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Walter Klassen FX
By : HOK
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Commercial Space / Commercial Space > 5,400 sq.ft. (> 500 sq.m.) : Silver Certification
Categories : Commercial Space / Showroom : Silver Certification
Project Objectives and Challenges
Walter Klassen, a leading maker of camera equipment, costumes and props, is a collective “of makers and dreamers at the forefront of the film industry.”
They engaged HOK to design their new showroom and work studio to align it with their philosophy of delivering high-quality solutions for demanding film sets. Previously, they occupied multiple neighbouring units that were not organized with any consideration for how they worked or their client’s needs. Walter Klassen worked together with HOK to program a space that encourages high-performance, swift navigation, and heightened spirits. For their new space, Walter Klassen wanted to incorporate a flexible front-end area that reflects who they are—a showroom where they can display and demonstrate their designs. Implementing the showroom was a strategic decision to enhance marketing efforts, improve customer experience, and drive growth.
Solution
Walter Klassen’s showroom space was designed with bespoke boardroom cabinets and shelving to organize and showcase their props. As well, because of the variety of product types and sizes, the space was designed to be adaptable. Adjacent to the kitchen, a movable wall enables them to adjust their space to host events and large staff gatherings. The space allows for privacy in a boardroom setting or openness in a functional event space that helps to build community and engagement.
Walter Klassen’s previous, disorganized layout hindered collaboration and created departmental silos. The new space was organized with thoughtful adjacencies that encourages collaboration, integration, and efficiency. A key feature is the Cyclorama—a dedicated, seamless photo/video wall for in-house prop photography and costume fittings—a new addition to their space. Noise, mess, and dust from work areas were strategically concealed from the client-facing area, ensuring a seamless experience.
Prioritizing efficiency, the design separates noisy and dusty workspaces from electronic and painting areas. High VOC emission areas were grouped with a robust exhaust system for improved indoor air quality to protect workers and adjacent departments’ props. Enclosed rooms provide acoustic privacy for confidential conversations, with a fully enclosed paint booth enhancing production capabilities. Efficient use of space was crucial, with storage solutions organizing tools and equipment for easy access. These solutions streamline workflow and showcase completed work, keeping with Walter Klassen’s tradition of celebrating products. Sightlines were maintained between departments, and a flexible boardroom provides space for team and client events. Ceiling-based power/data connections in open areas allow for easy reconfiguration without infrastructure changes.
The design prioritized sustainability by minimizing construction to essential partitions, retaining base building lighting, and strategically adding task lighting for energy efficiency. Existing furniture and equipment were reused, significantly reducing waste. Durable finishes were selected for stain, chemical, and impact resistance. Millwork finishes in the client-facing area were chosen for longevity and minimal risk of damage.
HOK’s vision for Walter Klassen embodies transformation and collaboration, resulting in a space that translated their ideas into a remarkable and functional showroom and work studio. The new space is thoughtfully organized by logical workflows, bringing the proper adjacencies together along with space to showcase exciting innovations. The project’s success is reflected in a healthy, inclusive, and high-performing workspace that showcases Walter Klassen’s specialized work up-front.
Collaboration
