SMASHING TRADITION WHILE MAKING A MATCH
While traditional broadcast facilities focus on dimly lit technical spaces, the Tennis Channel created a light-filled space. Existing clerestory windows remained uncovered, and living, green walls were installed to bring the outdoors inside for a breath of fresh air.
Production and editing rooms are combined with social spaces for impromptu meetings while the café opens onto an external garden that acts as an escape from working long hours in dark studios. Everything, down to the exposed conduit, was designed to be aesthetically pleasing so the space was as much for Tennis Channel employees as it was for broadcasting.
This project served an atypical combination of multiple clients: the Tennis Channel and Bally Sports and their parent, Sinclair Television Group. There were numerous ideas on how to rebuild this space to showcase the new brand. The project not only accommodated a larger number of people in the workplace but also aimed to include more studio and editing space. The adage “form follows function” greatly reflects the architectural goals for this project. The design and construction teams of Gensler and Clune Construction provided innovative solutions that delivered on everyone’s wants and needs.
IMMERSIVE STUDIO ENVIRONMENT
When looking at the completed space, it’s clear to see how the design was inspired by the sport of tennis and the Tennis Channel’s values. The broadcasting desk’s shape is modeled after a tennis racket’s arc while the background elements resemble the strings. The entire space has 18-foot ceilings throughout to accommodate a large-scale photo display that represents significant moments in tennis history. The Tennis Channel employees embrace the dynamic new space and feel comfortable in their new environment.
Taking advantage of Santa Monica’s indoor/outdoor climate, the design team included biophilic elements throughout to create a sensory experience. Peppered with open space amenities and a light-filled atrium, the finished headquarters embraces the essence of Southern California living and the outdoor nature of the sport.
PHOTOS: Gensler/Ryan Garvin unless otherwise noted
Retrofit Team
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Clune Construction
ARCHITECT: Gensler
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: Jones Lang LaSalle
MILLWORK: AM Cabinets
STRUCTURAL STEEL: Washington Iron Works
HVAC: Control Air
ELECTRICAL: O’Bryant Electric
Materials
FLOORING: Tandus
AREA RUGS: Interface
UPHOLSTERY: Carnegie and Momentum
WINDOW FILM: Metropolitan West
DECORATIVE GLASS: Glaspro
WINDOW TREATMENT: Mermet
PAINT: Dunn-Edwards
PLASTIC LAMINATE: Wilsonart
SOLID SURFACE: Corian Design
CORK BOARD: Sustainable Materials
WALL TILE: Daltile, SpecCeramics, Art of the Board and EuroWest
FABRIC-WRAPPED PANELS: Maharam
ACOUSTIC DRAPES: Carnegie
ACOUSTIC CEILING: Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions
OPERABLE WALLS: Modernfold
DEMOUNTABLE PARTITIONS: Muraflex
TOILET ACCESSORIES: Bobrick
ROOFTOP UNITS: Trane
COLD RACKS: Liebert from Vertiv