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William Henry PhD – Perspectives – Architect’s REAL Viewpoint

What are DreamScapes?

By William Henry, PhD

Over the last 30 years or so I, like many Florida residents, enjoy taking my family to Disney World as well as other theme parks in Central Florida. I hope to take my grandchildren there someday. My favorite has always been the MGM theme park attraction at Disney World. I am also impressed with Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island. There seems to be an aura of “Magic” present as well as at the other Disney venues.

Though my background entails practicing both as a designer and researcher, I had not bothered to tap the analytical side– rather than the emotional response to these venues. In other words my attraction mirrored that of other visitors to these theme parks— others who probably aren’t licensed architects and who have not earned doctorates.

Then I happened to attend a lecture at the University of Central Florida presented to a trade association by a dynamic young man named Tony Peluso. I call him young, but Tony physically is probably in his mid-fifties. He is very young at heart. He described how the University of Central Florida has created something called the ‘Knight’s Center’ at UCF.

When I left the lecture hall and went outside to experience what he had described inside, my first emotional response was similar to the ‘Disney Feeling’ described above. This mixed use development at the center of UCF contains BOTH public institutional facilities and private restaurants, retail stores, and common amenities. It also contains on-going entertainment venues enjoyed by all. Nightly shows performed in the band shell as well as landscaped exteriors and specialty lighting enhances the setting. It seems like a stage set for continual entertainment; unlike the austere institutional feel which typifies most campuses in Florida.

My plans were to exit the campus and head back home. But instead I did a 180 degree and went back to talk to Tony to see how the ‘Disney feel’ came to be at the heart of a public university. A few glasses of wine and lots of laughs later (with his cohort Mike West) and I think I have a theory about how they can create what Tony aptly described as ‘DreamScapes’. The two have combined to write and produce many of the Disney attractions e.g. MGM Disney, Indiana Jones, and most recently Harry Potter. These are just some examples where one or the other was involved in some aspect of planning, design or operation.

The simplest answer to the question about —how they impart the “Disney Magic” to various projects is—- they tell ‘stories with design’.

Tony and Mike do in depth research into the setting and the history of the people involved with the project. A compelling story often emerges. For instance with respect to the St. Petersburg waterfront it might be the story of Tony Jannus’ flight across Tampa Bay; or the story of Pan American World Airways based there; it could be the story of the founding of the Times and other interesting tidbits of history. Then they weave a story with a complete design of the environment and buildings utilizing a much expanded palette of landscaping, specialty lighting, music, colors, materials, art and signage. Each setting becomes a “chapter’ in the story they are weaving. Visitors are woven into their story and become immersed in it.

Why am I telling you this story? Michael West, Tony Peluso and I have formed a company called ‘DreamScapes LLC’. After one month of operation something has resonated with clients. They get the idea. They want their projects to be DreamScapes too!! If you are interested in the services DreamScapes provides please visit our web site at www.dreamscapes.us.

William Henry PhD is the Principal in Charge of RGA-Design, LLC a full service architectural and interior design firm that has served as the architect of record for over 1,000 projects across the State of Florida (Registration number AA0003523). He has lectured and written widely on the above topic. His most recent publication is ‘Return of the Master Builder’ available on Amazon Kindle e Books. Henry’s contact information is whenry@rga-design.com; (813-226-2220 Ext204) or visit the company web site at www.rga-design .com or www.buildingdoctorfl.com.