The primary design challenge was to create a Training and Administrative Facility that supports the unique needs of Atlanta’s new professional E-sports gaming team members as well as the team’s corporate staff. The new location adapts a single-story building warehouse in West Atlanta, formerly a print shop. The e-gamers desired nontraditional private spaces with a relaxed energetic vibe. Each team required dark, soundproof, highly technical training rooms, isolated streaming rooms and areas to relax and unwind. Corporate staff required a more traditional work environment providing access to the natural light, private offices and traditional conference spaces. In addition, the facility should support large events for sponsors and fans.
The design concept was to separate the unique functions of the e-gamers and corporate staff functions with the common shared spaces. The E-sports teams would be located where no windows originally occurred to support the need for dark private spaces for gaming, streaming and viewing. Privacy for the players would be increased by locating the practice rooms away from the main entrance. The addition of windows would provide natural light for the corporate staff and a connectivity to the public by being located at the main entry. Common spaces including the living room, break room, gym and deck that would be easily accessible to all staff. Reinforcing a connection to the outdoors, maintaining the existing natural materials of the building and maintaining the interior condition of the old paint shop was important to the client and design team.
The office areas included traditional offices for confidential work and open workstations for collaborative work. Formal & casual conference spaces and huddle rooms were provided for collaboration. Additional windows were added at the entry for natural light. E-gaming teams were provided new state-of-the-art gaming rooms and practice rooms – each room fully-loaded with technology, enhanced lighting, and increased sound control. The facility includes multiple streaming rooms and a game viewing room. Lockers, gender neutral bathrooms and showers were provided. The two unique groups come together in the common area where there is a large break room, living room, gym and outdoor deck. The large break area included large layout counterspace for community dining and is equipped with large commercial refrigerators, microwaves and warming drawers for catering large functions. Existing metal loading dock doors were renovated to be glass rolling doors to allow light in the living room. While open, the garage doors allow access to the outdoor deck for accommodating large parties. Large graphics were included throughout to reinforce the team brand and reflect the team colors. The look and feel of the original facility were maintained by leaving existing paint spills from the print shop exposed on the concrete floors.