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In 2009, Disney Imagineering contracted Heith Bibby to reimagine the historic Disney Backlot into a next-generation production campus — merging Hollywood’s golden-age aesthetic with modern modular engineering. Led by design director Michael Hannon, the project aimed to preserve Disney’s cinematic heritage while modernizing its production infrastructure through precision-built volumetric systems.
Design Approach
The design effort began in late 2009 at Walt Disney Imagineering’s Glendale campus, where creative directors, scenic artists, and engineers collaborated with the Heith and design team to create a digital concept development using Rhino, AutoCAD, and early Revit modeling workflows, coordinating closely with Disney’s visualization and set-design departments.
- Reinforce storytelling through architecture: Create adaptable studio environments that can visually transform for different film narratives.
- Integrate modular innovation: Utilize early-generation volumetric steel modules for rapid, sustainable, and reconfigurable backlot construction.
- Preserve Disney heritage: Blend classic studio façades with modern mechanical and structural systems.
- Enhance production efficiency: Minimize on-lot disruption and enable simultaneous filming and construction.
The new backlot layout was organized into three flexible, modular and panelized zones:
- The Business District: A cinematic inspired by Los Angeles streetscapes, featuring reconfigurable façade modules.
- The Residential Street: A technical production hub with prefabricated soundstage units, control pods, and lighting platforms.
- The Storyline Village: A hybrid filming and visitor zone designed to morph into multiple narrative settings using modular façades and themed claddings.
Fabrication began in early 2010 at Disney’s Golden Oaks Ranch site.
- Steel chassis systems were fabricated using HSS and C-channel assemblies for 12’-wide volumetric modules.
- Modules were pre-wired, insulated, and pre-skinned with customizable scenic panels developed with Disney’s art department.
- A total of 82 modules were produced and installed on site over a 10-month build schedule, enabling the backlot to reopen for filming by spring 2011 — several months ahead of Disney’s original timeline.
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