NOVEMBER 2003
WITH PBS KIDS NEIGHBORHOOD AT ST. LOUIS MILLS
DAVID D’ONOFRIO
Working with Mills, an innovative design
team creates a unique and fun place for kids.
Venice, Ca. (November 12, 2003) --
RipBang Studios, an emerging entertainment design and architectural firm,
based in Venice, California, is proud to announce the opening of an unique
children's destination inspired by characters from the leading name in
children's television. Located at St. Louis Mills in Hazelwood, Mo., the
PBS KIDS Neighborhood and the Corresponding PBS KIDS Backyard are innovative
educational/play areas unparalleled in a retail environment.
When the Mills Corporation, the leading developer of
retail and entertainment shopping centers, and PBS Television joined forces
to create a new kind of children's play environment, they chose RipBang
Studios to bring the widely popular PBS KIDS characters to life at St.
Louis Mills. The resulting PBS Backyard is a 4,000 square foot "play
and learn" environment, featuring custom play structures designed
to reinforce the PBS Kids brand message of high quality children's entertainment
and to stimulate imaginative "make believe" play. The PBS KIDS
Backyard will contain fun learning activities, including an online computer
kiosk area, custom designed game pieces and environments to reinforce
creative play, as well as a theater for PBS character events and television
programming.
"It was sheer joy and a professional milestone
to design this first of it's kind destination," noted Bob Bangham,
RipBang's Creative Director. "With the opening of PBS KIDS Neighborhood,
the challenge was to exceed the expectations of our clients, the customers
of St. Louis Mills, most importantly, the kids! Of course, there was the
added bonus of working with The Mills and PBS, who are without question,
'giants in their field'."
RipBang creates successful entertainment environments
because they achieve the ultimate goal for their clients by carefully
designing each project to create engaging experiences that are operationally
efficient, but don't rely on a formulaic approach. In order to achieve
this, RipBang provides a full service, integrated multidisciplinary design
product focused on delivering the most detailed and complete information
possible.
"From concept to opening, RipBang has been the
consummate design firm by being on time and on budget in the face of multiple
challenges," said Derek Coss, Group Vice President of Design &
Planning for The Mills. "As with all of the projects The Mills does
with RipBang, they have shown tremendous vision, flexibility and creativity."
Bangham concluded, "PBS Kids Neighborhood is about
fun and learning. We hope this is just going to be the first of many opportunities
to bring the wonderful PBS Kids entertaining and educational message to
the public in ways never before imagined."
ABOUT RIPBANG STUDIOS
RipBang Studios, based in Venice, California, is a small, but focused
multi-disciplinary design firm made up of experienced professionals. RipBang
specializes in the design, implementation, and graphic communication of
memorable entertainment destinations including restaurants, hotels, theaters,
retail stores, branded environments, and sports, venues. With wit and
humor, RipBang designs aim to translate client goals and objectives into
a well choreographed experience.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
David D'Onofrio, Storefront Public Affairs
703.669.8025
ddonofrio@storefrontPublicRelations.com
