Just Like Zack! 过半儿 guò bàn er gives the photo studio of renowned fashion photographer 张悦 Zack a clean makeover.
After 16 years of working in his studio 张悦 Zack was ready for a much-needed change in his creative – and working environment. Meanwhile, the industry had expanded from traditional photo shoots with big sets to fashion influencers shooting more ad-hoc and spontaneously in various settings and backgrounds. 张悦 Zack invited us to take on the task of creating a minimalistic environment that allows for a clean shooting background in a variety of locations throughout his studio. While previously, the infinity white curve was the center of every photo shoot, a change of working style requires all of the studio's spaces to function as photogenic but simple backdrops. This meant everything had to go to distill a clean space from the clutter accumulated in the studio over the years.
Over time, the original entrance and reception area had become a neglected delivery drop-off entrée with packages stacked on each other. Our first move was to create a somewhat theatrical entrance scenario with a reverse red carpet mounted onto the ceiling lined with light strips and large stainless steel doors. Some of these steel panels give access to a makeup room, a storage room, and a private coffee bar area, while others are simply closet doors for additional storage space.
Previously work desks for production, touch-up, and accounting were scattered throughout the mezzanine level of the studio. We reorganized all these functions in a linear series of office spaces that team members reach via a newly added steel walkway. Moving this program to a new and compact location leaves a sizeable mezzanine area empty. This allows for a flexible space that is used as a shooting location. A seven-meter-long bar in this area suggests that the mezzanine level can transform into a social room and lounge for private gatherings on special occasions.
On the ground level, a waiting area, a makeup room, and a dressing room complete the necessary functions to produce photo shoots. Several oak timber boxes resemble the boxes often used by models to step on for a taller appearance. The position of the boxes can be easily changed, stacked, and topped with leather cushions for comfortable seating. A red fireman's pole lets staff quickly drop from the mezzanine level into the waiting area below. The makeup room requires different levels of privacy and can be completely enclosed with large-format mirror panels. These panels also function as backdrops for models. We inserted spherical light bulbs directly into the mirror wall for the makeup table to keep things as simple as possible. A slim stainless steel counter completes the table. 2 layers of heavy velvet curtain complete the dressing room. They drape around a rotating clothes hanger belt, making it easy to find the right dress when dealing with many outfits.
What was once a dark storage room is now a private coffee bar with a large glass façade facing the street. The coffee bar serves the main space, which will be used as a photo studio and an event space. The revamped mezzanine level further complements the functions of an event space. The new design enables 张悦 Zack to use his studio in many ways to promote additional business and bookings. We were happy to hear from 张悦 Zack that the studio space performs precisely like that after the revamp.
Project Name: Just Like Zack
Project Type: Commission, Photo Studio
Completion: June 2023
Size: 500 sqm
Location: Beijing
Interior: 过半儿 guò bàn er
Design Director: Christian Taeubert, Sun Min
Team: Wang Nan, Shi Yu, Liu Peng Fei, Li Yue
Photos: Boris Shiu
Stylist: 韩健
General Contractor: Shi Dongping
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