E82 The Epcot Legacy
Education • Art • Music
Rendering the Ride on Sunshine
The Art of Universe of Energy
April 20, 2023
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Energy Pavilion by Bill Sully, 1982

Among the largest and (certainly the longest) attractions ever created, the Universe of Energy was one the most complex presentations ever conceived by WED Enterprise — not just from a technological perspective, but in how to craft a narrative that addresses the challenges of energy production in an entertaining way. 

While the "story" of Energy was being worked out by others, visualizing the experience was spearheaded by master Art Director Jack Martin Smith who is most well known for his work on Hollywood classics like The Wizard of OZ, Hello Dolly, Planet of the Apes and many, many more.

So we begin our visual journey through the Universe of Energy with his evolving ideas for the pavilion's exterior. 

Pavilion Exterior 1977
Pavilion Exterior by Jack Smith, 1977 

Incorporating solar power into the pavilion's design was the goal from the beginning. In this earliest concept, the Concentrated Solar-Thermal Power (CSP) method was seriously considered.  

Pavilion Exterior by Jack Smith, 1978

Just a year later, the final form of the Energy Pavilion had begun to take shape with several practical displays of energy creation surrounding the main facility, including an energy-independent home of the future towards its rear East side.   

Pavilion Exterior by Bill Sully, 1982

The final form of the pavilion set against a sunbathed sky, this was among several concepts created by Bill mostly for marketing purposes. 

Emile Radok Preshow by Collin Campbell

 

Emile Radok Preshow by Gene Johnson

 

 

Primeval Diorama by Gene Johnson
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In preparation for and to help fund my upcoming move, the first round of my collection sale is now public!
https://www.ebay.com/usr/vintage.valuables.vault

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