FUN Gaming

The bar counter in the solid surface and the steel rod acting as a fluid binding element against the backdrop of the ‘checkered flag’ like light panel.

Project details

• Project Name: FUN Gaming
• Location of Site: Andheri, Mumbai, India
• Principal Architects: Subhashish Modi, Satish Shetty
• Project Type: Commercial / Entertainment
• Client: Fun Cinema
• Contractor/s: Entire team of labour contractors working under Arris
• Site Area: 17000 sq.ft
• Built-up Area: 17000 sq.ft
• Cost of Construction: Confidential
• Date of completion: 2005

The steel rods bind the transition from the Cafe to the Bowling alleys. The neatly resolved playful forms in aluminium cladding adds to the kinetic energy feel of the space.

Words from the architect

The premises being a part of a Family entertainment centre, was required specifically to draw footfalls of a particular age group. The target users being ideally between the age group of 12 to 18. Gaming gaining popularity among this crowd prompted the idea of Fun-Gaming.

The in-house custom designed backlit vinyl panels in crimson exudes a surge of energy.

Based on the requirement of the client we felt that the notion that any youngster would relate to would be speed. Hence, the entire design was conceptualized to bring in and accentuate the element of speed in to it.

The design executed with solid acrylic surface is simple to the core yet warm and connected to the rest of the spaces.

The Formula One Grand Prix appeals to most as more than a metaphor of our basic instincts for the need for speed - the obvious thematic choice for designing the gaming arcade for Fun Republic, Andheri. Physical manifestations of the logos, helmets, tires and graciously perched scaled model of the Ferrari itself was thought of, for thrusting alive the drama of the on screen environment. Industrial luster and mechanized perfection with lighting to add the drama needed to be reflected to add the extra zing to it.

The checkered flag, represented as a lighting feature which acts as a backdrop to the redemption counter.

There is a predominant use of stainless steel tubes, black granite, backlit flex sheets, aluminium composite panels, solid surfaces. Here black granite acted as the perfect backdrop for the theme, and the flamboyant custom designed backlit flex sheets added to the fluidity of the spaces. The aluminium composite panels and the steel tubes together imparted the much needed sheen and appeal to the ambiance. The use of steel not only acts as a binding element but also adds firmness to the flow. The ambient lighting together with all these elements accentuate the sense of movement and pace.

The eye catching scaled model of the Ferrari placed on stainless steel tracks.

Broadly there are five different activity zones: The main counter, bumping cars, bowling lanes, pool tables and general games along with a cafe.

The model of the Ferrari, the flowing steel rods, envelope of the solid surface around the redemption counter, and the backlit vinyl panels overhead, together suggesting a plethora of activities.

Credits

• Text: Subhashish Modi, Aarti Sharma, Yaman Banerji
• Photographs: Courtesy Arris Architects