Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is famous for inventing the Mac, iPod, and iPhone. However, he was also one of the founders of the Pixar, which has created many beloved films. Interestingly, the latest movie, Inside Out 2, directly references Apple.
In 2000, when refurbishing Pixar's new offices, Jobs personally oversaw the entire design. Surprisingly, no one anticipated where he would locate his secret room.
The Maintenance Room That Became Steve Jobs’ Secret Room
Jobs used a ventilation room in the building to isolate himself and unleash his creativity. The room was accessed through a duct and even lacked a door.
Pixar animator Andrew Gordon discovered what would later become Jobs’ secret room. He decorated it with Christmas lights, carpets, lava lamps, and bookshelves until others finally found out about it. Instead of being relocated, it became an iconic place within Pixar.
The movie Finding Nemo was born in this room. It's even hosted numerous celebrities. Like in the Prohibition era, what was once a space of isolation later became the most exclusive room in the Pixar offices, where Jobs spent long hours.
The room became so famous that, despite being accessed through the conduit itself, it was given a fireplace and a locked statue in front of it, reminiscent of a secret entrance to a movie or video game.
Behind the statue and the fireplace was the conduit leading to the secret room.
But Why Did Steve Jobs Want to Isolate Himself in This Room Hikikomori Style?
Hikikomori is a Japanese term referring to a sociocultural phenomenon where young people withdraw from social life and isolate themselves in their homes for prolonged periods of time. Jobs used to isolate himself to concentrate better.
At that time, Jobs was running both Pixar and Apple. He needed a lot of alone time to develop his ideas and create technological and cinematic innovations without constantly getting interrupted.
The Hikikomori Phenomenon Goes Much Further Than That
It’s important to note that hikikomori isn’t simply staying at home by choice, but also involves extreme and prolonged isolation that negatively affects a person’s life and their relationship with society. This phenomenon occurs in countries such as South Korea or Japan due to the immense societal pressure for individuals to succeed in their studies or jobs. When they don't feel successful enough, some individuals withdraw socially to avoid disappointing their family, friends, and co-workers.
However, Jobs didn't isolate for these reasons, something that may even inspire people going through a hikikomori process. Jobs was fired from his own company but picked himself up and returned years later.
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