney Celebrates 25 years at Walt Disney World". The Disney Blog. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  6. ^ a b Kober, Jeff (2011-10-27). "The Yin and Yang of Team Disney in Orlando". Mouse Planet. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  7. ^ Stock, Gregory. "Team Disney Building". The Orlando Foundation for Architecture. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
  8. ^ Haile, John, ed. (1992-01-22). "'Team Disney' Building Honored". Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Publishing. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  9. ^ McManus, Jason, ed. (1992-01-06). "Best of 1991: Design". Time. Vol. 139, no. 1. p. 83. ISSN 0040-781X.
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