After surveying the location several 3D sketches were compiled to arrive at the final composition of the grounds. The rooftop helipad was a separate stage set that would be composited in post.
A two-story glass curtain wall was added to the front colonade, along with extensive greens work, a guard shack, central fountain, sculptures and monument sign.
While the building location was in Georgia, it was necessary to do drawings for a site in San Francisco were it would be composited into the wide establishing shot.
The same scale 3D model would also be used to create a hero architectural model on which an action sequence would unfold.
The design called for a main lab, hive lab, server rooms and connecting hallways with level changes and in camera lighting. It filled every inch of stage space.
A monochromatic color scheme gives the set a proper sterility, while lots of glass and reflective surfaces give it plenty of depth.
The hive laboratory set was comprised of thousands of unique pieces each crafted in 3D.
The main structure was a full dome with an oculus for the central mast, and two antechambers. All the wall panels, monitors, bezels, floor panels and lights were fabricated from digital profiles.
