Source: Mick Charney, 785-532-1103, charney@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Diane Potts, 785-532-1090, potts@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010

DISNEY IMAGINEER KICKS OFF COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND DESIGN LECTURE SERIES

MANHATTAN -- The College of Architecture, Planning and Design at Kansas State University is launching its 2010-2011 lecture series with a magical excursion into the world of Disney Imagineering.

William "Bill" Hanus will describe the design methods of imagineers as he reflects on his own career working for the entertainment juggernaut in a lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union. The event is free and open to the public.

Hanus currently serves as a director of development in the resorts division of Walt Disney World near Orlando, Fla. He has worked for Disney continuously since he graduated from college. Hanus has been associated, in some fashion or another, with virtually every lodging facility built on the property.

He is one of two directors at Walt Disney World who manage the design development of hotels, lodges, vacation clubs and resorts.

Hanus works very closely with designers from some of the most prominent architectural firms across the country. Most recently these firms have included Gwathmey Siegel of New York and 4240 Architecture of Denver. He acts partly as liaison between outside architects and the highest Disney corporate officers, and partly as editor of the design proposals that come across his desk from those outside firms. He is a gatekeeper protecting the overall Disney brand and public image.

Hanus helps monitor the design and construction phases of each project and contributes to the development of Walt Disney World master plans. He collaborates with other imagineers to design seamless interfaces between the resort architecture -- including interior design -- and landscaping, traffic management and, when necessary, entertainment venues that touch resort property such as the recently completed Kidani Village vacation club.

The lecture is sponsored by the K-State student fine arts fee. Practicing design professionals who wish to receive continuing education credit for their attendance should contact Diane Potts at 785-532-1090 or potts@k-state.edu. For more information on the lecture, contact Mick Charney at 785-532-1103 or charney@k-state.edu, or Potts.