1. OCTOBER 2008
AKA “PIMPS” FOR CHARITY
AKA Design, a specialist in the design and construction of studio interiors and technical
furniture, was approached by MTV to design and supply a fully functioning recording
studio for a charity special of “Pimp my Ride UK” in an ex police riot-van. The project had
to take place within a 4 week time period and was revealed by Tim Westwood, the
show’s host, to a selection of the youth group XLP on Sunday the 16th of October to a
rapturous response.
The brief for this episode of “Pimp my Ride UK” was to kit out a mobile studio for the
London based youth group XLP and the challenge was gladly accepted by AKA’s
managing director Guy Wilson. “We wanted to create a practical studio that could be
used by 5 people and to give it some “pimp” style.” The AKA team donated over 1000
hours work on the design, manufacture and fitting of the studio, “ this has been one of
the most challenging interiors I have ever had to do, as it was like putting a studio inside
… a van!!”
AKA first created 3D renders of the van interior to visualize the intended final result
before going in to production which helped the design team to create an overall
aesthetic. To meet the brief of creating a young, appealing, fresh interior AKA used a
high gloss white finish on the work surfaces punctuated by a purple inlay, acoustic foam
and rubber checker plate flooring to obtain the best acoustic properties in this mobile
environment.
The AKA Group: AKA Design . AKA Events . AKA Kiosks
AKA Design Ltd, “ Kingfisher Place, Clarendon Road, London N22 6XF . Tel:+44(0)20 8829 9100 . Fax:+44(0)20 8829 9148 . E-Mail:info@akadesign.co.uk . Web:www.akadesign.co.uk
VAT Registration Number: 577 5246 06 . Registered in England No: 3203897

2. On accepting the challenge Wilson contacted Digidesign for their expertise and
equipment and they generously donated equipment, advice and an install team.
“When we were approached by AKA, we were happy to help on this project as it sounded
like a fun challenge!” Tim Hurrell from Digidesign commented. “We immediately told AKA
that a Pro Tools LE solution would fit perfectly and could give the youth group access to
the same professional Pro Tools software that they would find in a studio if they were to
continue their careers into the Music Industry.”
As space was an issue, a Digidesign 003 Factory was chosen to provide hands-on control
of Pro Tools through an integrated control surface. The system was spec’ed to the max
with all the AIR virtual instruments so that complete tracks can be created within the
van.
Hurrell continues; “Looking at the project, we saw that our colleagues at M-Audio could
also be of assistance. With their range of products, we could provide all the equipment
the charity would need to set up a working studio. They kindly donated a selection of
microphones and headphones, an Axiom 25 keyboard, a Torq Xponent digital DJ system
and a pair of Studiophile BX8a Deluxe Monitors with BX10s Subwoofer.”
Working closely to AKA’s designs, Digidesign provided a team of product specialists to
install the equipment and provide Pro Tools training to XLP. “The end result looks
fantastic and it’s been great to be involved in this project. By providing a compact, but
professional studio, this van now has the equipment to go with the stylish interior and
we’re looking forward to hearing some of the results!”
Gibson Guitars also kindly donated a stunning high-gloss white Les Paul Classic guitar
and a portable amp. This was a real team effort with numerous suppliers offering fabric,
perspex, acoustic foam, stools and equipment panels for this project and we would like to
say a big thank you to all involved.
This episode of Pimp My ride will be aired on MTV on the 30th November at 7pm.
The AKA Group: AKA Design . AKA Events . AKA Kiosks
AKA Design Ltd, “ Kingfisher Place, Clarendon Road, London N22 6XF . Tel:+44(0)20 8829 9100 . Fax:+44(0)20 8829 9148 . E-Mail:info@akadesign.co.uk . Web:www.akadesign.co.uk
VAT Registration Number: 577 5246 06 . Registered in England No: 3203897