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Gearbox Studio Québec
By : Patriarche
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Office / Office: Creative & New Tech Firms : Platinum Winner
Patriarche was commissioned to undertake an ambitious project: design a new studio for Gearbox, a fast-growing video game company.
The existing space, made up of three connected buildings, has atypical shapes and angles. Our team took on the challenge of creating dynamic configurations and atmospheres that reflect the company’s values. Using our vision of augmented architecture, we designed a bold concept, pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Our team created a non-standard layout, incorporating unique artistic elements, eclectic furniture, and indirect lighting while maintaining a fluid flow. In total, 184 open-plan workstations, 11 closed offices, 9 meeting areas, a training room, a large cafeteria including a commercial kitchen, a sound effects studio, a color calibration studio, a computer editing suite, and two recording studios were implemented.
To provide the user with landmarks within these spaces immersed in subdued lighting, we used bright colors. The walls are adorned with murals inspired by the world of video games, visual arts, and film, giving pride of place to eclecticism, movement, and space.
Inspired by the client’s name, Gearbox, we created a design that reflects its identity by incorporating linear and techno patterns in different areas of the office. We left some elements referring to the client’s area of expertise, such as exposed electrical wires on the ceiling to reinforce the authenticity of the environment. Contrasting textures, patterns, and colors reminiscent of electronic circuits or screen pixels help create a dynamic atmosphere and set the open spaces apart.
To accentuate the theatrical effect of the office, we created empty spaces to display large-scale models and characters from the game scenes developed in Quebec City. This artistic setting reinforces the company’s identity and reminds employees of the impact of their work in the video game industry. The models and characters are strategically displayed, adding an element of surprise and entertainment to the work environment.
The circulation spaces were designed to provide an immersive experience for the user, inviting them to explore the environment as if it were a game trail. The various zones offer a wide variety of spaces to work and relax. This variety revolves around the work areas to encourage informal meetings between employees and allow different teams working on the same theme to come together.
Accent lamps were integrated to create a warmer, more intimate atmosphere with indirect lighting, perfectly meeting the needs of users. We minimized glare on computer screens using sunshades and black ceilings, which reduce light reflection.
From the conceptual phases, we emphasized acoustical management, paying particular attention to reducing noise in open spaces, as well as optimizing the acoustics of recording studios. To address sound reverberation issues, we put several aesthetic solutions forward, such as the integration of wall panels, felt boards, and specific flooring.
Furniture selection required extensive research to unearth key and signature pieces that met our criteria of local and sustainable products with a unique and eclectic style.
Gearbox’s office is not only tailored to the needs of its employees, but it is also a major asset in attracting top talents, including on an international level. By creating a modern and stimulating work environment, Gearbox provides a place where employees can be fully engaged and productive while feeling comfortable and motivated. This approach has helped Gearbox to differentiate itself from its competitors and to maintain its leadership position in the marketplace. In fact, the company recently won the « Best Places to Work 2022 » award in the « Large Company Winner » category from Games Industry.
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