From Allen to Anderson

[The Allen Room at Time Warner Center | image source]

Today I learned that Anderson Cooper's daytime talk show, appropriately called Anderson, is taped in The Allen Room at Time Warner Center. This large space is part of Jazz at Lincoln Center, which was designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects and is located between the development's two towers, above a large atrium that is the middle of a curving mall. A double cable-net wall designed by SOM with James Carpenter Design Associates opens up a stunning view of Columbus Circle and Central Park.


[The Anderson set at Time Warner Center | image source]

While I can't say I'm excited that the space is being used for a daytime talk show, I'm glad to learn that "Unlike most TV studios, the room will continue to be used for other events and performances." Therefore Mr. Cooper is sharing the space with the jazz musicians who the space is designed for; he gets it during the day, and they get it at night, or something like that. Below are a couple technical drawings (click image for larger view) that give a sense of not only the space's shape but also how the tiers can be adjusted to allow for various seating configurations, and how the lighting and audio equipment fits into the space. In other words, the space is highly flexible down below, with lots of technical equipment up above to work with whatever the space is being used for. And perhaps most importantly, a retractable shade helps to cut down on the natural light entering the space, so that a television show can even tape when the sun is shining.


[The Allen Room plan and section | Click image for larger view | image source]