Opening Esports Training Facility in Utrecht, The Netherlands by VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism and AHH architects

Article source: VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism and AHH architects

The new EU headquarters for the illustrious esports organization Team Liquid has been officially opened in the city center of Utrecht. The new facility combines training, presentation, working, eating, living and relaxation. The interior of the building, designed by VenhoevenCS and AHH Architects, sees two worlds intertwine: players and office staff work in a world of green and comfort, while fans and visitors are entertained by the spectacular world of Team Liquid and their ongoing adventure.

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

• Architects: VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism and AHH architects
• Project: Opening Esports Training Facility
• Location: Utrecht, The Netherlands
• Photography: Teo Krijgsman
• Client: Team Liquid Enterprise
• Design team: VenhoevenCS: Danny Esselman, Ton Venhoeven, Arjen Zaal, Eliza Mante | AHH Architecten: Dafne Wiegers, Jeroa Amanupunnjo
• Contractor: Bouw21
• MEP: Van Delft Groep and Schrijvers Technische installaties
• Surface area: 1000 m2
• Start design: July 2019
• Start construction: January 2020
• Delivery: July 2020

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Connected with the city of Utrecht

Situated in the heart of the new community building Het Platform (also designed by VenhoevenCS), the facility overlooks the Station Square. Thanks to the location and a public passage through the building, Team Liquid players can train and compete and at the same time stay connected with the vibrant city of Utrecht.

The public zone on the ground floor is separated from the players and office staff by an impressive, 3 meters high, transparent trophy case that offers a glimpse of the world behind. The first floor provides room for the state-of-the-art training facility. Next to the scrim rooms, where the athletes train, there is a restaurant that will sustain the players while they prepare for tournaments. The Team Liquid European staff, housed in a transparent and roomy office, are provided with a setting that will surely elevate their operation, and brand, across the world of esports.

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Inspired by game design

This project Is the perfect illustration of how game design and digital art can become new and quintessential sources of inspiration for architects. The architecture here is the epitome of duality: between what is real and what can be imagined and where nothing is what it seems. A mix of serene minimalism and high-tech, edgy gaming aesthetics; an amalgam of functions that normally never combine, like a restaurant with scrim rooms and a gallery with a player lounge. The interior design, unashamedly, celebrates technology.

This is not tucked away in walls or ceilings, but highlighted and exposed as ornaments, emphasising that internet and tech now represent a pumping heart, one that supports a way of life. The facility is adventurous as a well-designed game would be with a modular and multi-purpose floor plan, utilising sliding walls to offer a flexible and fluid use of space.

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Sustainable and healthy workspace

The imaginative use of the interior’s materials also creates an interplay between the real and the imagined, with a daring choice of colours and materials accentuating different spaces and functions. Atmospheres skilfully alternate from chic and dynamic to professional and focused to reflect the function of the space. Black, white, bamboo, blue manes and hexagons are forged into a bold, yet sturdy, mise en scene; while the brand’s identity is represented both explicitly and within hidden easter eggs. By using bio-based and recycled materials, efficient installations, smart acoustics, lighting, and prefab elements, we have created a sustainable, healthy and comfortable workspace for Team Liquid.

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © Teo Krijgsman

Image Courtesy © VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism and AHH architects

Image Courtesy © VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism and AHH architects

Tags: The Netherlands, Utrecht

Category: Training centre

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