Located in the Alias corporate headquarters in Toronto, the Visualization Studio connects Architecture to advanced graphics technology. The Viz Studio was conceived as a truly multi-purpose room using a unique system of 10' and 12' wide by 9' high movable walls, developed by the Design team, which slide on tracks to transform its shape and function. In minutes, the room can change from an acoustically secure meeting space with separate production suites, to a visual collaboration space or a theatre that comfortably accommodates up to 75 people. The close spaced columns challenged the Designers to successfully juggle site lines and projector paths while accommodating a variety of meeting types.

Since opening, Alias has benefited from the ability to entertain visiting customers and prospects in new and unique ways. The Viz Studio has allowed Alias to provide a rich, visual understanding of the future possibilities associated with adopting the company’s technologies. This experience has greatly contributed to more effective meetings and a growing number of sales closed and new clients.

Alias provided a description of its ideal meeting scenarios, who would attend, and what they would want to do, feel and accomplish. This allowed the design team to create a room that would answer all their ideal meeting scenarios. Alias’s own Maya technology was used to render a 3D animation of the design, a tool that allowed the company to communicate the concept to employees and partners well in advance of completion. Many walls of the Viz Studio are covered with interactive ‘smart" boards and projection surfaces that allow for a wide range of uses, including the display of life-size car models, the digital capture of designers’ writing and sketches for future reuse, and the display of business planning materials. Being digital, all materials can be easily exchanged with collaborators in or outside the building. Adjacent lounge/breakout spaces allow for informal meetings and are all digitally linked to the main room.